The Pragmatic Functions of the Discourse Marker ‘Saha’ in Algerian Spoken Arabic

Abstract

The present study investigates the various pragmatic functions of the discourse marker ‘saha’ which is used as an interjection in Algerian spoken Arabic. The literal meaning of this discourse marker is ‘health’ but it has other different pragmatic functions depending on the context in which it is used. Moreover, it is a sound effect noun that has a socio-communicative role. 

The data gathered for this discourse marker is based on the daily observations of conversations where ‘saha’ is used in different contexts by Algerian students in the campus of the University of Jordan. Eventually, in this study, fourteen different pragmatic functions are reported, showing various functions identified from naturally occurring conversations between Algerian students.