An Analysis of Interpersonal Meaning of Modal Verbs in State of the Union Address in 2016

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3566_L318.37

Authors: Jingjing Fan and Junhong Dong

Abstract: this study analyzes the modal verbs in State of the Union Address in 2016 and adopts Halliday’s systemic functional grammar theory as theoretical framework. It aims to study the characteristics of the usage of modal verbs in State of the Union Address in 2016 and the interpersonal meaning these features reflected. The method of this study is combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis. The first procedure is text processing. Use software TagAnt to tag the text, and then use software AntConc to select the modal verbs according to Halliday’s classification. The second procedure is text analyzing. The thesis analyzes the features and interpersonal meaning according to the research results. The results show that President Obama is more inclined to use modal verbs of median value and low value in State of the Union Address in 2016. This reflects his respect for the hearers and his modest attitude. It also shows his intention to establish an equal and relaxing interactive relation.

Keywords: interpersonal meaning; modal verbs; State of the Union Address