Discourse markers in the European Parliamentary Discourse: gender aspect

Abstract

This paper aims to explore and analyze the similarities and gender differences in the use of discourse markers in the speeches of men and women politicians in the European Parliament during the debate, devoted to the topic of “Brexit”. The article describes two main types of discourse markers: textual markers used to structure the given information in order to simplify the perception of the text, and interpersonal markers expressing the author’s attitude and assessment in terms of importance and persuasiveness. The study shows that among textual markers the most commonly used in the speeches of men and women are logical markers, and among interpersonal - attitude markers. Logical markers possess pragmatic characteristics, creating the effect of an argumentative text, enlarging attitude markers, which, in turn, contribute to the development of relations with the addressee, convincing them of the correctness of the addresser’s position. Logical markers are used to convey a message, to achieve certain communicative tasks, and to construct the meaning of a statement. Attitude markers are used in the speeches of men and women politicians to influence the consciousness of the recipients, forcing them to believe in the truth of what was said, to agree with a necessary opinion. Gender differences are insignificant, associated with the use of lexical hedges and discourse markers of attitude, which can be determined by the stereotypical gender behavior, in which a man is considered to be a “leader” of the communicative situation setting out the essence of the problem, seeking to demonstrate the fact of handling a situation

Keywords

• parliamentary discourse
• discourse markers
• textual markers
• interpersonal markers
• pragmatic effect
• gender differences