Conjunctions versus discourse markers in Greek: the interaction of frequency, position, and functions in context

Most studies of discourse markers, including the classic Schiffrin (1987), fail to distinguish properly between considerations of local and global dis course organization. The present study argues for the introduction of a dis tinction between conjunctions and discourse markers, on the basis of each e lement's contribution to the local binding of discourse as opposed to the g lobal discourse unfolding This suggestion is based on the analysis of five connectives (ala lipon, telospandon, and etsi) in Greek, studied in large c orpora spanning the two basic discourse continua (Georgakopoulou and Goutso s 1997), spoken-written and narrative-nonnarrative. Typical patterns relati ng the distribution of connective forms with unmarked or preferred position s and functions in specific contexts were identified The analysis specifica lly suggested that connectives that predominantly operate as discourse mark ers tend to appear in initial position. Furthermore discourse markers are c haracterized by a wider range of functions in spoken than in written genres . The;suggested distinction between conjunctions and discourse markers conc urs with current views on the role of contextualization cues in discourse a nd has significant implications for the teaching and lexicography of Modern Greek.