A magyar modális rendszer nyelvi kifejezői és a kommunikáció kapcsolata
Linguistic Expressions of Modality in Hungarian and Their Role in Communication

Author(s): Réka Pupp
Subject(s): Language studies, Language and Literature Studies, Foreign languages learning
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Keywords: modality; modal system; communication; linguistic tools; speech situation;
Summary/Abstract: Language learning and communication are closely interconnected. The meaning of linguistic elements often depends on context and, in some cases, cultural background. Therefore, students must not only understand words and grammatical structures but also learn when and how to use them appropriately. Modality, or the modal system of language, is one of the cornerstones of communication. It determines how the speaker relates to the information they convey. Modality helps express certainty, probability, possibility, obligation, permission, intention, and emotions, making communication more nuanced and precise. As a result, modality plays a key role in interpreting messages and ensuring successful interactions. During communication, modality subtly adjusts messages, conveying the speaker’s uncertainty or conviction. It can soften the direct impact of commands or criticism and express the speaker’s attitude toward the conveyed information. Modality also influences the listener’s reaction and indicates the relationship between speaker and listener (e.g., hierarchy, respect, or familiarity). Modality can be expressed through various linguistic tools, such as modal verbs, adverbs, adjectives, discourse markers, conditional mood, and interactional expressions. In this paper, I aim to highlight, on the one hand, how the linguistic tools that make up the modal system can be acquired during language learning. On the other hand, I will explore the speech situations and contexts in which these acquired linguistic tools can be most effectively applied, demonstrating how students can utilise their theoretical knowledge in practice.

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