Mitigation and facework

Abstract

This article explores the pragmatic function(s) of the German modal particle mal in estimates or speculations, a usage that has not so far received significant research attention. In these environments, mal appears to function as a hedge, conveying a sense of hesitation, mitigation, or qualification. This function often serves as a form of facework, protecting against the face threat that may arise if the speculation or estimate proves incorrect. In some cases in the data presented here, mal may also serve a politeness function, conveying a sense of deference to another participant’s superior epistemic authority. By contributing to a more comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the pragmatic function(s) of mal , this research has significant implications for language teaching and textbook development. In addition, these findings contribute to the emerging discussion on professional face and lend support to the position that politeness and face should be considered theoretically distinct.