Clausal Realization of Hedges in Teacher Talk

Abstract

Hedges as a linguistic device has been studied from different perspectives since Lakoff proposed this linguistic concept. The preceding researches focused on definition, classification and research domain of hedges. This thesis is aimed at the application of hedges by teachers in the spoken English class context through classroom observation and transcription from the teacher-student interaction. Based on the functional analysis of the excerpts from the spoken English classes, pedagogical implications of hedge use are illuminated. Thus, teachers can motivate the classroom participation on the part of students in thinking and speaking.