Rôle de voilà dans l’affirmation: valeur confirmative et marque d’intégration d’informations

Abstract

Voilà is a linguistic unit characterized by two groups of paired values and statuses: [signpost value + interjection status] and [predicative value + pivotal status]. From these issues, we formulate a functional hypothesis in terms of cognitive grouping: voilà would mark the integration of informational elements by grouping them on the verbal scene. This hypothesis may also help explain the use of voilà as an acknowledgement marker. This assumption was addressed in a psychology experiment. The results suggested that voilà enables speakers to express his or her agreement with information presented previously. It also facilitates verbal interactions by making grounded information more salient in situations in which dialogue partners experience increased cognitive load.