新加坡华语口语中的多词话语标记 = MULTI-WORLD DISCOURSE MARKERS IN SPOKEN SINGAPORE MANDARIN : FUNCTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Multi-word discourse markers hold an important aspect in our daily conversations. They are essential in making communications work successfully between speakers. During the past few decades, discourse makers have been gaining the attention of various linguists. Earlier researches focus on single-word discourse makers, such as well, while studies on more complex multi-word discourse markers, such as you know, have only been seen much later. In Singapore, not much has been done compared to its Western and Chinese counterparts. This paper aims to study the functions and implications of multi-word discourse markers in spoken Singapore Mandarin. 115 multi-word discourse markers with a total usage of 2 15 0 times are identified from the 248,774 word “Spoken Corpus of Singapore Mandarin". The identified discourse markers are grouped into 3 main categories: interpersonal markers, structural markers and cognitive markers. Interpersonal markers (72%) are the most observed, followed by cognitive markers (2 0%) and lastly, structural markers (8%). This shows that Singaporeans view interactions between both parties as the most important in communications. Further groupings are done to these 3 main categories. Interpersonal category includes confirmation of discourse, displaying of speaker’s attitude, displaying of listener's communicative status and sharing of information. Structural category includes opening, continuation and closing of topic, and returning to previous topic. Cognitive category includes elaboration of topic, denoting speaker's thinking process and self-correction. A list of the top 10 most frequently used multiword discourse makers is also identified. It's noted that interpersonal markers are still the dominant (82%), while no structural markers are in this list. This further proves the importance of interactions to Singaporeans. 17 markers in the corpus were identified as having multi-functions. Using “jiu shi shuo" as an example, it's found that most multifunction markers have a conspicuous dominant function. Lastly, a survey based on the top 10 list was carried out. 84 students from River Valley High School were being surveyed. The results show that different students from different countries and language backgrounds have different receptions of these markers. Singapore students from Chinese speaking families are able to identify most of the markers and their functions with little problems. But students from English speaking families and those from China and Malaysia have more difficulties understanding them. In general, 4 out of the 11 markers are the most problematic among the surveyed. Through the findings from this survey, some suggestions are made on the teachings of multi-word discourse makers. Teachings of these markers should be done on a "teach less, practice more" basis. Practice is the key to learning them, and teachers should adjust their teachings based on the students' background. In conclusion, multi-word discourse markers of spoken Singapore Mandarin are not yet widely discussed in Singapore. However, they serve very important aspects in our daily communications. Therefore, being able to identify them, understand their functions and learn their appropriate usage would greatly improve the quality of the conversations, as there would be less misunderstandings, more seamless linkages between discourses, as well as more efficient interactions between speakers.