Metadiscourse

Concept in philosophy of language

In philosophy of language, metadiscourse is the discussion about a discussion, as opposed to a simple discussion about a given topic. The study of metadiscourse helps us recognize and understand how we situate our ideas within writing and speech. This subject is especially prevalent in science writing, where it presents itself in many different forms such as hedges, boosters, and attitude markers. Metadiscourse contained within a written work can be any phrase that is included within a clause or sentence that goes beyond the subject itself, often to examine the purpose of the sentence or a response from the author, usually as an introductory adverbial clause. Metadiscourse often includes phrases such as "frankly," "after all," "on the other hand," "to our surprise," and so on. Below are some examples of metadiscourse in writing, denoting:
the writer's intentions: "to sum up," "candidly," "I believe"
the writer's confidence: "may," "perhaps," "certainly," "must"
directions to the reader: "note that," "finally," "therefore," "however"
the structure of the text: "first," "second," "finally," "therefore," "however"

Hedges are words and phrases that communicate caution to the claim being made within a sentence. Hedge words are removed from the actual subject and rather function as a marker of metadiscourse. These words and phrases ensure that an audience is aware of the writer's distance from the subject they are reporting on. This technique allows writers to maintain the reliability of their work by establishing that their assertions are made to their best knowledge, but could potentially be rebutted. Some examples of metadiscursive hedges are "could," "unlikely," "perhaps," "occasionally," "evidently," "generally,"and "many."

In writing, a booster is a word or phrase that enhances a point the writer makes. Hedging in science writing may look like this:
+HedgeExample SentenceMayInhaling the gas produced by the experiment may cause hypoxia. AppearThe data collected appears to support the hypothesis. PossibleIt is possible that the species will be extinct within the next decade. UsuallyThe trial results usually remain consistent. TendScientists in this area of study tend to rely on clinical trials to conduct their research. ProbablyThe symptoms were probably a result of the patient's exposure to cigarette smoke. In some cases, using hedges in science writing can disrupt the way scientific information is processed by the reader by making the statement seem slightly uncertain. This is purposeful and allows science writers to establish their distance from the topic of study, while still reporting the relevant findings of the experts.

Boosters appear in science writing to strengthen a statement that is being made. These words and phrases allow non expert readers to grasp the certainty of a claim. +BoosterExample SentenceCertainlyEarly trials of the new gene therapy reveal certainly promising results. AlwaysThis chemical reaction will always result in combustion. DemonstrateThese findings demonstrate the accuracy of the original hypothesis.

In science writing, attitude marking is a valuable technique that is used to bring humanity into a body of text. To a non expert audience, scientific information can seem dry and difficult to consume, and attitude marking allows readers to gauge the way they might feel inclined to react to the information they are taking in. +Attitude MarkerExample SentenceUnfortunatelyThe prognosis was, unfortunately, very poor for each of the research patients. AgreeAfter conducting two separate studies, both the neuroscientists and psychiatrists agree on the diagnosis.