"You may think that; I couldn't possibly comment!" Modality studies: Contemporary research and future directions. Part II

Abstract

This is the second part of a two-part article which critically reviews eight recent works in the field of mood and modality. Part I explored three different theoretical approaches - generative, cognitive-pragmatic, and typological - with the main focus on languages other than English. It also examined an in-depth account of the modal verb system in Danish. In Part II, the emphasis is on (mostly corpus-driven) work in relation to (primarily) English and on non-verbal as well as verbal carriers of modal meanings. Thus, description and analysis move purposefully towards a more comprehensive account of the field, to embrace modal expressions such as modal lexical verbs, modal adverbs, and modal adjectives. The pragmatics of modality; the discursive functions of modal expressions, especially modal adverbs; and the treatment of modality in modern descriptive grammars of English are also covered. The article reflects mounting interest in recent years in modality studies. Whilst broadening the scope of modality studies to include treatment of non-verbal modal expressions is to be welcomed, comparatively little attention has so far been given to how different types of modal expression may combine in text to create modal synergy. Following a case study investigation into pragmatics and modality, the paper ends by outlining an agenda for further research within a discourse and pragmatic perspective. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.