HEDGING IN ACADEMIC WRITING: PRAGMATIC FUNCTIONS AND LINGUISTIC STRATEGIES
Keywords:
Key words: hedging, academic writing, modality, epistemic stance, politeness, academic discourse.Abstract
Abstract: Hedging is a key aspect of academic writing that helps authors show
caution, probability, and openness to different interpretations. Instead of presenting
claims as definite truths, scholars often soften their statements to convey uncertainty
and adhere to discipline norms. This article looks at the language forms and practical
uses of hedging in academic discussions. It draws on Ken Hyland's work and research
from other discourse analysts. The study examines modal verbs, epistemic adverbs,
reporting verbs, and other methods used to present cautious claims. The paper argues
that hedging improves credibility, politeness, and objectivity while encouraging
scholarly dialogue. The findings indicate that using hedging effectively is crucial for
successfully engaging in academic communities.
References
Reference:
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19(1), 1–34.
5. Biber, D., Conrad, S., & Reppen, R. (2002). Corpus linguistics: Investigating
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