DISCOURSE MARKERS IN THE STRUCTURE OF MEDIATION DISCOURSE

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to describe the peculiarities of functioning discourse markers in the institutional format of mediation discourse. Methodology. General scientific methods and specific linguistic methods (contextual analysis, continuous sampling method, pragmatic analysis of discourse) were used in this research. Results. This study deals with discourse markers as a tool of mediation discourse structuring. Particular attention is paid to the specificity of using certain groups of discourse markers at different stages of the interaction of the conflicting parties. Destructive and constructive fragments are distinguished in mediation discourse. The functional potential of discourse markers at the conflict stage of mediation is represented by evaluation markers with negative connotations and markers of interrupting dialogue. The constructive stage is characterized by the use of positive evaluation markers, markers of desemantised evaluation and etiquette indicators of the end of the dialogue. The research shows that the variety of discourse markers in the speech of parties in conflict serves as a trigger for a gradual, as a rule, positive transformation of the disputing participants in the mediation continuum. Practical Implications. The results presented in the article can be used in theoretical courses on discourse analysis, pragmatics, as well as in the training of mediators.