Modality- modalization

Modality- modalization

1. Modalization

   • number of choices of degree of certainty or of usuality. (perhaps-for sure-sometimes-always).
   • It expresses different ways in which language user can intrude on her message, expressing attitutudes and judgments of various kinds.
   • It is used to argue about the probability or frequency of propositions.
   • probability: where the speaker expresses judgements as to the likelihood or probability of something happening or being; usuality: where the speaker expresses judgements as to the frequency with which something happens or is.
   • The meanings made through modalization can therefore be present in the clause in three possible ways: 1. through the choice of a finite modal operator 2. through the use of Mood Adjuncts of probability, certainty, etc 3. through both together: a modal Finite and a Mood Adjunct
   • Modal Operator : • High (must, certainly, always) • Median (may, probably, usually) • Low (might, possibly, sometimes).
     • classified as metaphorical because a modality that would usually be realized either as a Finite modal operator or as an Adjunct in fact gets realized as a clause
   • Modalization is always expressing the implicit judgement of the speaker. Modalization can also be realized explicitly. Speakers can make it quite obvious that it is their judgement that is being expressed.