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This article reports an empirical study of the functions of pragmatic force modifiers (PFMs) in English as a lingua franca (ELF) use in academic discussions. PFMs are pervasive in spoken language but have been under-researched in contexts of multinational and polylogic communications. The aim of this study is to investigate how different event types affect the use of PFMs in ELF discourse. PFMs used in the academic discussions are identified and their distributions in different event types of the Corpus of English as a Lingua Franca in Academic Settings are explored. The functions of the PFMs in different event types are then examined and discussed. Results reveal that ELF speakers use well-specified PFMs to fulfill appropriate functions in different event types under the genre of academic discussions, i.e. flagging suggestions and downplaying criticism in conference discussions, marking elicitation and tailoring explanation in lecture discussions, expressing commitment and certainty in doctoral defense discussions, and projecting personal opinions in seminar discussions. It is argued that although PFMs are linguistic devices commonly used in academic discussions, their functions are sensitive to specific event types. At least, the present study concludes that these context-sensitive uses are clearly in evidence in ELF speech.

Pragmatic force modifiers in ELF academic discussions