Which words function to signpost and link ideas in speaking and writing, helping manage conversation and indicating turns?

• A. Discourse Markers
• B. Discourse Management
• C. Dictogloss
• D. Descriptive Grammar

Answer: (A)

Discourse markers are the little words or phrases that guide how the talk or text should flow. They signpost relationships between ideas and help signal when a speaker is moving on, adding information, contrasting, or concluding. This makes the conversation easier to follow and helps manage turns, since markers often indicate where one person finishes and another can jump in, or where the next point will be introduced. Examples include words like "and," "but," "however," "therefore," and "anyway," along with phrases such as "on the other hand" or "to sum up." These cues are about organizing discourse rather than carrying main content, which is why they’re distinct from broader terms like Discourse Management, Dictogloss, or Descriptive Grammar. The term that best fits the role of signaling structure and guiding turn-taking in both speaking and writing is Discourse Markers.