A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

Discourse markers play an important role in the structure of discourse, for instance they show discourse coherence [Pragmatics 5.1]. They can also have complementary meanings such as expressing a sense of what the text is about and what the current emphasis is. They can also function to express the interlocutors’ attitude (see also the section on expressive meaning [Pragmatics 7]). Such markers can also be observed in conversations, where they might have additional functions such as maintaining the dialogue. Discourse markers do not necessarily have to be expressed manually, they can also be expressed by nonmanual elements like eye-brow changes, eye blinks, changes in eye gaze, and head movements.

Discourse markers are frequently expressed via palm_up gesture. An example below shows, palm_up (two-handed) functioning as a text opener. The same sign can also be used to link topics by DGS signers.

a.       palm_up                                                         

 

Interlocutor-1: ix₁ for₁ important often palm_up medicine advice often

Interlocutor-2:<----------------- palm_up ---------------------------------------------->

Interlocutor-1: 'But one thing is important to me: Most of the time the medical consults

Interlocutor-2:

Interlocutor-1: typical ₁inform_x cochlear_implant child hear can.

Interlocutor-2:

Interlocutor-1: tell you, your child can hear again with a CI.'

Interlocutor-2:

                       (CDGS, 00:30:04-00:38:071)