INTRODUCTION
Rationale for the research
The novel often draws heavily from reality, serving as a medium for dialogic interaction rather than a mere material object It resists a singular voice, instead reflecting a dynamic exchange between multiple perspectives and contexts This dialogic relationship emphasizes that a novel remains tethered to its origins and the influences of those within these contexts Bakhtin (1981) refers to this phenomenon as 'doubly-voiced or doubly-oriented' in his work, Discourse in the Novel.
The novel genre, while closely related to poetry, presents a unique perspective on society through its diverse stylistic elements Unlike poetry, which typically adheres to a singular language and style, the novel combines various stylistic unities, creating a rich and complex stylistic system This distinction highlights the novel's ability to explore multifaceted social themes, as noted by Bakhtin.
In 1981, five fundamental stylistic unities within the novel were identified: (1) direct authorial literary-artistic narration, (2) various forms of oral everyday narration, (3) written semi-literary everyday narration, including letters and diaries, (4) literary expressions accompanied by extra-artistic authorial commentary, such as scientific statements, and (5) the distinct speech styles of characters.
In his chapter "Discourse in the Novel," Bakhtin (1981) argues that novels encompass various social, professional, dialectic, and cognitive layers within a single text He challenges the notion of a singular meaning in literature, asserting that texts are not unitary but rather composed of multiple voices and perspectives.
In his 1981 analysis, Bakhtin highlights how authors utilize the 'common language' of specific social groups to resonate with readers, revealing power dynamics through characters' perceptions expressed in their discourse The author's linguistic choices are deliberate, reflecting a unique voice that carries intent and personality This voice, akin to stereotypes, employs distinct discursive strategies, allowing characters to navigate their worlds through various modes of expression Hyland (1996b) further elaborates on this concept with the notion of hedging, which involves using tentative language to convey possibility and uncertainty.
As an experienced English teacher and lifelong learner, the author has immersed herself in the language through literary works, gaining insights into dialogue and cultural nuances She often finds herself laughing while reading novels, which has sparked a deep passion for literature Her exploration of American literature has further enriched her understanding, and she recognizes the potential of this research to enhance her English teaching and strengthen her career.
Scholarly attention has predominantly focused on the use of hedging in academic discourse, politics, and media, with less emphasis on its application in novels, particularly American literature Additionally, there is a notable lack of research exploring the relationship between hedging and power distance within the local context Consequently, the author initiated a study titled "Hedges Showing Power Distance" to address these gaps.
From a pragmatic perspective, "The Godfather" offers valuable insights for language teaching, particularly in demonstrating hedging and power distance through various linguistic expressions The study aims to highlight these expressions as effective examples, enhancing understanding of their practical applications in communication.
Aims and objectives of the research
The research is carried out:
To find out hedging devices used in the novel The Godfather from the pragmatic perspective The power distance is rich in effects between age, gender and social status groups
To investigate hedging from pragmatic use in the American society in the sixties of the last century
This article aims to enhance both local and global comprehension of hedges and power distance It serves as a valuable resource for educators and learners by providing authentic materials that facilitate the teaching and understanding of hedging devices and their functions in managing power dynamics in classroom interactions and communication.
Research questions
The present study attempts to address the following research questions:
1 What are the hedging devices employed in conversations in the Godfather?
2 To what extent do these devices show power distance between different social groups in the novel?
Significance of the research
This study aims to contribute to empirical research on hedges within the crime novel genre of American literature from the 1960s, highlighting its significance as a prominent literary work of the last century Additionally, it seeks to explore the relationship between hedging devices and power dynamics among various social groups depicted in the novel.
This study provides valuable authentic materials for teaching and learning hedging devices and their functions related to power distance in the classroom Additionally, it offers readers a pragmatic understanding of power distance in discourse, enhancing their comprehension of the subject matter.
Scope of the research
In traditional stylistics, the novel was viewed as a poetic genre characterized by a singular style and a unique voice However, Bakhtin (1981) presents a dialogic perspective, identifying five unities within the novel: author-direct literary narration, oral narration, written narration, extra-artistic authorial speech, and individualized speech of characters This study focuses specifically on the second and fifth unities, which often manifest as dialogues or conversations rich in hedges Furthermore, authorial narration tends to exhibit a power distance-free approach, occasionally incorporating moral or philosophical statements.
The hedges used in groups of age, gender and social status are codified and analyzed based on Yu‘s (2009) classification: modal hedges, performative hedges, pragmatic-marker hedges and quantificational hedges
This thesis focuses on analyzing specific conversations, particularly those between father and son, husband and wife, doctor and patient, and boss and employee The study highlights how hedging devices in these interactions reveal power dynamics from a pragmatic perspective.
Research methodology
This study delves into a comprehensive contextual analysis of conversations in Mario Puzo's novel, The Godfather A dual-level linguistic examination of hedging devices in the novel is conducted, encompassing both quantitative and pragmatic analyses By employing these two approaches, the research provides a nuanced understanding of the linguistic strategies employed in the novel.
This study focuses on quantitative analysis to identify the primary forms of hedges used in conversations Utilizing Yu's (2009) taxonomy, the research systematically categorizes hedging devices found within the dialogues of the novel.
Pragmatic analysis involves a contextual examination of real conversations at a secondary level to uncover the functions of specific hedging devices This approach is adapted from the theories proposed by Hyland in 1998, focusing on understanding how these linguistic tools serve various communicative purposes.
Organization of the thesis
The study is designed to include five chapters
Chapter 1, Introduction, presents the research rationale, aims of the study, research questions, significance of the research, study scope, methodology and structure of the paper
Chapter 2 of the literature review establishes a theoretical foundation by defining key concepts such as hedge and power distance, classifying various hedging devices and their functions, and exploring how hedges reflect power distance Additionally, it provides a comprehensive overview of existing research related to hedges, alongside general information about "The Godfather."
Chapter 3, Research methodology, shows the specific approach, methods for conducting the research, data collection, data analysis and establish an analytical framework of the study
Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion, describing major hedging devices, their linguistic realization and pragmatic functions showing power distance in Godfather
Chapter 5, Conclusion, summarizing the major points, limitations and suggestions for further studies
References and appendices come at the end of the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Pragmatics function
Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics and semiotics that explores how context influences meaning It includes areas such as speech act theory and conversational implicature, drawing from philosophy, sociology, linguistics, and anthropology Unlike semantics, which focuses on conventional meanings within a language, pragmatics examines how meaning is shaped by the speaker's and listener's linguistic knowledge, the context of the conversation, prior knowledge, and the speaker's intent This field of study clarifies how language users navigate ambiguity, as understanding relies on various factors such as the manner, place, and timing of an utterance.
Pragmatic rules are used quite frequently by speakers but are rarely noticed unless the unspoken rules of pragmatics are broken
The ability to understand another speaker's intended meaning is called pragmatic competence
Pragmatics, as defined by Yule (1996:3), is the study of how utterances are communicated by speakers and interpreted by listeners, emphasizing the importance of contextual meaning It involves understanding how speakers structure their messages to convey their intended meanings effectively.
Pragmatic function is the meaning a speaker wishes to convey to the person they are speaking to (the addressee)
Conversational theories, a key concept in pragmatics, provide a cybernetic and dialectic framework that explains how interactions facilitate the construction of knowledge According to Wikipedia, this theory emphasizes the dynamic nature of conversations and the essential role of a "knower." It views social systems as symbolic, language-oriented constructs where responses are shaped by individual interpretations of behavior, and meanings are established through dialogue In this study, the author examines and analyzes conversations to achieve her objectives.
Hedges and hedging
This part will show a review of definitions of hedge and power distance and then classification of hedging devices and hedging functions There are hedges showing power distance
Hedging is defined in various ways, reflecting the perspectives of different authors According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, "hedge" refers to the act of avoiding direct answers or commitments to specific ideas The term was first introduced into linguistic discussions by Lakoff, who characterized hedges as words that create ambiguity For instance, when discussing birds, Lakoff illustrates that while eagles and kingfishers are clearly birds, a chicken is better described as "a sort of bird," where "sort of" serves as a hedge to soften the classification.
Nearly three decades later, Hyland (1998, p 1) notes that clear definitions of hedging remain "surprisingly rare in the literature." During this time, the concept has been variously described as a downgrader (House & Kasper, 2011), understatement (Hübler, 1983), or as a means of expressing a point of view or displaying allegiances (Stubbs).
1986), or shield (Skelton, 1988) Noticeably, Brown and Levinson (1987, p
Hedges are defined as particles, words, or phrases that modify the degree of membership of a predicate or noun phrase within a set, indicating that membership is partial or context-dependent (145) They serve as strategies to mitigate face-threatening acts in communication From a pragmatic perspective, Hyland (1998) describes hedging as a way for writers to present propositions as opinions rather than facts, emphasizing that hedges only function in this capacity when they convey uncertainty.
For almost half the century of researching the concept of hedge, Yu
(2009, p 32) commented that its development has gone through three stages
The evolution of the concept can be divided into three stages: initially, Lakoff (1975) emphasized a linguistic approach, concentrating on the modification of words and phrases at a local level; the second stage introduced a linguistic and pragmatic perspective, focusing on the truth-value of propositions and the attitudes expressed within them (Stubbs, 1986); finally, the third stage highlighted the pragmatic and social dimensions, strategically emphasizing the importance of face in communication.
This study explores hedging as a rhetorical strategy that fulfills pragmatic purposes, emphasizing that a single item cannot act as a hedge on its own; rather, the meaning of hedges is shaped by the surrounding context.
The classifications of hedges are numerous in the literature because Yu
According to 2009, p 55, the classification of hedges is somewhat arbitrary due to the absence of standardized criteria This section aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the current study by referencing the works of notable scholars in the field.
In the mid-1990s, Salager-Meyer (1994) conducted a study on written communication within medical discourse, classifying hedges into five distinct categories: shields, approximators, personal expressions, emotionally-charged intensifiers, and compound hedges This classification is detailed in the accompanying table.
Table 2.1: Salvager-Meyer's categorization of hedges
In his categorization, Salager-Meyer (1994, pp 154-155) pertains that
Shields are identified through modal verbs like "might" and "can," as well as epistemic verbs such as "suggest" and "believe." Approximators are indicated by adverbs including "about," "somewhat," and "often." Personal expressions are recognized by attitude phrases like "I believe" or "to my knowledge." Intensifiers utilize comment words, while compound hedges occur when multiple hedges are combined within a single sentence.
Hyland (1998) proposed a model of hedging that highlights its multi-functional nature, addressing various purposes such as weakening the force of statements, expressing modal expressions, showing deference, and signaling uncertainty His model begins with scientific statements categorized into two values: factive and non-factive, with factive values being excluded as they do not require hedging Non-factive statements are further divided into content-oriented and reader-oriented categories.
Hyland shifts his focus from reader-oriented statements to content-oriented approaches, as writers aim to enhance their credibility within their field by presenting more acceptable claims His classification of scientific hedges is detailed in the table below (Hyland, 1996b, p 438).
Figure 2.1: Hyland's categorization of scientific hedges
Hyland (1998) categorizes hedges in academic discourse into two types: content-oriented and reader-oriented hedges Reader-oriented hedges focus on the interaction between readers and writers, engaging readers as thoughtful participants who evaluate the truth of the presented propositions Hyland emphasizes that neglecting the audience can lead writers to present claims as authoritative assertions, which may create an undesirable persona in their work.
Certainty and categorical markers in writing can alienate readers by presenting the author's assertions as the sole interpretation of a phenomenon This approach not only overlooks the reader's perspective but also implies that the writer's statements require no feedback or discussion.
Content-oriented hedges play a crucial role in mitigating the relationship between propositional content and a non-linguistic mental representation of reality According to Hyland (1998), these hedges can be further divided into accuracy-oriented hedges and writer-oriented hedges Writer-oriented hedges, in particular, serve as a shield for the writer's self against potential falsification of the proposition, allowing them to minimize their involvement and maintain a distance from the statement By using these hedges, writers can effectively navigate the complexities of expressing their thoughts while protecting themselves from potential criticism or backlash.
Accuracy-oriented hedges focus on the writer's intent to express propositions with greater precision, distinguishing them from writer-oriented hedges, which emphasize the writer's presence in the text While this distinction exists, it is not always clear-cut, as hedges can convey multiple meanings simultaneously Accuracy-oriented hedges are further categorized into attribute and reliability hedges; attribute hedges allow writers to specify how closely their results approximate an idealized state.
1998, p 164) He provides an example on attribute hedges as: Although variable, the is an electric point of kunitz seed inhibitor is generally lower…
Reliability hedges, however, acknowledge the writer‘s certain or uncertain knowledge in a proposition They indicate the confidence invested in the validity of the claim Hyland (1998, p 180) explains with an example:
It is therefore possible that Firmstone might be different not only in … but also in …
If it is Salager-Meyer (1994) who develops his model based on a combination of functional and syntactic criteria, in his model, Hyland (1996b,
1998) develops his model in the social and pragmatic perspective
In his 2009 study, Yu proposes a comprehensive taxonomy of hedges from a pragmatic standpoint, identifying four key sources: modal hedges, performative hedges, pragmatic marker hedges, and quantificational hedges.
Table 2.2: Yu’s taxonomy of hedges
Modal hedges - Modal auxiliary verbs
Probably, likely Possibly, perhaps Chance, trend
Mental state predicates with epistemic meaning and modalized evidential meaning
If you like, You Know
-Some, little -Seldom, sometimes -Nearly, sort of
Hedges and power distance
Power distance, as defined by Mulder (1977), measures the power imbalance between individuals in a society, highlighting how those with higher power maintain distance from those with less power This concept illustrates that individuals with lower power often seek to reduce this distance, creating a dynamic of inequality According to Mulder, power distance reflects the degree of inequality within a social system, leading to unfavorable reactions from less powerful individuals who feel they lack a voice.
Hofstede (1980, 2001, 2011) introduced the concept of power distance as part of his six cultural dimensions, which also include Individualism versus Collectivism and Masculinity versus Femininity Power distance reflects the degree to which less powerful individuals in a society accept unequal power distribution The United States scores a moderately low 40 on the power distance index, indicating a preference for equality and reduced reliance on hierarchy This perception suggests that American society values equal treatment, although it also acknowledges the existence of individuals with significant power, such as influential leaders This dynamic highlights the uniqueness of individuals and the inherent inequalities in power structures The influence of those in power extends to shaping others' ideas, behaviors, and language use, prompting further exploration into the relationship between power distance and hedging as a strategic communication tool.
This study explores the concept of power distance through the use of hedges, highlighting how power dynamics influence communication It examines four key aspects of power relationships: the duration of conversations between individuals of differing power levels, the age differences among participants, their gender, and their social status By analyzing these factors, the research aims to understand how the less powerful navigate and accept the unequal distribution of power in interactions.
Related studies on hedges
There have been many studies into hedges in the literature in the world, in all fields, namely academic writing, scientific writing, and spoken discourse
Most hedge studies predominantly concentrate on academic and scientific writing across various fields, including economics (Bloor, 2020; Thanh Thùy, 2008), accommodating science (Fahnestock, 1998), abstracts (Hyland, 1995; Rounds, 1982), medical discourse (Adams-Smith, 1984; Salager-Meyer, 1992, 1994), and molecular genetics (Gao, 2004; Myers).
1989), news writing (Mỹ Linh, 2008; Wibowo & Yusoff, 2014; Zuck & Zuck,
Numerous studies have highlighted the significance of hedges in academic writing, particularly in the field of science According to Hyland (1996b), hedges are essential for gaining acceptance of claims from influential peers, as they enable writers to express statements with the necessary accuracy, caution, and humility By using hedges, authors can effectively negotiate the perspective from which their conclusions are evaluated and accepted.
Hedges are extensively analyzed across various fields, including political discourse (Buller & Lindstrom, 2013; Eagly, 1995; Jalilifar & Alavi, 2011), legal discourse (Toska, 2012; Ward, 2015), and language teaching and learning (Hübler, 1983; Hyland, 1996a; Skelton, 1988).
In Vietnam, several studies have explored the use of hedging devices in academic writing Thanh Thùy (2008) analyzed the lexico-grammatical forms of hedging in English and Vietnamese economic research articles, concluding that hedging is a versatile resource for effectively embedding ideas into writing Similarly, Mỹ Linh (2008) researched the cultural aspects of hedging before delivering bad news through questionnaires Additionally, Duyên (2012) focused on the role of hedging in argumentative contexts.
Recent research in our country has focused on the area of hedges, with Thanh Huyền (2012) identifying four primary categories: modal hedges, performative hedges, quantificational hedges, and pragmatic-marker hedges These hedging devices serve three key functions: speaker orientation, accuracy orientation, and hearer orientation.
(2012) researched conditional clauses used as hedging devices in English and Vietnamese equivalents The data came from a novel
In the research entitled ‗A cross-cultural study on hedges showing power distance in contemporary English and Vietnamese novels‖, Kim Anh
A study from 2017 revealed that both low and high power distance are reflected in the use of four hedge categories found in English and Vietnamese novels: modal hedges, performative hedges, pragmatic-markers hedges, and quantificational hedges.
In summary, the literature review reveals a significant gap in research on hedges within the context of dialogic relations in novels This study aims to build upon Minh Trang's (2012) work, which primarily concentrated on conditional sentences, by exploring the broader application of hedges Additionally, it seeks to investigate the relationship between hedges and power distance, an area that has been largely overlooked in previous studies, which typically focused on scientific writing and other academic genres.
Summary
This chapter shows a review of definitions of pragmatics, hedges, pragmatic properties of hedges, power distance and previous studies on hedges
This chapter determines room left and provides theoretical framework of the study The aim is to analyze the conversations in the God father in the next chapter.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research questions
The present study attempts to address the following research questions:
1 What are the hedging devices employed in conversations in the Godfather?
2 To what extent do these devices show power distance between different social groups in the novel?
The author examines various hedge devices, including modal hedges, performative hedges, pragmatic-marker hedges, and quantificational hedges, as they appear in conversations from "The Godfather."
The author examines the use of hedging functions—content-oriented, speaker-oriented, and reader-oriented—from a pragmatic perspective The research investigates whether factors such as age, gender, and social status influence the application of hedges to varying degrees.
Research design
This study explores the manifestation of power distance in conversations from the novel "The Godfather" through the use of hedges, approached from a pragmatic perspective It aims to illuminate the connections between hedges that indicate power distance and factors such as age, gender, and social status.
This study analyzes hedging expressions from conversations in "The Godfather," utilizing a combination of semantic, grammatical, and pragmatic criteria for classification The identified hedges are categorized based on Yu's (2009) framework, considering factors such as power dynamics, age, gender, and social status among participants The research employs qualitative interpretation to examine how power distance is manifested in dialogue, drawing on Hyland's (1998) pragmatic analysis theories.
In this study, a comprehensive understanding of hedges showing power distance in the Godfather from pragmatic perspective is implemented by the combination of descriptive and interpretive method.
Setting of the study
This section discusses the setting of the study and describes the data
Published in 1969, Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" became a monumental success, selling around 21 million copies globally and leading to three acclaimed films that embedded its characters into American culture The novel emerged during a pivotal period in U.S history, marked by intense scrutiny of political institutions and social practices amid widespread movements for women's rights, anti-Vietnam War protests, and political corruption scandals that sparked nationwide unrest (Messenger, 2012) At this critical juncture, "The Godfather" challenged readers to reconsider the origins and legitimacy of power, echoing Balzac's assertion in the novel's introduction: "Behind every great fortune, there is a crime."
Puzo appears to use numerous linguistic devices to show how things
In his exploration of moral ambiguity, the narrative blurs the lines between hero and villain, particularly within Corleone's 'family business' and the Italian-American immigrant experience This rhetorical inversion challenges conventional moral norms, as villains are portrayed as heroes, reflecting Bourdieu's notion of Kant's pure taste Bourdieu argues that this taste is rooted in a paradoxical enjoyment derived from violence, leading to a horror that arises when the distance between representation and reality is removed This complex interplay of enjoyment and disgust reveals the intricate dynamics of power and morality in the narrative.
While the Godfather is widely recognized through its iconic movie trilogy, Mario Puzo's original novel continues to hold significant influence in American culture The book introduces memorable quotes, such as "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" and "a lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns," which have become legendary in their own right.
The Godfather is a crime novel written by American author Mario
"The Godfather," originally published in 1969 by G P Putnam's Sons, narrates the tale of a fictional Mafia family in New York City, led by Vito Corleone With a dedication to Anthony Cleri, the novel features the epigraph, "Behind every great fortune there is a crime." Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, it also delves into Vito Corleone's life, exploring his journey from early childhood to adulthood.
The novel centers on the Corleone family and their struggle against rival Mafia families in post-World War II New York After Don Vito Corleone is attacked by drug dealer Virgil "The Turk" Sollozzo, his sons, Sonny and Michael, take charge of the family business with the assistance of consigliere Tom Hagen and caporegimes Clemenza and Tessio Michael's decision to kill Sollozzo and corrupt police officer Captain McCluskey ignites a violent conflict, leading to Sonny's death and Michael's rise as the new head of the family Under his father's guidance, Michael devises a strategy to shift the family's operations to Las Vegas, ultimately orchestrating the elimination of their enemies, including his brother-in-law Carlo Rizzi, who was involved in Sonny's murder Following these events, Michael sells the family's New York businesses and relocates the family to Las Vegas.
The follows are a brief introduction into some main novel‘s characters The Corleone family patriarch is Vito Corleone (The Don), whose surname
(Italian for "Lionheart") recalls the town of Corleone, Sicily His birth name is
Vittorio Andolini, originally from Corleone, emigrated to America but chose not to disclose his last name to the immigration official Consequently, the official recorded his name as Vito Corleone.
Vito fathered four children: Santino "Sonny" Corleone, Frederico "Fredo"
Corleone, Michael "Mike" Corleone, and Constanzia "Connie" Corleone He also has an informally adopted son, Thomas "Tom" Hagen, who became the
Vito Corleone, the consigliere of the Corleone family and godfather to renowned singer and actor Johnny Fontane, is often seen as the titular "Godfather." However, the narrative primarily revolves around Michael Corleone, whose journey reflects the central theme of the novel: his inevitable path to inherit his father's role as the head of the family empire, despite his aspirations for a more Americanized life with his girlfriend, Kay Adams.
The writer summarizes the relationship between the Corleone family structure
Data collection and data analysis
This section is divided into two key components: the identification of hedges and the analytical framework The first component focuses on the methods used to identify hedges, while the second component outlines the framework for analyzing and interpreting the collected data.
The data used in this study is taken from conversations in the
Godfather The novel is divided into nine books with thirty- two chapters
This process of identifying hedges is divided into three steps:
Step 1: The criterion and guideline for hedge identification are the semantic features of modal verbs, which is adapted from Yu (2009) and represented in Table 3 below For any linguistic expression to be a hedge, it must be able to modify and demonstrate a degree in modification strength such as a lot of can alter the quantity and never for frequency
Step 2: The found hedges are codified as [1] for modal hedges, [2] for performative hedges; [3] for pragmatic-marker hedges, and [4] for quantification hedges In real communications, language can be used intentionally and strategically Thus, the coding process was carried out several times to validate the findings
Step 3: The findings are then categorized and abstracted A linguistic expression can be able to express a factual measure of a strategically vague approximation, therefore, this process was carried out carefully and repeatedly
Table 3.1: An analytical framework of four hedging strategies
Category Realized by Examples Codified as
Modal hedges - Modal auxiliary verbs
Might, could, can, Probably, likely Possibly, perhaps Chance, trend
Mental state predicates with epistemic meaning andmodalized evidential meaning
Interpersonal pragmatic-markers Propositional pragmatic- markers Quite rarely, textual modifications
If you like, You Know
-Some, little -Seldom, sometimes -Nearly, sort of
In short, the different dimensions of hedges that are integrated as a whole and should not work in isolation for hedge identification are the semantic, grammatical and pragmatic properties
This study examines the manifestation of power distance through three distinct groups: age (younger versus older), gender (male versus female), and social status (lower versus higher).
Secondly, power distance manifested in the use of hedges is identified in six dimensions of power distance
Thirdly, the findings were discussed accordingly to Hyland‘s (1998) three hedging functions model of content-oriented, speaker-oriented and reader-oriented
Girlfriend vs boyfriend; wife vs husband
Son vs father; younger vs older
Employee vs employer; patient vs doctor
In conclusion, the research data is systematically organized into overall distributions and percentages, complemented by statistical tables and figures This data is then qualitatively interpreted and discussed to examine the expression of power distance.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Hedging devices employed in conversations in the Godfather
This section shows the results of data analysis to identify the hedges showing power distance in the Godfather
The hedges used in groups of age, gender and social status are codified and analyzed based on modal hedges, performative hedges, pragmatic-marker hedges and quantificational hedges
Figure 4.1: Hedges identified in the Godfather by Mario Puzo by gender
As can be seen from the Figure 4.1, the male use modal hedges four times as many as the female with approximately 49% and 13% respectively
In contrast to males, females utilize performative hedges significantly more, exhibiting nearly ten times the usage at approximately 3% Both genders, however, show similar tendencies in their use of pragmatic-marker hedges and quantification hedges.
Figure 4.2: Hedges identified by age
According to Figure 4.2, older individuals tend to utilize pragmatic-marker hedges more frequently, while younger individuals favor three other strategies: modal hedges, which are used almost twice as much, as well as performative and quantification hedges, which are employed in equal measure.
Figure 4.3: Hedges identified by social status
Figure 4.3 shows the hedges strategies used by the lower status and the higher status
The hedges emerged from the Godfather are codified and presented in groups of age, gender and social status as in table 2.2
Table 4.1: Categories of hedges showing power distance used by groups of age, gender and social status in the Godfather
Hedge categories Gender Age Social status
Note: F= female, M=Male, Y=Younger, O=Older, L=Lower, H Higher, E= Equal
Table 4.1 reveals that modal hedges are the most frequently used category across various demographics, with females using 13.33%, males 48.91%, younger individuals 43.28%, older individuals 28.85%, those in lower social status 43.07%, and higher social status 29.79% Overall, younger individuals utilize 134 hedges, while older individuals use only 52 Furthermore, individuals from lower social classes employ nearly three times the number of hedges compared to their higher-class counterparts.
The analysis of hedges in conversations from "The Godfather" reveals that younger individuals and those from lower social statuses utilize hedges more frequently than their older and higher-status counterparts This trend indicates that younger people and those in lower social classes employ hedges as a means to express their subordinate position when communicating with older individuals and those of higher social standing.
Table 4.2: Modal hedges showing power distance used by groups of age, gender and social status in the Godfather
Hedge categories Gender Age Social status
Note: F= female, M=Male, Y=Younger, O=Older, L=Lower, H Higher, E= Equal
In the conversations featured in "The Godfather," various types of modal hedges are utilized across different demographics, including age, gender, and social status Notably, modal verbs are predominantly employed, with males using them the most (30 tokens), followed by females (2 tokens), younger individuals (21 tokens), older individuals (11 tokens), and those from lower social classes (22 tokens) compared to higher social classes (10 tokens) Additionally, modal adverbs, modal adjectives, and epistemic lexical verbs are also present, highlighting the linguistic patterns among different social groups.
59 modal hedges while the higher use only 14 hedges The young use nearly three times as many as the old use
The data indicates that younger individuals and those from lower social classes utilize modal hedges more often than their older counterparts and individuals from higher social classes This suggests that younger people and those in lower social standings employ modal hedges as a means of expressing lower power dynamics when communicating with older individuals and those of higher social status.
Table 4.3: Performative hedges showing power distance used by groups of age, gender and social status in the Godfather
Types Gender Age Social status
Note: F= female, M=Male, Y=Younger, O=Older, L=Lower, H Higher, E= Equal
This section analyzes the use of performative hedges across different demographics, including age, gender, and social status According to Table 4.3, mental state verbs appear in 100% of the novel Female characters utilize 13 performative hedges, compared to 5 used by male characters Furthermore, younger individuals employ three times more performative hedges than their older counterparts Additionally, those from lower social classes use nearly twice as many performative hedges as those from higher social classes.
Table 4.4: Pragmatic- marker hedges showing power distance used by groups of age, gender and social status in the Godfather
Types Gender Age Social status
Table 4.4 illustrates the distribution of interpersonal pragmatic markers in conversations from "The Godfather." The primary markers identified are "you know" and "you don't know," with males using them 15 times, females 5 times, younger individuals 12 times, older individuals 8 times, those of lower social status 13 times, and those of higher social status 7 times.
The data indicates that all demographic groups, regardless of gender, age, or social status, utilize pragmatic-marker hedges Notably, younger individuals and those from lower social strata employ these hedges more frequently than older individuals and those from higher social classes.
Table 4.5: Quantificational hedges showing power distance used by groups of age, gender and social status in the Godfather
Types Gender Age Social status
According to Table 4.5, the novel features various types and tokens of quantificational hedges, categorized into quantity approximators, frequency approximators, and degree approximators Notably, frequency approximators comprise the highest proportion across different subgroups, with the female subgroup accounting for 57.5%, followed by males at 50%, the younger at 45.5%, the older at 40%, the lower social status at 44.4%, and the higher social status at 46.2%.
In short, it can be inferred that there exists power distance between the younger and older, male and female, the lower and higher subgroups.
The extent to which these devices show power distance between
Power distance is categorized into six dimensions, organized into three main groups This section explores power distance across three key aspects: age, gender, and social status, as illustrated in Figure 4.4 below.
Figure 4.4: Power distance identified in The Godfather
Hedges primarily reflect meaning and language use rather than specific lexical choices Their utilization depends on the speaker, the addressee, and various contextual factors By employing hedges, speakers aim to convey power distance in communication.
Doctor and patient Boyfriend and Girlfriend
4.2.1 Hedges showing power distance determined by age
In the novel, there are many conversations which are determined by age, but
I only pay attention to conversations between father and son and between the older and the younger
4.2.1.1 Hedges showing power distance between father and son
In the novel, the sons of the Godfather frequently employ hedging phrases such as "can," "could," "would," "know," and "should" during conversations with their father, reflecting their youth and diminished authority Additionally, they use pragmatic markers like "anymore," "I knew," "that’s all," and "like" to convey confidence or to soften the implications of their statements.
Hedges in conversation reflect the speaker's attitude towards the listener, demonstrating politeness and respect For instance, in a dialogue between The Don (Godfather) and his godson Johnny Fontane, the use of hedges can illustrate the nuances of their relationship and communication style.
Johnny Fontane expressed to the Don his relief upon receiving a wedding invitation, believing it signified that his Godfather had forgiven him He recounted his attempts to reach out after his divorce, noting that Tom had informed him the Don was either unavailable or preoccupied, which led him to conclude that the Don was upset with him.
Don Corleone: ―That‘s all forgotten Now Can I do something for you still? You‘re not too famous, too rich, that I can‘t help you?‖
Johnny: ―I‘m not rich, Godfather I‘m going down You were right I should never have left my wife and kids for that tramp I married I don‘t blame you for getting sore at me.‖
The Don expressed concern for his godson, Johnny, who was visibly agitated as he paced the room Johnny revealed his infatuation with a Hollywood star, describing her as angelic yet morally corrupt He criticized her promiscuity, stating that she rewards those who enhance her appearance with sexual favors, likening her behavior to that of a common prostitute.
In another conversation between Don - the father and Sonny - the son:
Don: ―What gave you the right to commit such an act? What made you wish to commit such an act?‖
Sonny said defiantly, ―I saw you kill Fanucci.‖
Sonny recounted that after Fanucci exited the building, Mama instructed him to go home He followed someone up to the roof, where he witnessed everything that transpired, including the disposal of a wallet and a gun.
Sonny, filled with anger, remained silent in response to the Don's contemptuous remarks The Don scornfully questioned the worth of Sonny's efforts that night, asking if he earned fifty or even just twenty dollars, highlighting the absurdity of risking his life for such a meager reward.
The Don said, ―Ahhh‖ and sank back in his chair He waited
Sonny: ―I want to enter the family business.I can learn how to sell olive oil.‖
The Don expressed his disappointment, stating that he couldn't advise on proper behavior He questioned the individual's ambition, highlighting the advantages of completing school and pursuing a career in law He emphasized that lawyers have the potential to amass wealth through their profession, often more effectively than criminals.
Don: ―Every man has one destiny Come in tomorrow morning at nine o‘clock Genco will show you what to do.‖
In this dialogue, the father employs modal hedges such as "can," "should," and "can," while the son uses "would" and "can." This choice of language reflects their respective power dynamics, highlighting the use of hedges by both the father and son to indicate their levels of authority and influence in the conversation.
4.2.1.2 Hedges showing power distance between the older and the younger
In conversations between individuals of differing power dynamics, it is often observed that the lower power person tends to speak more extensively than their higher power counterpart This tendency reflects their desire to demonstrate respect and politeness towards those in positions of authority.
In the analysis of conversational hedging in the novel, Hyland (1998) identifies three primary functions: speaker-oriented, accuracy-oriented, and hearer-oriented The speaker-oriented function is prominently expressed through the use of modal auxiliary verbs, which serve to convey uncertainty or tentativeness in the dialogue.
Bonasera, looking pale, requested to speak privately This highlights the use of interpersonal pragmatic markers, such as hedges, which serve to enhance the hearer-oriented function in communication.
―Go ahead, Tom,‖ the Don said encouragingly ―Not even a Sicilian Consigliere always agrees with the boss.‖ They all laughed
The lucrative nature of the narcotics business is undeniable, with its vast money-making potential surpassing that of any other industry This lucrative aspect is a significant draw, presenting a compelling reason to consider involvement As Hagen aptly pointed out, the financial gains from narcotics far outweigh those of other businesses, making it an attractive yet high-risk venture.
Thirdly, the accuracy-oriented function also was realized by using approximators of quantity, frequency and degree As can be seen from the following examples from the novel:
Don Corleone curtly broke in ―How is your family?‖
Johnny expressed his feelings of loss and frustration after his divorce, revealing that he has been providing more support to Ginny and the kids than mandated by the courts He makes a point to visit them weekly, highlighting his deep longing for their presence and the emotional toll it takes on him, leading him to feel as though he might be losing his grip on reality.
4.2.2 Hedges showing power distance determined by gender
In the novel, there are many conversations between women and men, but I only pay attention to conversations of boyfriend - girlfriend and husband - wife
4.2.2.1 Hedges showing power distance between boyfriend and girlfriend
As we can see from Table 4.1, there is a strange finding in this dimension where the boyfriend tends to use more hedges than women with
137 and 67 respectively The prominent lines in the conversation between the two most prominent relationship in the novel was between Michael – the main character and Kay – his girlfriend
Michael grimaced and said, ―I don’t know whether all that stuff is true
I do know he is sort of a friend to my father.‖
For the first time Kay began to understand She asked a little incredulously, ―You‘re not hinting that a man like that works for your father?‖
Summary
The study reveals that both low and high power distance groups utilize hedges for various purposes in the novel "The Godfather." Specifically, the analysis identifies several types of hedges reflecting power distance, including modal, performative, pragmatic-marker, and quantificational hedges Among these, modal hedges emerge as the most significant category, with usage rates of 13.33% by females, 48.91% by males, 43.28% by younger individuals, 28.85% by older individuals, 43.07% by those in lower power positions, and 29.79% by those in higher power positions Following modal hedges, pragmatic-marker hedges, performative hedges, and quantificational hedges are observed in decreasing prominence.
The study explores how power distance is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and social status It identifies three key functions of hedges: speaker orientation, accuracy orientation, and hearer orientation Hedges serve to illustrate power dynamics in relationships, such as between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and bosses and employees The findings contribute to existing empirical research on hedges, highlighting the various hedging devices employed in daily conversations to achieve distinct pragmatic effects.
Implications
Hedges are crucial for effective communication as they demonstrate politeness and indicate power dynamics Understanding the use of hedges allows listeners to better grasp the speaker's intentions Consequently, it is essential for English learners to study hedges to enhance their communication skills.
It is also suggested that teachers of English should be aware of the use of hedges in novel which serves as a strategical strategy in communication
Students need to have some comparisons when using hedges in English and in Vietnamese so that they can learn better and become a better communicator
Understanding power distance in literature can significantly enhance communication for both teachers and learners By recognizing the speaker's intended meaning, they can prevent misunderstandings and ensure more appropriate interactions.
Limitations of the research
Every research study encounters limitations, and this one is no different The analysis is confined to a single novel, focusing exclusively on the dialogues, which restricts the breadth of interpretation.
The study acknowledges the challenges in precisely defining the concept of hedging and recognizes that categorizing it into just four types oversimplifies a complex social phenomenon, as various scholars have differing theories Ultimately, the selection of vocabulary reflects social practices and serves as a form of hedging.
Finally, when analyzing data to be analyzed, the author couldn‘t avoid her own bias although she manually coded the data as well as quantitively analyze the findings.
Suggestions for further research
In the light of the above-mentioned limitations, there are practical suggestions for further research
Further research is essential to explore the various functions of hedging devices in novels, which will enhance our understanding of the hedging phenomenon This will also help to generalize the use of hedges in literature, particularly within the crime novel genre.
Future research should explore additional dimensions of power distance within the novel, particularly in the context of its various competing social groups Additionally, a comparative study with a Vietnamese novel or the Vietnamese translation of this work could yield valuable insights.
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Appendix 1: Hedges used by girlfriend and boyfriend
STT Chapter Page Content Note
Michael grimaced and said: ‖I don‘t know whether all that stuff is true I do know he is sort of a friend to my father.‖
Nearly fifteen years ago, there was an attempt to seize my father's oil importing business, which almost cost him his life Luca Brasi took action against the perpetrators, reportedly eliminating six men in just two weeks, effectively concluding what became known as the famous olive oil war.
―Everything‘s been peaceful since then.‖
Michael : ―I want you to think about it,‖
―That‘s what the newspapers claimed,‖ Mike said
She asked: ‖You‘re not hinting that a man like that works for your father?‖
―You mean your father was shot by gangsters?‖
―You‘re trying to scare me,‖ Kay said
―You just don‘t want me to marry you.‖
―Did he really kill six men?‖ Kay asked
Kay Adams asked Michael Corleone,
―Who is he? You introduced him as your brother but his name is different and he certainly doesn‘t look Italian.‖
―Nobody ever proved it But there‘s another story about him that nobody ever tells
It‘s supposed to be so terrible that even my father won‘t talk about it Tom
Hagen knows the story and he won‘t tell me Once I kidded him, I said,
‗When will I be old enough to hear that story about Luca?‘ and Tom said,
‗When you‘re a hundred.‖ Michael sipped his glass of wine ―That (M1) must be some story That (M1) must be some Luca.‖
Michael shared that Tom had been living with them since he was twelve after losing his parents He was found wandering the streets with a severe eye infection, and after Sonny brought him home one night, he had nowhere else to go Tom stayed with them until he eventually got married.
Kay Adams was thrilled ―That‘s really romantic,‖ she said ―Your father (M1) must be a warmhearted person
To adopt somebody just like that when he had so many children of his own.‖
―Oh,‖ Kay said, then asked curiously,
―why didn‘t you adopt him?‖
Hagen directed Sonny through the French door into the Don's office, then gestured for Amerigo Bonasera to approach Kay questioned why they would involve her father in business matters on such a day.
Michael didn‘t bother to point out that immigrant Italians considered four children a small family He merely said, ―Tom wasn‘t adopted He just lived with us.‖
―Because my father said it would be disrespectful for Tom to change his name Disrespectful to his own parents.‖
Michael laughed again ―Because they know that by tradition no Sicilian c a n refuse a request on his daughter‘s wedding day And no
Sicilian ever lets a chance like that go by.‖ (17-31)
―Do you want to meet him?‖ Michael asked
Kay Adams: ―You never told me your family knew Johnny Fontane,‖ ―Now I‘m sure I‘ll marry you.‖
―Not now,‖ Kay said She sighed ― I was in love with him for three years I used to come down to later,‖ Michael said
―He‘s my father‘s godson,‖ Michael said ―And if it wasn‘t for my father he might not be a big movie star today.‖
Michael ―I can‘t tell that one,‖ he said
Michael likens his perspective to that of Arctic explorers who strategically place food caches along their route to the North Pole, ensuring they have resources available if needed in the future.
That‘s my father‘s favors Someday he‘ll be at each one of those people‘s houses and they had better come across.‖
New York whenever he sang at the Capitol and scream my head off He was so wonderful.‖
Kay : ―Don‘t tell me a big movie star like Johnny Fontane has to ask your father for a favor?‖
Kay Adams ―That sounds like another great story.‖
Kay ―Are you sure you‘re not jealous of your father?
Everything you‘ve told me about him shows him doing something for other people He must be goodhearted.‖ ―Of course his methods are not exactly constitutional.‖
Michael looked at his watch ―Visiting hours end at eight- thirty I think (M21)
They had dinner together and some (AQ1) drinks
―What time are you going to visit your father?‖ Kay asked
I‘ll go after everybody has left
They‘ll let me up
He has a private room and dedicated nurses, allowing me to spend some time with him Although I doubt he can talk or even recognize my presence, it’s important for me to show my respect.
Michael said politely, ―I don‘t think so either.‖
Michael grinned, unbuttoned his jacket and held it wide open ―Look, no guns,‖ he said
Michael abruptly woke up, glancing at his watch in alarm "Damn," he exclaimed, realizing it was nearly ten o'clock He quickly headed to the bathroom, knowing he needed to rush to the hospital.
Kay expressed her sympathy for your father, noting that he appeared to be a genuinely nice man at the wedding She was shocked by the negative reports in the newspapers, believing that most of the allegations are likely untrue.
―What about you?‖ Kay asked ―Are you going to get mixed up in this gang war the papers are talking about so gleefully?‖
Kay murmured, ―Is that what you soldiers call a quickie?‖
―It‘s not bad,‖ Kay said in a judicious voice
Kay came in after him and put her arms around his waist from behind
―When are we going to get married?‖ she asked wash up and comb his hair
Michael said ―As soon as this family thing quiets down and my old man gets better I think (M21) you‘d better explain things to your parents though.‖
Michael ran the comb through his hair ―Just say that you‘ve met a brave, handsome (AQ1) guy of Italian descent Top marks at Dartmouth
Distinguished Service Cross during the war plus the Purple Heart
Despite being the son of a Mafia chief involved in criminal activities and violence, he remains honest and hardworking, distancing himself from his father's illegal actions and choices.
Do you think you can (M3) remember
―What should I explain?‖ Kay said quietly
Kay ―Is he really?‖ she said ―Does he really?‖ She paused
―Kill people?‖ she asked, ―When will I see you again?‖
―OK,‖ she said all that?‖
Michael finished combing his hair
―I don‘t really know,‖ he said
―Nobody really knows But I would (M1)n‘t be surprised.‖
"Take some time to reflect on your situation in your small hometown," he advised "It's important to avoid getting involved in this matter Once the Christmas holidays are over, I'll return to school, and we can meet then."
Michael ―You mean this? That‘s nothing
Just gives me sinus trouble Now that I‘m home I‘ll probably get it fixed I couldn‘t write you or anything,‖ Michael said ―You have to understand that before anything else.‖
―I‘ve got a place in the city,‖ Michael said ―Is it all right if
Kay―Hello, how are you,‖
―I never meant to do that,‖ ―It‘s just that nobody told me how badly they hurt you.‖
―I‘m not hungry,‖ Kay said we go there or should it be dinner and drinks at a restaurant?‖
They drove toward New York in silence for a while ―Did you get your degree?‖
For a moment Michael didn‘t answer ―Yes, they did,‖ he said ―It was in all the New York papers Didn‘t you read about it?‖
―Maybe my mother did believe it at first.‖
―Mothers are like cops They always believe the worst.‖
―We might as well go into the bedroom.‖
―Yes,‖ Kay said ―I‘m teaching grade school in my hometown now Did they find the man who really killed the policeman, is that why you were able to come home?‖
Kay laughed with the relief of him denying he was a murderer
―We only get The New York Times up in our town,‖ she said
―I guess it was buried back in page eighty- nine If I‘d read about it I‘d have called your mother sooner.‖ She paused and then said,