A multidimensional analysis of metadiscourse markers across spoken registers

Abstract

This study explores co-occurrence patterns and register variation of metadiscourse markers in spoken language. The few metadiscourse studies in spoken language have concentrated on specific metadiscourse markers or registers. This article conducts a more comprehensive analysis of metadiscourse in spoken discourse. Drawing on a modified reflexive model of metadiscourse, the study uses multidimensional analysis and a corpus of 126 spoken texts to extract spoken metadiscourse dimensions and investigate metadiscourse variation across nondiscussion broadcasts, discussion broadcasts, scripted speeches, unscripted speeches, public conversations and casual conversations. Three spoken metadiscourse dimensions emerged from a factor analysis and were labelled “two-way communication”, “united organization” and “discourse presentation”. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of these dimensions revealed clear register variation of metadiscourse across spoken registers. Dialogues more frequently than monologues and institutional discourse more frequently than mundane discourse adopt metadiscourse markers to emphasize interaction, seek cooperation and present discourse. The study contributes not only to a fuller understanding of metadiscourse in spoken language but also to computer-assisted research on metadiscourse.