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    Discourse Markers Conversational Gambits Generalizations

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    Discourse Markers Conversational Gambits Generalizations

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    6 views8 pages

    Discourse Markers Conversational Gambits Generalizations

    Uploaded by

    meotrichmond

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    Discourse Markers, Conversation Gambits &

    Generalizations
    Discourse markers are (words like 'however',
    'although' and 'nevertheless') more commonly
    referred to as linking words and linking phrases, or
    sentence connectors. They may be described as the
    'glue' that binds together a piece of writing, make the
    different parts of the text 'stick together'. They are
    used less frequently in speech, unless the speech is
    very formal.
    Without sufficient discourse markers in a piece of
    writing, a text would not seem logically constructed
    and the connections between the different sentences
    and paragraphs would not be obvious.
    REMEMBER!
    Care must also be taken, however, to avoid over-use of
    discourse markers. Using too many of them, or using
    them unnecessarily, can make a piece of writing sound
    too heavy and 'artificial'. They are important, but must
    only be used when necessary.
    Type of relationship in using Discourse Markers
    1. Adding something

    Examples are:
    Moreover; In addition; Additionally; Further; Further
    to this; Also; Besides; What is more.
    2.Making a contrast between two separate things,
    people, ideas, etc.
    Examples are:
    However; On the other hand; In contrast; Yet.

    3.Making an unexpected contrast (concession)


    Examples are:
    Although; Even though; Despite the fact that; In spite
    of the fact that; Regardless of the fact that.

    4.Saying why something is the case


    Examples are:
    Because; Since; As; Insofar as.

    5.Saying what the result of something is


    Examples are:
    Therefore; consequently; In consequence; As a result;
    Accordingly; Hence; Thus; For this reason; Because of
    this.

    6.Expressing a condition
    Examples are:
    If; In the event of; As long as...; So long as...; Provided
    that...; Assuming that...; Given that....

    7.Making what you say stronger


    Examples:
    On the contrary; As a matter of fact; In fact; Indeed.

    Conversation Gambits are used to make convention


    sound natural and fluent.
    A Conversation Gambit is basically a word or phrase
    which helps us express what we are trying to say,
    comprehend or clearly understand what someone else
    is trying to say. There are various types of gambits in
    many different settings. For example, you can use
    GAMBITS to….
    1. Introduce a topic of conversation
    2. Link what we should say in response to someone
    3. Clarify someone’s opinion or comment
    4. Ask for repetition when something is not clear
    5. Check and see if your communication is being
    understood and so on.
    CONVERSATION GAMBITS can also be used in
    various business settings such as in meetings,
    negotiations, or presentations. For example when
    opening a meeting, when starting a presentation,
    when changing topics, when keeping people on topic,
    when pushing for a mutual agreement, when closing a
    meeting or conversation and/or inviting questions,
    GAMBITS are very useful.
    For example, you could walk into a store and ask,
    “How much is this?” Yet, it is more natural and polite
    in some setting to ask “Excuse me, could you tell me
    how much this is please?” You most likely will make a
    better service and maybe a better deal.
    When acting as a chairperson in a meeting, and
    when trying to control a heated discussion which may
    be off topic, you could say, “Everyone, can we stick to
    agenda please?” or “Can we stay on topic?” or “Let’s
    get back on track.” Or “Could we please focus on the
    objective at hand?”
    When travelling overseas and conducting business
    on a global setting, you will meet a variety of people
    from many different backgrounds and cultures. Some
    will be native speakers of English and others may not.
    Through the study and learning of COMMUNICATION
    GAMBITS, you are essentially expanding your own
    knowledge base and comprehension levels of
    language and business related phrases and skills.
    Here are some of the many examples of Conversation
    Gambits:
    1. Asking for Information
    a. I’d like to know…

    b. I’m interested in…

    c. Could you tell me…

    d. Do you know….

    2. Breaking in

    a. Excuse me…
    b. Sorry
    c. Excuse me for interrupting

    3. Getting Information on the phone

    a. I’m calling to find out…

    b. I’d like to ask…

    c. Could you tell me..

    d. I’m calling about…

    4. Actions in order

    a. First of all

    b. Then

    c. Next

    d. Finally

    5. Expressing an opinion

    a. In my opinion…

    b. I personally believe

    c. I personally feel…

    d. In my perception…

    6. Communication Problems

    a. Sorry, what did you say?

    b. Would you mind saying that again?

    c. Could you spell it please?

    Generalization: Denotation and connotation


    You have to know that a generalization is a form of
    abstraction whereby common properties of specific
    instances are formulated as general concepts or
    claims. Generalizations posit the existence of a domain
    or set of elements, as well as one or more common
    characteristics shared by those elements (thus
    creating a conceptual model). As such, they are the
    essential basis of all valid deductive inferences
    (particularly in logic, mathematics and science), where
    the process of verification is necessary to determine
    whether a generalization holds true for any given
    situation.
    In addition, there are also words that signals valid
    for generalization such as: some, most, might,
    sometimes, often, probably, typically, many, rarely,
    and few. On the other hand, the words that signals
    faulty generalizations are: everyone, nobody, all,
    none, always, and never.
    For example:
    – All birds have wings.

    – Many children eat cereal for breakfast.

    – Everyone in Tennessee goes to the beach for the

    summer.
    Five Steps in Making Generalizations
    These are the following steps which will help you
    make generalization easier for you!
     Facts and Observations
    This step must be based on facts which comes
    from reputable source. This statement is based on a
    survey filled in by archaeologists.
    Example: Many archaeologists teach, in addition to
    digging for artifacts, working in Museums, and
    translating old writings.
     Patterns or Connections
    When gathering facts or observations, look at the
    data to find patterns and connections.
    Example: In the generalization, the writer looked at
    the results of a survey. In the survey, the writer saw a
    pattern emerging-that many archaeologists teach, in
    addition to the work one usually assumes an
    archaeologist does. (Based on this pattern, the writer
    was able to make the above generalization).
     General Statement
    Once you have collected the data and seen a
    pattern, make a generalization that reflects the
    pattern. Be sure to use complete sentences.
     Validity
    Take note that generalizations should be checked to
    see if they are valid. Ask, in the example
    generalization, what would happen if the writer
    substituted the word all for the word many? (The
    generalization would become faulty and invalid.) What
    are some other words that signal a faulty
    generalization? (all, none, never, greatest, worst)
    What are some words that signal a valid generalization
    by qualifying or limiting the statement? (some, most,
    in general, typically, usually)
    Faulty Generalizations Faulty means false.
    – Not supported by facts

    – Watch for key words: none, all, always, never,

    everyone, nobody
     Stereotypes
    Please bear in mind that stereotype is a broad
    generalization about a group of people based on
    gender, ethnicity, or religion. Stereotype ignore
    individual differences and encourage prejudice.

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