Saying verbs in applied linguistics research articles: At the interface of reportage and evaluation

Abstract

This study, drawing upon Halliday’s (1994) concept of the dual property of saying verbs, examines four types of reporting patterns of saying verbs in English research articles (RAs) within applied linguistics: (i) Sayer + V + reported clause, (ii) Sayer + V + noun phrase (NP), (iii) ‘Sayer’ (non-human) + V + reported clause, and (iv) Token + V + NP. It aims to analyze their frequency, distribution, and evaluative functions. An analysis of 50 RAs reveals the following: firstly, pattern (iii) is the most prevalent, while pattern (ii) is the least utilized. Secondly, the semantic function of each pattern is primarily subject-dependent. Patterns with non-human subjects (patterns (iii) and (iv)) tend to attract boosting verbs, indicating a higher assurance of the truth value of propositions. Conversely, pattern (i), featuring human subjects, is inclined toward hedging verbs, offering a less certain indication of the factual state of the writer’s interpretation. No distinct preference is observed in pattern (ii). These findings inform future research on the use of saying verbs in reporting patterns in academic writing and provide strategic instructions for teaching saying verbs in EAP classes.