Infinitive Constructions as Explicators of Modal Meaning of Necessity in Document Texts

Abstract

The article considers the functional-pragmatic value of the linguistic category of modality, which has a rich content plane and a wide range of linguistic means of its realization. The analysis is based on the material of administrative documents of I. Kant Baltic Federal University. Special attention is paid to the analysis of one of the major constituents of the category the modal meaning of necessity, one of the central meanings in official business style. The analysed material proves that the infinitive constructions which are characterized by a high modal potential are the major linguistic means of the realization of various meanings of modality, especially those of necessity, practicality, etc., which have manifested themselves in grammar structure of the language at different historical stages of its formation and development. Three groups of such constructions can be distinguished: sentences with independent infinitive, sentences with object-dependent infinitive with the performative verb, sentences with the subject-dependent infinitive with modal modifiers. But it should be noted that such classification is quite arbitrary, as the enhancement character of the administrative documents is done with the help of corresponding modal expressions (combinations with modal predicatives, performative verbs) referring to different groups. As the result of the functional-pragmatic analysis of the infinitive constructions with modal semantics of necessity in administrative documents (orders, regulations) we have come to the conclusion about the important role of the infinitive constructions with modal meaning of necessity and their pragmatic component which facilitate the communicative aims of administrative documents.

Keywords

• document text
• modality
• administrative documents
• modal meaning of necessity
• volition
• infinitive constructions