Caractéristiques linguistiques et fonctions discursives des mots de remplissage dans des films en français et en yoruba

Abstract

Linguistic tools known as "filler words" are words or expressions that invade our speech in any spontaneous conversation. Although devoid of their basic semantic content, they serve various pragmatic functions in conversation. This study focuses on these filler words as used in films in French and Yoruba. The aim is to shed light on the different forms in which they occur and the discursive functions they fulfil in spontaneous communication. Data are collected from 20 films, 10 for each language, purposively selected from YouTube. Thedata are analyzed using Rose's (1998) and Stenström's (1994) models of the types and functions of filler words, respectively. The study reveals a significant presence of filler words in the films considered in both languages, which justifies their role as discourse markers. They are mainly used as hesitating, mitigating and empathizing devices.