Teaching discourse markers for children learning Hungarian

Abstract

This paper is an exploration into the teaching of discourse markers (DMs) for young learners of Hungarian, specifically focusing on three highly frequent DMs in colloquial speech: hát ‘well’, így ‘so, therefore, like’, and ilyen ‘like, kind of’. First, we review the findings of earlier studies – both as regards the overall use of discourse markers, and the use of those studied here, in different age groups. Then we describe the dilemmas that emerge with the teaching of DMs to young learners. Finally, we propose ideas that could be implemented in the teaching of hát, így and ilyen in specific discourse functions to children of different ages at different proficiency-levels.