What is a misplacement marker?

Definition
	A misplacement marker is a device used in a turn of conversation to indicate that the turn is in some way out of place.

Example (English)

In the last turn of the following exchange, by the way indicates that the turn is somewhat out of place:

H: So, maybe we can have lunch together tomorrow?

X: Okay, yeah, it’s, yes it’s fine, yes.

H: I’ll give you a call, I’ll give you a call tomorrow then, all right?

X: Um, hang on, one thing, I’m lecturing, um, that’s okay. I’m lecturing, I finish at 12:15.

H: Okay, 12:15. We’ll go to Shatin or someplace.

X: Yeah, yeah, sounds good.

H: Okay then.

X: Okay.

H: How do you feel, by the way?

Generic
	A misplacement marker is a kind of
	What is a move?

Source
	Tsui 1989 558–559

Concept module: misplacement marker
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): M
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004