Pragmatic functions of local diaphonic repetitions in conversation

This article focuses on the basic pragmatic functions of a specific type of repetition, namely local diaphonic repetitions, which will be viewed as markers of dialogue structure. We propose that diaphonic repetition, in addition to the various pragmatic effects that it may have in context, is systematically linked to at least one of the following four functions: (a) a taking into account function, signaling that the immediately prior talk of the interlocutor has been correctly heard and interpreted; (b) a confirmation request function, signaling a problem related to some aspect of the interlocutorʹs talk; (c) a positive reply function, signaling agreement with the interlocutorʹs talk; and (d) a negative reply function, signaling disagreement with the interlocutorʹs talk. On the basis of this theoretical analysis, the functions of 80 local diaphonic repetitions are examined according to the structure of the exchange in which they are embedded and according to particular prosodic characteristics, namely, intonation, speech rate, register and key. The data are taken from the self-recordings of four Québec French families living in Montréal (Montréal 95 corpus).