On Discourse Marker You Know

Discourse markers are sequentially dependent elements which bracket units of talk (Schiffrin 1987: 31). Discourse marker research originated in 1970s, and ever since there has been a wide research interest in this field. The present study aims to explore the definitions, properties and multiple functions of discourse marker you know in interactive discourse, and proved a conceptual framework for a consistent and systematic description of why discourse marker you know is predominant in oral interaction and how it serves to achieve bi-directional optimalization in interpersonal communication.Based on theoretical ideas, research methodologies and pragmatic and discourse analysis, the present study first attempts to provide a comprehensive description of the semantic and pragmatic properties of you know. Furthermore, a relatively more complete and concrete elaborations of its functions is proposed. It investigates the functions of you know using a large number of extended examples taken from the corpora, TV situational comedy and various sources such as poems and presidential debates. Each function will be analyzed extensively and a detailed interpretation provided in the study of its meaning in different discourse contexts.In conclusion, based on the description and analysis of discourse marker you know, factors influencing the use and functions of DM you know are discussed, including variables of speech, different speech communities which influence the use of you know in interactive discourse. The present study aims to manifest that discourse marker you know serves to achieve discourse coherence, organizes information, enhances interactive relationship and indexes communicative strategies as well.