THE PRAGMATIC FUNCTIONS OF MODAL VERBS IN DISCOURSE: A CORPUS-BASED STUDY
Keywords:
Keywords: Modal verbs, pragmatic functions, discourse analysis, corpus linguistics, coherence, politeness strategies.Abstract
Modal verbs are essential linguistic devices that play a crucial role in shaping discourse coherence, politeness strategies, and speaker stance across various communicative contexts. This article presents a corpus-based study that delves into the pragmatic functions of modal verbs in discourse, exploring how these linguistic markers contribute to the coherence, politeness, and interpersonal dynamics of language use. By analyzing a diverse range of corpora, this study aims to unveil the nuanced ways in which modal verbs operate in conveying meanings, attitudes, and social relationships in spoken and written discourse.
References
Biber, D., Johansson, S., Leech, G., Conrad, S., & Finegan, E. Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Pearson Education Limited. 2011,–180p.
Coates, J. The Pragmatics of Politeness in Scientific Articles: A Discourse Analysis of Modal Verbs in Academic Writing. Journal of Pragmatics, 2005, –120p.
Cutting, J. Analysing English in a Global Context: A Study of Modal Verbs in Cross-Cultural Communication. Multilingual Matters. 2008,– 190p.
Holmes, J. Power and Politeness in the Workplace: A Study of Modal Verbs in Professional Discourse. Discourse Studies, 2005, -464p.
Palmer, F. R. Mood and Modality (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. 2005, – 230p.
