Abstract: This paper aims to carry out the research of the discourse marker “no” from a microcosmic angle. Firstly, this paper simply introduces that the discourse marker has been widely recognized as a common and complicated language phenomenon. Then, through detailed analysis of language materials, this paper analyzes and summarizes out that “no” as a discourse marker has three main pragmatic functions: topic shift; misunderstanding management; turn-taking conflict resolution. Finally, the paper studies the utterance meanings of the combination of Yeah and No— the two discourse markers.

Key words: discourse marker; No; pragmatic functions

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework..2

2.1 Theoretical Basis of Discourse Marker

2.2 General Methods Used in the Essay

3. No as a Discourse Marker..4

3.1 Topic Shift

3.1.1 New Topic or Old

3.1.2 Working Alone or Not

3.1.3 Getting Serious

3.2 Misunderstanding Management with No

3.2.1 Reasons of Misunderstanding

3.2.2 Third-position Repair

  3.3 Negotiating Turns with No

4. Analysis of Combination Yeah and No..8

5. Conclusion

Bibliography.

Acknowledgements