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Article published In: Pragmatics
Vol. 36:2 (2026) ► pp.254–275

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Dual function of (inter)subjectivity in the use of well as a discourse marker

 | Rissho University
Published online: 20 January 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/prag.23026.tak
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that subjective elements emerge in the initial position of an utterance, known as the left periphery, whereas intersubjective elements typically emerge in the final position, referred to as the right periphery. However, this functional asymmetry is not invariably maintained. This study advances the argument that the discourse marker well can serve a dual purpose, simultaneously expressing both a speaker’s subjectivity and intersubjectivity at the outset of an utterance, specifically on the left periphery. Essentially, well indexes the speaker’s subjectivity mediated through intersubjectivity. Additionally, the study explores the intricate relationship between intersubjectivity and the textual function of well as a discourse marker. This study reveals that intersubjective functions can contribute to the development of textual functions.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Conceptual background
    • 2.1Discourse markers
    • 2.2Grammaticalization of discourse markers
    • 2.3(Inter)subjectification and (inter)subjectivity
  • 3.Motivations for the use of well as a discourse marker on the left periphery
  • 4.(Inter)subjectivity in the functions of well as a discourse marker
    • 4.1Subjective function
    • 4.2The dual use of (inter)subjectivity
  • 5.The relation between (inter)subjectivity and textual functions
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Transcription convention
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • Corpora
  • References
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