Modality As A Marker Of Information Structure In News Discourse

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of modality as a marker of information structure in English-language news discourse, with particular emphasis on the interaction between modality and the Theme– Rheme structure. The study investigates how modal expressions, such as modal verbs, adverbs, and lexical markers-are used not only to convey stance (e.g., certainty, obligation, or ability) but also to organize information flow within the clause. Drawing on a corpus of twenty news articles from a range of journalistic domains, the analysis combines qualitative and quantitative methods to examine how modality is distributed across information units, particularly in terms of new versus given information. Findings reveal that modality frequently operates within the Rheme-the clause element that introduces new, unpredictable, or context-developing information. Modal verbs such as may, must, can, and adverbs like possibly and likely are commonly used to qualify or evaluate the Rheme, guiding the reader's interpretation and focusing attention on key assertions forward. From a theoretical perspective, the study integrates insights from Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and Critical Dynamism to explain how modality and information structure co-construct meaning. This interaction enhances textual coherence, emphasizes discourse goals, and supports reader engagement. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that modality is not only a marker of epistemic, deontic, or dynamic stance, but also a functional tool in the organization of information. By shaping how new information is introduced and evaluated, modality contributes to the rhetorical and communicative strategies of contemporary news discourse.