Discourse markers  

(Subject: A Discourse Approach in Reading)

           Yesterday, I learned about  discourse markers. I don’t know

more about this but it is interesting. I feel happy in this class 

because teacher very kind and friendly with students. By, the 

discourse markers are a word or phrase that is relatively syntax-

independent and does not change the meaning of the sentence, 

and has a somewhat empty meaning. Examples of discourse 

markers include the particles "oh", "well", "now", "then", "you 

know", and "I mean", and the connectives "so", "because", "and", 

"but", and "or". In Practical English Usage Michael Swan defines a 

'discourse marker' as 'a word or expression which shows the 

connection between what is being said and the wider context'. 

For him, it is something that a) connects a sentence to what 

comes before or after, or b) indicates a speaker's attitude to what

he is saying. He gives three examples: on the other 

hand; frankly; as a matter of fact. I think this subject it difficult 

for me because I don’t have a basic about this. However, I want to

learned more and more and teacher taught students very good 

about discourse marker. It made me more understand and know 

about new word in this subject.