Discourse particle
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In linguistics, a discourse particle is a lexeme (word or phrase) or particle that adds no direct semantic meaning in the context of a sentence, having rather a pragmatic function: it indicates the speaker's attitude, or helps structure their interactions with other participants in a conversation. Discourse particles are primarily a feature of spoken language; in written language they indicate an informal or jocular tone.
Examples
Examples in English:
- Used to heighten the speaker's attitude; often one of disagreement or surprise:
- well; for example, used in "Well, I wouldn't say that." or "Well, look who it is!"
- you know (often spelled "y'know" or "ya know"); for example, in "It's not as easy as that, y'know."
- Used to diminish the effect of otherwise exaggerated or intense language:
- like; for example, used in "It can drive some parents, like, insane."[1]
"Huh" — the universal syllable
Research has shown that the word/syllable "Huh" is perhaps the most recognized syllable throughout the world, including variations of "mama" and "papa."[2] It is an interrogative. This crosses geography, language, cultures and nationalities.[3] See Huh Wiktionary.
See also
Notes
References
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