#11 - Writing strategies: HEDGING and BOOSTING.

 THE IMPORTANCE OF HEDGING

HEDGING is the expression of tentativeness and possibility in language use. It represents an absence of certainty. 

• Features used in HEDGING:

- Lexical verbs: indicate - propose - assumne - estimate - suggest - appear - tend to - argue

- Adverbial constructions: often - almost - occasionally - sometimes - quite - usually - 

   probably - certainly 

- Modal verbs: must - will/would - should - may - can/could - might 

 

• Writers/Researchers use hedging techniques for two reasons: 

1) To tone down their statements in order to reduce the threat of opposition from other 

    researchers.

2) To avoid overstating their results as they are aware that theirs may not be the final word on      the issue.

Examples: 

A) Categorical claim: 

     The issues highlighted in this study are applicable to all participating 

      institutions.

     

     Hedged claim: 

     The issues highlighted in this study may be applicable to many participating institutions.

B)  Categorical claim: 

     Government support will assure the spread of new knowledge and 

     the  skills necessary to use the internet to thousands of people in rural areas.

   

     Hedged claim: 

     Government support may help with the spread of new knowledge and 

     the  skills necessary to use the internet to thousands of people in rural areas.

C)  Categorical claim:

      The study proves the link between smoking and lung disease.

      Hedged claim: 

     The study indicates/ suggests a (possible)  link between smoking and lung disease.

D) Categorical claim:

     The number of unempluyed people will continue to raise as the poor economic situation 

     persists.

    

     Hedged claim: 

     The number of unempluyed people will probably continue to raise as the poor economic  

      situation persists.

E) Categorical claim:

    This (and subsequent) atudies led to the conclusion that GTP itself must be the elusive base 

    and therefore to the proposal of GTP as base mechanism. (Scheweins et al.1994, 1995).

    Hedged claim:

    This (and subsequent) atudies led to the conclusion that GTP itself may be the elusive 

    base, and therefore to the proposal of GTP as base mechanism. (Scheweins et al.1994, 1995).

HEDGING AND BOOSTING. 

 Boosting is the opposite of Hedging. Whereas Hedging softens a statement, Boosting stregthens it so that a strong point of view can be presented. It is also used to persuade the reader of the author´s point.

• Features used in BOOSTING:

- Adverbs of frequency: always - never

- Adverbs and adjectives of certainty: certain - obvious - definite - conclusive - evident -  

   certainly - obviously - definitely - conclusively - evidently

- Modal verbs: will - should 

- Other verbs: show - prove - evidence 

SOME EXAMPLES:

• Employees will always  respond positively in such circumstances.
• Certainly, this has had an impact on learning outcomes.
• This certainly has had an impact on learning outcomes.
• This has an obvious impact on learning outcomes
• This obviously has an impact on learning outcomes.
• This will have an impact on future research in the field.
• These figures prove that there has been strong growth as a result of policy change.

Headging and Boosting make a big difference to the message.

BOOSTING: 

• Clearly, these sales figures show a definite increase in consumer confidence, which will undoubtedly have an impact on our share price.

HEDGING: 

• These sales figures suggest a possible increase in consumer confidence , which may have an impact on our share prices.

Definition of Hedging and Boosting

Metacognitive analysis:

    

    Revising the uses of Hedging and Boosting made me consider their importance in our communication acts. Although it is clear that writers are used to hedging to soften a statement, originally the term referred to literally hiding in a bush or hedge. In fact, it is used to avoid stating things categorically. While Hedging expresses some feeling of doubt, Boosting will convince the reader that the writer knows exactly what he is talking about and shows certainty and confidence. By using Boosting, the author is also able to persuade the audience.

    As they both affect the tone of our writing, it is essential to use them accurately in order to establish clear and effective communication.