Multifunctionality of discourse marker portanto in Braga’s speech

Abstract

"Multifunctionality of discourse marker portanto in Braga’s Speech. This paper explores the multifunctionality and usage patterns of the discourse marker portanto in Braga’s speech. Our main goal is to propose a revised description of portanto, while acknowledging the validity of previous research on the topic. The investigation focused on the co-occurrence of functions associated with portanto, emphasizing its pivotal role in speech construction. The frequency distribution of portanto usage was found to be consistent with earlier studies, affirming its most prevalent application as a filler (marker). Our study also highlighted that an excessive use of discourse markers can create the illusion of coherence, rather than genuinely ensuring it, especially in contexts characterized by frequent pauses, verbal hesitations, and syntactic interruptions. Furthermore, this research examined the influence of discourse genre on portanto’s usage patterns. Notably, the two predominant uses observed in Braga’s speech were linked to specific aspects of sociolinguistic interviews, particularly the recollection of life stories and features of spontaneous speech. The findings enrich our understanding of this discourse marker's multifaceted role in facilitating coherent communication and its significance in various speech contexts. Keywords: Braga’s speech, colloquial register, discourse markers, European Portuguese, multifunctionality."