Prosodic Characteristics of Discourse Markers and Interjections: Interactional Approach

In this article, based on interactional Sociolinguistics approach, prosodic characteristics of interjections and discourse markers in Persian conversations are discussed. Interactive meaning is influenced by the tone of voice. Therefore, the study of the prosodic features of linguistic elements, including discourse markers and interjections, is essential for the pragmatic interpretation of conversations. To this end, data from the social drama "Anonymous Alley" are chosen to have conversations that are closest to everyday speech. The dialogues are transcribed using the North American Phonetic Alphabet and studied based on Jeffersonian symbols to determine the functions of prosodies. Interjections show more duration, less tempo and high pitch to emphasize their function. Discourse markers show more tempo, lack of emphasis and less tension, showing their process of grammaticalization.