Segmentation markers as trace and signal of discourse structure

This paper focuses on the functions of segmentation markers, such as punctuation, pauses, connectives, and referential expressions. They highlight continuity and discontinuity in discourse. These markers can be signals to improve comprehension, but also traces of production difficulties that occur when a new topic is introduced. Data are presented to support this double role of signal and trace. We focus on the connective and. Making production more difficult increases the proportion of and just before a topic shift. When used as a signal of high continuity, this connective is not affected by a manipulation of production difficulty.