Functions of interjection “ah” in the discourse

The article aims to study the functions of the English interjection ah. The method is pragmatic and cognitive analysis. The article will show that ah is most frequently found in turn-initial position, although it can also function as an independent speech unit. Ah functions as a response and a reaction to the preceding turn or as a reaction to a constituent of the speech situation. Ah signals the understanding of the preceding discourse and the attitude to it. In the ah-prefaced responses ah may be considered a pragmatic marker. We claim that the main discourse function of ah is the expressive one, but it can also perform a phatic function.