Hedging with modal auxiliary verbs in scientific discourse and women’s language

Abstract This Critical Discourse Analysis examines hedging as a linguistic device at the intersection of scientific discourse and women’s language. Hedging has been identified marker where it is valued for expanding dialogic space promulgation knowledge. It also recognised common language, purported to align with discriminatory gender norms that women should not impose their views but could be construed lack clear thinking, conviction, or confidence. limiting, especially in professional domains, however, particular value attached challenges this hypothesis provides focus study differences modal auxiliary verbs context discourse. The findings confirm reflect auxiliaries being used similar frequency by men, although subtle, significant specific modals were used, how. nuanced picture ways mostly exemplify standards while integrating some socially normative practices are associated