Some considerations on the semi-modal auxiliary verbs

Modality as a major exponent of interpersonal relations has been extensively studied. It is mostly studied in a highly individual centered view that individual speakers and their relations to one another are central, and social relations are built up through the linguistic interactions of speakers. In most cases, a modal verb expresses the speaker’s or the author’s attitude at the time of speaking. So, it is very necessary that we learn the meaning of the modal verbs in certain contexts. This paper aims at explaining difficulties involved in the treatment of modals by presenting meaning-definitions through paraphrases which take underlying culture-based assumptions into account. Special focus will be given to various meanings and uses of two modals „must” and „can” based on the examples taken from different presidential inaugural addresses.