THE DISCOURSE MARKER ¿no? IN THE SPEECH OF HAVANA: VALUES AND SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY

Values And Sociolinguistic Study

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this article is to describe the use of the discourse marker ¿no? in Havana speech, from a pragmatic and sociolinguistic perspective. Specifically, the phatic and appellative functions of the appendix and its distribution according to linguistic, social and stylistic factors are analyzed in the context of a semi-directed interview and in a specific linguistic community. The frequent use of this sign is verified, especially in middle-aged male speakers with medium and high levels of education. In contrast to the social variables, the discursive position –linguistic variable– and the type of sequence –stylistic variable– influence the use of ¿no? with phatic or appellative value.