NAJWA AQIMNA FAUZI
23018115
READING REPORT SEMPRAG
MODALITY
Modality is define as a category of linguistic meaning related to the expression of
possibility and necessity. It can be expressed lexically or grammatically. In English, modality
is primarily conveyed through model auxiliaries such as may, might, must, should, could,
ought to.
1. Dimensions of Modality
Strength: Refers to the degree of certainty expressed (e.g., "must" indicates a stronger
commitment than "might").
Type: Refers to the nature of certainty expressed, such as epistemic (knowledge-
based) or deontic (authority-based).
2. Types of Modality
Epistemic Modality: Indicates possibility and necessity based on the speaker's
knowledge (e.g., "He must be sick" based on evidence).
Deontic Modality: Indicates possibility and necessity based on authority or rules (e.g.,
"He must be fired" as a requirement from an authority).
3. Polysemy of Modals
Many modal forms can express multiple types of modality (e.g., "must" can be both
epistemic and deontic).
This polysemy raises questions about whether these forms are truly distinct senses or
if they share a common underlying meaning.
4. Quantificational Analysis of Modality
Kratzer's analysis suggests that modals function as quantifiers over possible worlds,
with the type of modality determined by context.
Modal Base: Specifies the class of worlds eligible for consideration.
Ordering Source: Ranks these worlds to identify the "best" or highest-ranking ones.
5. Cross-Linguistic Variation
Different languages exhibit varying patterns of modality. Some languages have
modals that are lexically specified for type, while others allow for ambiguity between
types.
Examples from languages like St’át’imcets and Malay illustrate these differences.
6. Nature of Epistemic Modality
Epistemic modality is often considered "speaker-oriented" and reflects the speaker's
knowledge.
It interacts differently with time reference compared to deontic modality, with
restrictions on its use in certain temporal contexts.