A Study On The English-speaking Chinese Learners' Using Colloquial Discourse Markers

Discourse markers are the special language elements that locate between the small sentences, most of which have little concept meaning while have abundant pragmatic functions, such as discourse connection and communication adjusting. Discourse markers have been ignored for a long time no matter in the traditional grammar study or the Chinese teaching study. The in-depth study on discourse markers acquisition has not went ahead yet. On the basis of abundant of oral communication materials, this thesis analyzes the situation of the usage of discourse markers by the intermediate Chinese studies.Chapter One introduced the research background of discourse markers, and presented the involved theories as well as the method of studying.Chapter Two expatiated the discourse markers in aspects of forming, connotation, functions, types and the relation with metacognition. Discourse markers, which have the functions of discourse connection and communication adjunction, are the lingual reflection of the controlling of metacognition. Discourse markers are difficult for Chinese studies to acquire.Chapter Three analyzed how the Chinese studies use the discourse markers in oral communication and concludes the 3 types of the errors.Chapter Four expatiated the transitivity of the use of discourse markers reflects in three aspects: bilingual, limited and errorless. Our analyses also prove the scientific aspect of the "difficulty levels mode". The higher the level is, the harder for acquisition, the more errors occur.Chapter Five gave suggestions in terms of textbook compiling and teaching method. The study on discourse markers should be strengthened, including the study on the original meaning and pragmatic meaning of discourse markers as well as the study on the difference between the mother language and the target language. The students should be cultivated to adjust their language behaviors by using target language discourse markers. They should use the communication strategies properly as well. More attention should be paid on the arrangement and explanation of the discourse markers.