Could we really decipher meanings of modal verbs just as intended by the speakers?
I think 'modality' has something to do with deep cognition process of the speakers toward the external affairs surrounding them or the speakers' internal conscience. Dictionaries list up a long list of meanings for each modal verb. Why do they have so many meanings? I think that's the result of description efforts about such deep flow of thoughts of the speakers.
I think the answer to my title subject is 'no'. We could only assume the meaning based on our own understanding guided by memes formed in our communities.
What do you think?
Top answer
Insuhk What do you think? I don't very often perceive any ambiguity in the intended meaning of modal verbs. I guess it happens sometimes, but usually the speaker's intention is clear enough, I think.
- Insuhk What do you think?
- I don't very often perceive any ambiguity in the intended meaning of modal verbs.
- I guess it happens sometimes, but usually the speaker's intention is clear enough, I think.
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InsuhkWhat do you think?
I don't very often perceive any ambiguity in the intended meaning of modal verbs. I guess it happens sometimes, but usually the speaker's intention is clear enough, I think.
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