The Functions of the Discourse Marker "Inshallah" in the Iraqi Oral discourse: A Discourse- Pragmatic Analysis

The study aims to investigate the pragmatic functions and prosodic features of discourse marker (Insha'Allah) in Iraqi oral discourse on the textual and interpersonal levels. It also examines whether there is a relationship between the speaker's gender and the use of the discourse marker (Insha'Allah). Brinton's (1996) dual model of functional analysis was employed as a framework. As a result, it was found that in addition to (Brinton , 1996) suggested macro-level functions, the discourse marker (Insha'Allah) also carried out additional micro-level functions in discourse at both levels. Prosodically, it was noticed that (pitch, frequency, and duration) led to a change in the pragmatic function of the discourse marker (Insha'Allah). On the other hand, it was revealed that the speaker's gender also played a vital role in the number of usage discourse marker (Insha’Allah).