Title: Pragmatic Functions of Discourse Markers in C-E Consecutive Interpreting

Abstract: This paper conducts a descriptive study on the pragmatic functions of discourse markers (DM) in C-E consecutive interpreting (CI). Four types of DM are summarized and treated as the parameters, by means of which a case analysis is conducted on the C-E CI for 2016 and 2017 press conferences by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The authors find that professional interpreters regard using DM in C-E CI as an interpreting strategy in order to achieve such pragmatic functions as providing indication and constraint, and achieving coherence. A preliminary explanation also is presented of why professional interpreters prefer using DM in C-E CI.

Keywords: discourse markers (DM), pragmatic functions, predication analysis, C-E consecutive interpreting

Authors: Junfeng Zhao, Professor, School of Interpreting and Translation Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China；Dixi Ke, International Affairs Office, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.