Mitigation and facework: The German modal particle mal in speculations and estimates

Jessica Marsh
University of Surrey

This article explores the pragmatic function(s) of the German modal particle mal in estimates or speculations, a usage that has not so far received significant research attention. In these environments, mal appears to function as a hedge, conveying a sense of hesitation, mitigation, or qualification. This function often serves as a form of facework, protecting against the face threat that may arise if the speculation or estimate proves incorrect. In some cases in the data presented here, mal may also serve a politeness function, conveying a sense of deference to another participant’s superior epistemic authority. By contributing to a more comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the pragmatic function(s) of mal, this research has significant implications for language teaching and textbook development. In addition, these findings contribute to the emerging discussion on professional face and lend support to the position that politeness and face should be considered theoretically distinct.

Publication history

Date received: 10 September 2024

Date accepted: 5 November 2025

Table of contents

This research explores the pragmatic function(s) of the German modal particle mal in contexts where speakers are speculating or making an estimate. Though common in the data set considered in this article, this usage of mal has not so far received significant research attention.

Funding

Open Access publication of this article was funded through a Transformative Agreement with University of Surrey.

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Address for correspondence

Jessica Marsh

School of Literature and Languages

University of Surrey

Guildford GU2 7XH

United Kingdom

[email protected]

Biographical notes

Dr. Jessica Marsh received her PhD from the University of Surrey, where her thesis explored the role of the German modal particle mal in politeness and facework. Her subsequent research has focused on (im)politeness, authority, and historical language ideologies.

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