Prosodic modulation of discourse markers: A cross-linguistic analysis of conversational dynamics

Abstract

This paper delves into the fascinating world of prosody and pragmatics in discourse markers (DMs). We have come a long way since the early structural approaches, and now we are exploring dynamic models that reveal how prosody shapes DM interpretation in spoken discourse. Our journey takes us through various research methods, from acoustic analysis to naturalistic observations, each offering unique insights into how intonation, stress, and rhythm interact with DMs to guide conversations. Recent cross-linguistic studies, such as Ahn et al. (2024) on Korean “nay mali” and Wang et al. (2024) on Mandarin “haole,” demonstrate how prosodic detachment and contextual cues facilitate the evolution of DMs from lexical to pragmatic functions, underscoring the interplay between prosody and discourse management. Further cross-linguistic evidence comes from Vercher’s (2023) analysis of Spanish “entonces” and Siebold’s (2021) study on German “dann,” which highlight language-specific prosodic realizations of DMs in turn management and conversational closings. We are also looking at cross-linguistic patterns to uncover both universal trends and language-specific characteristics. It is amazing how cultural context plays such a crucial role in prosodic analysis. Besides, machine learning and AI are revolutionizing the field, allowing us to analyze prosodic features in massive datasets with unprecedented precision. We are now embracing multimodal analysis by combining prosody with non-verbal cues for a more holistic understanding of DMs in face-to-face communication. These findings have real-world applications, from improving speech recognition to enhancing language teaching methods. Looking ahead, we are advocating for an integrated approach that considers the dynamic interplay between prosody, pragmatics, and social context. There is still so much to explore across linguistic boundaries and diverse communicative settings. This review is not just a state-of-the-art overview. Rather, it is a roadmap for future research in this exciting field.