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A Corpus-Based Study of Hedges in Conversation Analysis Research Articles
ZHANG Hua
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DOI:10.17265/2159-5836/2026.03.007
Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
Hedging is an important linguistic device for expressing uncertainty, politeness, or caution in academic writing. This study aims to investigate the use of hedges across the Abstract, Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion sections of conversation analysis (CA) research articles. A corpus-based analysis indicates that hedges occur most frequently in the Discussion and Conclusion section. Sectional differences seem to be in alignment with the rhetorical functions of each section. These findings suggest some hedging strategies in CA research articles and provide practical guidance for novice writers aiming to publish in this field.
hedge, conversation analysis, corpus, rhetorical function
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