Conectores "e" e "aí" em narrativas de experiência pessoal produzidas em entrevistas sociolinguísticas

Abstract

This research, based on the theoretical-methodological framework of variationist sociolinguistics, analyzes the variation between connectors e and aí in the codification of the function of retroactive-propeller sequenciation of information. The data were collected in sociolinguistic interviews that are part of the Fala-Natal Database. The data were taken from the excerpts corresponding to narratives of personal experience. We controlled the influence exerted on the use of e and aí by component parts of narrative, marking of quoted speech introduction, length of narrative, person introducing the narrative in the interview and semantic-pragmatic function. The data were submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. The results show that aí is favored in: i) complicating action; (ii) marking of the introduction of quotation; (iii) long narrative; (iv) introduction of narrative by the informant; (v) temporal sequencing. In contrast, e is favored in: (i) other parts of the narrative; (ii) no marking of introduction of quotation; (iii) short and medium-length narrative; (iv) introduction of narrative by the interviewer; (v) textual sequencing. Based on these results, we conclude that the variable use of e and aí in narratives of personal experience is motivated mainly by stylistic differences: (i) e is associated with more formal factors, while aí is associated with less formal factors.