A Comparative Study of Meta Discourse Markers (Interactive and Interactional) in English Short Stories of American Authors

Abstract

This paper aims to conduct a comparative study of metadiscourse markers in short stories by two iconic American authors, Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain. The specific objectives are to identify and analyze interactive and interactional metadiscourse markers, compare their frequencies in selected short stories, and elucidate the thematic significance and narrative impact of observed differences. Metadiscourse, defined as linguistic elements shaping readers' understanding, plays a crucial role in literature. This study focuses on Edgar Allan Poe's "The Gold Bug" and Mark Twain's "A Telephonic Conversation," examining how interactive and interactional markers contribute to the construction of meaning in American short stories. The study employs a comprehensive model of metadiscourse analysis, considering both interactive and interactional markers. A cluster sampling method is used to select short stories, with a population consisting of works by Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain. The sample includes one short story from each author: "The Gold Bug" and "A Telephonic Conversation." Antconc software and Hyland's model are utilized for analysis. In "The Gold Bug," interactive markers predominate (53.23%), emphasizing logical progression and cohesiveness. In contrast, "A Telephonic Conversation" leans towards interactional markers (54.7%), especially the pronoun "I," adding humor and aligning with modern communication challenges. Frequency distributions and examples illustrate the thematic significance of these markers in each story. This comparative analysis highlights the significance of metadiscourse markers in shaping narratives. Authors' choices between interactive and interactional markers impact reader engagement and thematic resonance. Further exploration of metadiscourse markers in literature is recommended to enhance understanding of narrative construction and storytelling techniques.