A Qualitative Analysis of Boosters and Hedges in Pakistani Print Media Discourse on Climate Change

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of boosters and hedges as pragmatic-linguistic
devices in newspaper articles on climate change. This study analyzes the language used
in newspaper articles concerning climate change and focuses on linguistic devices such
as boosters and hedges. To examine the selected texts, this research uses ‘Positive
Discourse Analysis’ and ‘Metadiscourse Analysis.’ Hyland’s (1998; 2017) metadiscourse
framework has been used to analyze boosters and hedges in the selected texts on
climate change. Those phrases with implicit or explicit boosters and hedges have been
focused on viewing the role of these linguistic devices. The findings reveal that hedges
express caution and skepticism whereas, boosters intensify the statements on climate
change and serve as devices for creating certainty, emphasizing responsibility, and
enhancing authenticity. Boosters and hedges also influence information on climate
change. ‘Positive Discourse Analysis’ of the selected texts reveals these articles
highlight the severity and urgency of climate change and contribute to awareness of
hopeful solutions. The findings of this research are expected to benefit the concerned
policymakers, journalists, students of linguistics and the audience of the newspapers