Hedging Modal Verbs as Attitudinal Markers in Interpersonal Communication
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24113/ijohmn.v11i6.344Keywords:
Modal verbs; Hedging; Interpersonal communication; Politeness strategies; Pragmatic competenceAbstract
Effective communication in English is not merely optional but essential, particularly in academic and professional contexts. Modal verbs play a crucial role in enhancing both clarity and politeness in interpersonal communication by expressing various types of modality, including necessity, possibility, probability, and obligation. In addition to their grammatical functions, modal verbs—especially hedging modal verbs—serve as important pragmatic devices that allow speakers and writers to mitigate statements, show caution, and maintain social harmony. This study aims to examine the significant role of hedging modal verbs in facilitating effective interpersonal communication. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach, the study is based on a comprehensive review of relevant literature to identify and analyze patterns in the use of hedging modal verbs. The findings from previous empirical and theoretical studies indicate that hedging modal verbs contribute substantially to communicative effectiveness by promoting politeness, reducing face-threatening acts, and enhancing interpersonal relations in both spoken and written discourse. The study concludes that the appropriate use of hedging modal verbs is a key component of pragmatic competence and should be emphasized in English language teaching and communication studies.
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