The study of Discourse Markers in the play “Blue Eyelet “by Akbar Radi

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master of Science in Linguistics, Payam Noor University, Rasht, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics and Foreign Languages, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of English Language Teaching, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the functions of discourse markers in Akbar Radi’s play The Blue Eyelet within the framework of Schiffrin’s theoretical model. In the first stage, the discourse markers employed in the dialogues were identified, and their roles in shaping character voice, establishing discourse coherence, and organizing dramatic action were examined. The textual analysis revealed that both the frequency and the types of discourse markers used by the characters follow a meaningful distribution and that their selection aligns closely with character traits, interactional contexts, and the dramatic tensions of the play. In the second stage, to assess the degree of alignment between the theoretical analysis and readers’ interpretations, a questionnaire consisting of fifteen selected dialogues was designed and completed by fifty readers. Statistical results (81.16%) indicated that readers, even without theoretical awareness, were able to recognize the discourse functions of these markers in their interpretation of the text, and that their understanding was largely consistent with the theoretical analysis. Furthermore, the responses showed that discourse functionality in the play is not limited to Schiffrin’s eleven canonical markers; additional linguistic units may also function discursively depending on contextual factors, readers’ background knowledge, and other pragmatic conditions. These findings highlight the importance of studying discourse markers in the analysis of literary texts—particularly dramatic works—and underscore that familiarity with these elements can provide valuable tools for literary criticism, close reading, and dramaturgy.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Literary Theory and Criticism

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 June 2026

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