An analysis of discourse markers in talk shows in the Ghanaian media

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to explore the use of discourse markers (DMs) in talk shows in Ghanaian media. Particular attention was given to the frequencies, functions and meaning of DMs in discussants‟ expressions.Three-pronged objectives and research questions guided the study. Qualitative research method was employed for the study and five talk shows were purposively selected for analysis. Clark‟s Theory of Conversation as Collaboration formed the theoretical framework for the study. The theory revealed that discussants‟ effort to collaborate with other participants and logically present their submission often induce extensive use of discourse markers.The study revealed that out of the 1358 occurrences of DMs employed by discussants for the study, the elaborative/conjunctive discourse markers was used extensively 531 times (39.2%). The study revealed that usage of the following DMs “Anyway”, “So”, “You know”, “Oh” and “Ok” ranges from communicative to interpersonal purposes. Discussants overused and misused “and” and sparingly used complex DMs which lend credence to findings of previous studies on speakers of English as second language. Findings also showed that gender influences the use of DMs. Whilst men assert their position and authority using “you know” and “well”, women employed these DMs as hedge to maintain social relationship, as well as reduce or minimize assertiveness. It was recommended that stakeholders of education, especially at the second cycle schools, should acquaint students with complex DMs. To heighten proficient use of DMs, societal stereotypes limiting girl-child education should be forestalled, as underscored in the following African proverb: “if you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family [nation]” (Suen, 2013, p. 61).