A Study Of Modal Verbs In Conclusions Of Linguistic Articles Based On Linguistic Adaptation Theory

As a popular topic in academic research, modality has been investigated from different perspectives. Although many linguists have made every effort to contribute to the study of modality, its definition and classification are still vague. In addition the previous studies have seldom focused on the conclusion section of linguistic articles. Conclusion plays an important role in academic articles with the purpose of summarizing main findings, addressing the topic and bridging the writer's ideas for the reader. This thesis takes a pragmatic perspective—linguistic adaptation theory on the use of model verbs in conclusions of linguistic articles.By using quantitative and qualitative approach based on adaptation theory, this thesis brings about following implications for modality study: Firstly, modality use in linguistic articles is regarded as a dynamic process of making negotiable choices from a variable range of possibilities. Secondly, this choice-making process is a result of interadaptation between modality use and contextual factors—linguistic rules, social conventions and cognitive states. As for linguistic rules modal choices need to adapt to negation and tense. Linguistic writers choose modal verbs to adapt to academic conventions, politeness and interaction between the writer and the reader. The process of choosing modals adapts to mental worlds of both the writer and the reader, including the protection of the writer's reputation and meeting of the reader's needs of negotiation. Thirdly, modality is an important means of realizing interpersonal function, involving initiating interpersonal relationship, avoiding potential opposition and inviting the reader in negotiation of meanings. Interpersonal functions of modals demonstrate the adaptation process of choosing modals. In other words adaptability of this choice-making process is the realization of modals'interpersonal function.The investigation of English modal verbs in linguistic articles based on Verschueren's adaptation theory aims at providing a dynamic and comprehensive framework for modality study, helping the readers to understand the choices of specific modal verbs and contributing to both the writing and teaching of linguistic articles.