Beyond mirativity and mutual understanding: The functions of turn initial and final loh in Colloquial Indonesian

Abstract

Investigating the discourse particle loh in colloquial Indonesian, this study found that loh does not always function as a mirative, an emphatic marker, or a mutual understanding marker as previously perceived. By analyzing the instances of loh that occur in turn initial and final positions, this study found other pragmatic and interactional functions of loh. In long conversation sequences when new information easily gets lost and topics often shift or change, speakers sometimes use loh to initiate their turn in order to request clarification. Speakers in conversation sequences observed in this study also use loh to preface a confirmation or agreement. This study also found that speakers often use loh in turn final position to project the end of their turns. Overall, this study illuminates key functions of loh in the organization of turn-taking.