Functions of Discourse Markers in Newspaper Editorials: A Pragmatic Study

Abstract

This research examines the strategic use of specific lexical choices and phrasing by the editors of newspapers to shape meaning in a text and how that meaning relates to the flow of the text, the position of the reader, and the engagement of the reader. The authors employ a pragmatics-focused approach in identifying the use of certain discourse markers in a collection of pragmatics English newspaper editorials and assesses the markers' frequency, varying lengths, and individual functions i.e. how, why, and so on. and, so, more, less, and evenly. The editors use more words than the research editors less so to connect the text, sequester a principal argument, distance the reader from an evaluative position, and steer a specific editorial viewpoint. The use of discourse markers in editorials serves as a means of controlling the relationship with the reader by offering an evaluative position, and remote from the focus of criticism. The use of specific discourse markers shows what the specific newspaper editorial writer wants the reader to think. Combining the analysis of media discourse and the pragmatics of discourse specialist gives us a focused and detailed editorial document as an argument of the editor.