Discourse markers are those overt or covert linguistic signals which fulfil the function of supporting discourse management, enhancing the textual coherence, and revealing the signer’s attitude toward the conversation (PRAGMATICS 5) (PRAGMATICS 7). Discourse markers may serve as landmarks in signalling how the conversation is being structured and how the turns are being regulated. In the example below, the sign well fulfils the function of marking the initial part of a turn.
well ix2 hope ix2pl understand ix1 explain
‘Well, I hope you understood what I explained.’