The Effect of Discourse Markers on Second Language Lecture Comprehension
- 1 June 1995
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Studies in Second Language Acquisition
- Vol. 17 (4), 435-458
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0272263100014406
Abstract
This paper measures the effect of the presence or absence of discourse markers such as so, right, well, OK, and now on second language lecture comprehension. A control group viewed a video recording of an extract of a naturally occurring lecture, whereas an experimental group viewed the same extract, but with discourse markers deleted. The results clearly indicate that subjects comprehended the lecture better when discourse markers were included than when they were deleted. This finding contrasts with earlier research that suggested discourse markers play no significant role in comprehension. This contrast is interpreted as being due to differences in experimental procedures.Keywords
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