Discoursmarkering

Discoursmarkering, or discourse marking, is a term used in Dutch linguistics to refer to the use of linguistic items that guide the structure and reception of a speech segment without contributing directly to its propositional content. Discourse markers are typically words or short phrases that signal relations between parts of a discourse, indicate stance, manage turn-taking, or signal topic shifts. The term is used across languages and registers.

Functions of discourse markers include signaling the end or transition of a unit, introducing a new topic, marking stance or attitude, and organizing sequence (for example, first, then, finally). They help speakers shape coherence and listeners’ expectations. Discourse markers differ from propositional connectives in that their primary role is discourse-level organization; many items also function as fillers with minimal propositional content, depending on context.

Common markers in English include well, so, anyway, I mean, you know, and actually. Dutch and other Germanic languages use items such as nou, toch, en eigenlijk, with cross-linguistic variation in form and usage. The inventory of markers varies by language, register, and genre, from casual conversation to formal speech.

Research on discourse markers spans pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and conversation analysis. Studies examine how DM usage relates to formality, social identity, and genre, as well as their role in cohesion and comprehension. They interact with prosody and pausing, and interpretation of a marker often depends on context and intonation.