Abstract

Based on the result of the trends of modal sequences in Chinese English majors’ argumentation, this research focuses on the relationship between English majors’ tendency to use modal sequences and their college campus time. The paper reveals that the tendency to use modal verbs is not related to their college campus time, and that epistemic and deontic modality to uses are not related to their college campus time, either. This study offers reference to the understanding of how Chinese students acquire modal verbs and gives suggestions for modal verb teaching which are the following: (1) We should bear in mind when compiling textbooks that more exposure to epistemic modal verbs with euphemism modality for students is needed in early senior high textbooks; (2) Native speakers’ tendency to use modal verbs should be explicitly clarified in class; (3) native speakers tend to use should be consciously presented both in and after class; (4) The proper pragmatic meaning of modal verbs, the basic value view and social philosophy of Anglo-American Culture involved as well as the differences in cultural tradition and value between East and West should be underlined in English modal verbs teaching.

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