earticle

영어

Through an examination of discourse markers, this paper explores how these linguistic devices function in non-native English learning. Discourse markers, although similar to the various cohesive devices, given that they play a main function in the interactional aspects of grammar, deserve our attention in English learning. By doing some experimental research, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between the frequency of discourse markers and the proficiency levels of English learners. More specifically, the present study has the following purposes: 1)answering a question whether fluent spoken ability can be related to the increasing use of discourse markers; 2) identifying the types of discourse markers at the different proficiency levels; 3) establishing a co-relation between the use of discourse markers and non-native proficiency of English. It is expected that this study will make contribution in raising the awareness of what roles discourse markers(pragmatically) serve in the developmental stage of English ability.