Epistemic Modality in Persuasive Contexts
Epistemic Modality in Persuasive Contexts

Summary/Abstract: It would be of great interest to notice the significant role that modal constructions play in offering a new dimension of sense or interpretation by their own extensive spectrum of rendering fine shades of meaning. The present paper aims at displaying several such examples, illustrated in the context of the power and influence of discourse-related words pertaining to persuasion, to which a clear, synthesized introductory part is dedicated. The linguistic devices which are used to express epistemic modality are observed in terms of word classes and discourse functions in a context meant to indicate the speaker`s engagement and commitment. The approach does not belong to formal logic orientation; nevertheless, it highlights some communicative instances of persuasion that epistemic modality focuses upon.

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