On the Connectivity of Discourse Markers: A Broader Contextual Perspective

Abstract

Abstract: Connectivity is widely regarded as one of the most crucial attributes of discourse markers. Nevertheless, as of now, two ostensibly disparate concepts prevail with regard to the connectivity of discourse markers. One is exemplified by Schiffrin's assertion that the connectivity of discourse markers manifests the connection between different discourse utterances (segments). In contrast, the other is represented by Blakemore's view that the connectivity of discourse markers should not be confined to the connectivity of different discourse utterances but rather extend to inferential connectivity. Building upon these two ideas, this paper undertakes a further exploration of the connectivity of discourse markers from a perspective of a broader sense of context, thereby enabling a more comprehensive study of the connectivity of discourse markers and a more complete exploration of their functions.