The Pragmatics and Translation of the Discourse Marker basīṭa in Jordanian Spoken Arabic

Objectives: This research investigates the pragmatic functions and translations of the discourse marker basīṭa (lit. simple/easy) in Jordanian Spoken Arabic (henceforth JSA). It attempts to answer two questions: (1) What are the pragmatic functions of the discourse marker basīṭa in JSA; and (2) What are the different translations of the discourse marker basīṭa in JSA? Methods: A total of 70 naturally occurring conversations between 162 individuals who have close relationships with the researchers were collected using the observation method. Searle’s (1976) Speech Act Theory and Nida and Taber's (1982) approach to translation were employed as theoretical frameworks. Results: This study reveals that basīṭa serves 11 different functions, namely making a threat, providing reassurance, expressing irony, providing consolation, showing courtesy, signaling insufficiency, expressing mitigation, indicating simplicity, showing disappointment, offering assistance, and serving as a filler marker. The study also shows that using dynamic equivalence is the most appropriate method of translating the pragmatic meanings of basīṭa from JSA into English. Conclusions: The study concluds that basīṭa is multi-functional based on the context in which it is used. Furthermore, it shows that dynamic equivalence is the most suitable method used to convey the pragmatic meanings of basīṭa from JSA into English.