The Importance of Discourse Markers in English Speaking A case study of 3rd year English majors at Haiphong University

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate into the applicability of discourse markers among 3rd English majors then evaluate how important they are in helping speakers and hearers achieve a common understanding while making conversation as a coherent tool. The author carried out this case study on 40 of 3rd year English majors (01 class) by giving pre-test, post-test (speaking tests) and observations. The findings of the study show the remains and how the students use discourse markers in speaking or making conversation. Through the analysis on both the qualitative and quantitative results, the study supports and proves the importance of discourse markers in English learning and teaching. It also points out the problems faced by a group of 3rd English majors and suggests some possible solutions for both teachers and students to solve the problems. Later this study provides a possible way for the future teaching of discourse markers, which in turn might provide a useful framework for teaching methods.