DISCOURSE PARTICLES IN SINGAPORE ENGLISH :A POLITENESS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is to uncover the politeness functions of the discourse particles of Singapore English. Research on the nature of these discourse particles has not been scarce. However, the approaches by past researchers have not focused on their politeness propensities. This has resulted in the neglect of the pragmatic effects of these discourse particles somewhat. Therefore, in using politeness as a framework to analyse these particles, I am proposing a paradigm shift in the study of these particles. A politeness analysis would demonstrate user motivations and speaker hearer dynamics which past research has been inattentive to. My thesis is an effort towards the understanding of these discourse particles in these aspects. There are two distinct aims in this thesis. The first is to show that each discourse particle has the ability to perform distinct politeness functions. The second aim is to show that these discourse particles in unison offer the user a variety of options in terms of politeness. The analyses presented within the thesis will clearly illustrate these two research aims. In addition, this thesis will show that invariably, usage of these discourse particles has politeness implications and that in more ways than one, they act as mediators of human relations in a way which is uniquely Singaporean.