You know and I think in English(es) in Zanzibar. Issue 4 (4th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohr, Susanne
• Other Names: LEUCKERT SVEN guestEditor.; RÜDIGER SOFIA guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: World Englishes. Volume 40:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 534
• Page End: 547
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04
• Subjects: English language -- Foreign countries -- Periodicals; English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Periodicals; English language -- Variation -- Periodicals; Intercultural communication -- Periodicals; 428.2407
• DOI: 10.1111/weng.12539
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-2919

Abstract

Abstract: This paper provides an analysis of discourse markers in English(es) spoken by Zanzibaris, using data from sociolinguistic interviews. The focus is on you know and I think . In English as a lingua franca (ELF), both have been shown to be used differently than by 'native' speakers, especially marking subjectivity or speaker‐centeredness. The data show similarities with ELF communication, that is the markers express subjectivity in highlighting or evaluating part of the discourse, and convey speaker‐centeredness as 'fumbling devices'. Thus, the paper raises the question as to whether these and similar sociolinguistic interviews applied for the documentation of New Englishes should be analyzed as lingua franca communication.