Open Access Library Journal 2018, Volume 5, e4931 ISSN Online: 2333-9721 ISSN Print: 2333-9705 DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1104931 Oct. 29, 2018 1 Open Access Library Journal Functions of Gichuka Discourse Markers in Gichuka Speech Elsie Njeri Kirimo, Humphrey Kirimi Ireri Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya Abstract Discourse markers are linguistic items that are frequently used in the course of daily communication. These are not only connecting words that contribute to cohesion of discourse but are also crucial tools for achieving intended communicative purposes in the course of discourse. Studies have been carried out on discourse markers as used in other languages of the world but since every linguistic variety is unique and culture dependent, it is not obvious that these linguistic items are similar in all languages. This paper’s goal is to dis- cuss the functions of discourse markers Gichuka speeches. The study is guided by the Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson. It utilizes qualitative research technique and was carried out in Chuka, Meru South Sub County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The population for this study includes all dis- course markers captured in social events conducted in Gichuka. The re- searcher purposively sampled five real life events conducted in Gichuka. Data was collected using an observation schedule that was used to record the con- textual information, and a guiding card was used to record the functions of discourse markers. The transcribed discourse markers are ninety-two. Guided by the principles of relevance the researcher identified and discussed the functions of all the discourse markers identified, taking into account the speakers meaning conveyed by the Gichuka discourse markers from various speech situations. The study established that most Gichuka discourse markers are used either to achieve conversational coherence in speech or to seek the attention of the audience. The study enhances the analysis of Gichuka dis- course markers and adds to the existing knowledge on the analysis of dis- course markers in various languages. It specifically enriches knowledge on the application of the tenets of the Relevance Theory. The study also contributes to scholarly literature in linguistics; especially in pragmatics. Subject Areas Linguistics How to cite this paper: Kirimo, E.N. and Ireri, H.K. (2018) Functions of Gichuka Discourse Markers in Gichuka Speech. Open Access Library Journal, 5: e4931. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1104931 Received: September 19, 2018 Accepted: October 26, 2018 Published: October 29, 2018 Copyright © 2018 by authors and Open Access Library Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Open Access