Abstract

Taking the discourse marker Well as the research subject, this thesis investigates its pragmatic function in American sitcom Modern Family (Season 6) under the theory of relevance theory. There are a total of 348 uses of well in the sitcom, 333 of which are used as discourse markers. Through the analysis, six pragmatic functions of the discourse marker Well are discussed. It can be used as a contemplation marker, an insufficiency marker, a correcting marker, a mitigation of face-threatening, a turn-taking marker or a coherence-achieving marker. In addition, Well can act different pragmatic functions in various situations. Well usually can be applied in four typical contexts where speakers try to offer a proposal, strike a compromise, refute an argument or express an emotion. Thus, having a great command of the discourse marker Well can help English learners understand the meaning of Well better and improve the use of it. The practice of using the discourse marker Well can also enhance English learners’ oral ability to interact with English speakers as well as speak more idiomatically to carry out a successful communication.  

Key words: discourse marker; well; relevance theory; pragmatic function; contexts

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Objectives of the Study-1

1.3 Organization of the Study-2

2. Literature Review-3

2.1 Definition of Discourse Markers-3

2.2 Study of Relevance Theory-5

2.3 Study of Discourse Markers under the Relevance Theory-6

2.4 Study of the Pragmatic Functions of the Discourse Maker Well-6

2.5 Study of Modern Family-7

3. Methodology-8

4. Data Analysis-8

4.1 Pragmatic Functions of Discourse Markers in Modern Family-8

4.2 Different functions of Discourse Markers-9

4.2.1 Well as a Contemplation Marker-9

4.1.2 Well as an Insufficiency Marker-11

4.1.3 Well as a Correcting Marker-12

4.1.4 Well as a Mitigation of Face-threatening-13

4.1.5 Well as a Turn-taking Marker-14

4.1.6 Well as a Coherence-achieving marker-16

4.2 Application of Well in Different Contexts-17

4.2.1 Offering a Proposal-18

4.2.2 Striking a Compromise-19

4.2.3 Refuting an Argument-20

4.2.4 Expressing an Emotion-21

5. Conclusion-23

5.1 Major Findings of the Study-23

5.2 Implication of the Study-23

5.3 Limitations of the Present Study and Further Suggestion-24

References-25