The discourse function of "well", "and" and "now" in turn-initial positions in interruptive speech

Abstract

The central focus of this article is to discuss the discourse functions of
"well", "now" and "and" as turn-initial interruptive devices in a
radio discourse. To achieve this goal, the study relies on a detailed
analysis of transcribed recordings of four radio talk shows. It is
observed that the participants' use of these interruptive devices in
tum-initial positions in interruptive speech have different pragmatic
functions. The present study rests on the conviction that such discourse
particles in interruptive speech have certain functions which signal
coherence to prior utterance or to earlier segments of the discourse
and play interactive roles in the interaction process.