Full text loading...
Abstract
This study explores the use of the discourse marker well as a response-delaying marker in non-straightforward answers to wh-questions, specifically when responses involve inserting a side story. Through a detailed analysis of conversational data, particularly from interviews, this study identifies a pattern in which well is used to introduce background information as a side story before the core response is delivered, marked by but as a discourse marker. This sequential use of well and but serves to structure the discourse in a way that allows the speaker to provide the necessary context or background before directly addressing the question. The study examines this phenomenon within the framework of discourse analysis, providing insights into how such markers function in managing conversational flow and response coherence.
Article metrics loading...
Full text loading...
References