The analysis of discourse markers is part of the more general analysis of discourse coherence – how speakers and hearers jointly integrate forms, meanings, and actions to make overall sense out of what is said (see Chapter 1). Within this very general domain of analysis, however, there are several more specific issues which are also addressed through the study of discourse markers. I will illustrate these issues by discussing the markers in several segments of discourse in (3.1) and (3.2), and then summarize them in (3.3). The particular problems raised by markers suggest a method of analysis which builds on the complementary strengths of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and which aims to be both sequentially and distributionally accountable (3.4).

Markers and the emergence of coherence

The discourse in (1) is a rhetorical argument through which a speaker (Irene) is defending a position – her belief in fate – by presenting personal experiences to serve as evidence, or support, for that position.

1. (1) a. I believe in that. Whatever's gonna happen is gonna happen.

2. b. I believe…that… y'know it's fate.

3. c. It really is.

4. d. Because eh my husband has a brother, that was killed in an automobile accident,

5. e. and at the same time there was another fellow, in there, that walked away with not even a scratch on him.

6. f. And I really fee–

7. g. I don't feel y' can push fate,

8. h. and I think a lot of people do.

9. […]