In semantics, epistemic modality expresses writers＇ commitment to their propositions. In pragmatics, epistemic modality performs interpersonal functions. To date, its politeness and negotiative functions have been st...In semantics, epistemic modality expresses writers＇ commitment to their propositions. In pragmatics, epistemic modality performs interpersonal functions. To date, its politeness and negotiative functions have been studied, but its constructive function seems to have failed to attract researchers＇ attention. Put simply, epistemic modal variants can be used to construct social reality, including writers＇ identity, writer-reader relations and the corresponding discourse community in which writers and readers live. The purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete picture of the interpersonal functions of epistemic modality and to raise Chinese learners＇ awareness of the importance of using such words appropriately.展开更多
文摘In semantics, epistemic modality expresses writers＇ commitment to their propositions. In pragmatics, epistemic modality performs interpersonal functions. To date, its politeness and negotiative functions have been studied, but its constructive function seems to have failed to attract researchers＇ attention. Put simply, epistemic modal variants can be used to construct social reality, including writers＇ identity, writer-reader relations and the corresponding discourse community in which writers and readers live. The purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete picture of the interpersonal functions of epistemic modality and to raise Chinese learners＇ awareness of the importance of using such words appropriately.
