Conjunctions versus discourse markers in Greek: the interaction of frequency, position, and functions in context

Abstract

Most studies of discourse markers, including the classic Schiffrin (1987), fail to distinguish properly between considerations of local and global discourse organization. The present study argues for the introduction of a distinction between conjunctions and discourse markers, on the basis of each element's contribution to the local binding of discourse as opposed to the global discourse unfolding. This suggestion is based on the analysis of five connectives (ala, lipon, telospandon, and etsi) in Greek, studied in large corpora spanning the two basic discourse continua (Georgakopoulou and Goutsos 1997), spoken-written and narrative-nonnarrative. Typical patterns relating the distribution of connective forms with unmarked or preferred positions and functions in specific contexts were identified. The analysis specifically suggested that connectives that predominantly operate as discourse markers tend to appear in initial position. Furthermore, discourse markers are characterized by a wider range of functions in spoken than in written genres. The suggested distinction between conjunctions and discourse markers concurs with current views on the role of contextualization cues in discourse and has significant implications for the teaching and lexicography of Modern Greek