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Abstract
The present study investigates the multifunctionality of the discourse marker so in two television sitcoms, Seinfeld (1989-1998) and The Office (2005-2013), to determine which functions of so are most prevalent in each according to the classification framework laid out by Buysse (2012). Results indicate that the most frequently occurring functions of so in Seinfeld are introducing a section of the discourse, drawing a conclusion, and introducing a new sequence. In turn, the most frequent functions of so in The Office are introducing a section of the discourse, prompting an interlocutor, and drawing a conclusion. Qualitative analysis of dialogue containing so indicates that Buysse’s (2012) classification framework should be amended to include a function of so identified in the television data, making a concession, which has yet to be recognized in existing literature on this discourse marker.