DISCOURSE FUNCTIONS OF SET EXPRESSIONS: STRESS AND ANXIETY

Abstract

This article examines the discourse functions of set expressions—idioms, pragmatic markers, and formulaic phrases—and their dual impact on stress and anxiety in communication. While set expressions support discourse by organizing information, signaling stance, and facilitating social interaction, they can also contribute to communicative stress when misused, misunderstood, or deployed in inappropriate registers. Drawing on insights from psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics, the paper demonstrates how formulaic sequences reduce cognitive load, promote fluency, and enhance interpersonal rapport, yet simultaneously risk triggering anxiety for speakers concerned with accuracy, social evaluation, or pragmatic appropriateness. The analysis highlights implications for teaching, professional training, and individual stress-management strategies, emphasizing the importance of metapragmatic awareness and contextualized practice. Ultimately, the article argues for a balanced approach that leverages the communicative benefits of set expressions while addressing their potential to intensify anxiety in academic and professional settings.