Modal Particles– ingredients to bring a flavor to your language.
In the early stages of language acquisition, learners are often confronted with the struggle of obtaining fluency in the language. However the process of imparting the knowledge may not always be conducive towards effective learning. The conventional methodology of providing a set framework of instructions of the linguistic structures is undoubtedly one of the effective ways of grasping the complexities in the language.
Another important way is to find an opportunity to connect and initiate a conversation with a native speaker of the language. Although easy said than done, it can be extremely intimidating to even initiate a small talk after one observes their rate of speech (which is much faster than the usual of the non-native ones) and also not to mention their frequent incorporation of idioms and slang or certain other linguistic elements, which we are completely unaware of and are unexplored by us or we don’t pay much consideration to while learning.
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One such aspect is the usage of ‘Modal Particles’ to simplify it for you, these are elements in the language that undertake different meanings according to the context in which they are used. Therefore, translating these can be a tedious task as there are hardly any equivalents in other languages. In addition to this, they also vary according to the region and dialect of the language. They are mostly referred to as Particles and do not alter the meaning of the sentence grammatically however bring a selective modification.
Modal particles are words that add flavor to a sentence and convey the speaker’s mood. They lend a compelling or suggestive element to a request or provide a subtler emphasis to a statement without changing the grammatical context.
Let’s look at a couple of the most common ones:
1.aber –
In exclamations it indicates that something unexpected has happened:
Das ist aber schade! (oh, what a shame!)
In statements and commands, aber has the same meaning as the conjunction(but), expressing a contradiction or a reminder, but it is placed within the clause:
Pass aber auf dein Geld auf! (But do watch your money!)
2.auch –
In statements, auch may confirm, correct or contradict a preceding phrase or sentence.
Das hat sie auch nicht gemeint. (but that’s not what she meant)
In interrogative questions, auch seeks confirmation that something is or is not the case:
Hast du dich auch nicht geirrt? (Are you sure you haven’t made a mistake?)
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3.doch –
It can occur in isolation as an answer contradicting a negative question:
Hat er dich nicht angerufen? – doch. (Didn’t he call you? Yes (he did)
Also when it is stressed expresses a contradiction to the previous statement.
Sie hatte doch recht. (She was right after all)
It is often used to make requests to sound less harsh:
Setzen Sie sich doch! (Do sit down, please)
In imperatives doch may emphasize a command or advice and often conveys a sense of impatience.
Geh doch bitte zum Arzt. (Please do go and see a doctor)
4.ja-
In statements ja often indicates that both speakers share some common knowledge:
Du kennst ihn ja (you know what he’s like)
In exclamations ja often conveys surprise:
Das hatte ich ja nicht gedacht! (well, I never have!)
5.schon –
In statements about future actions or events schon can be either reassuring or threatening:
Wir werden das schon schaffen (we will manage)
In other contexts schon can express agreement, with or without reservation:
Ich denke schon, aber…. (yes, I think so, but…)
In imperatives schon conveys urgency and impatience:
Mach schon auf! (do open the door!)
6.Wohl –
In statements wohl expresses probability:
Sie werden jetzt wohl gelandet sein. (They will probably have landed by now)
In questions wohl can signal uncertainty or express a polite request:
Kann ich wohl mal dein Auto ausleihen? (Could I borrow your car ?)
7. etwa –
It is used mainly in questions and implied questions. The speaker hopes that something is not the case but fears that it may be.
Störe ich Sie etwa ? (I hope, I am not disturbing you)
8. vielleicht –
In exclamations vielleicht works as an intensifier.
Ich habe vielleicht einen Hunger! (I am absolutely starving!)
In questions vielleicht can be used to ask for an explanation and carries a reproachful tone.
Kannst du mir vielleicht sagen, warum du so spät kommst? (can you explain to me why you are so late?)
9. eigentlich –
In statements, eigentlich allows the speaker to change his or her mind. The following subordinate clause explains the reasons or alternatives.
Sie schien eigentlich ganz nett, aber sie ist doch ziemlich reserviert. ( She seemed nice enough, but she’s really very reserved.)
It also makes a question friendlier and less direct.
Was hast du eigentlich studiert? (Can you tell me what you studied?)
10. eben –
In statements eben is used to restate or confirm something, often adding an explanatory note. It may also occur in isolation or at the beginning of a sentence:
Wir sollten gemeinsam dagegen ankämpfen. Eben, deshalb organisiere ich ja ein Treffen. (We should fight this together. Exactly, that’s why I am organizing a meeting.)
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Whilst modal particles can be hard to grasp, understanding them can make interacting and understanding native speakers considerably easier. As your conversational fluency increases, start introducing these aspects into your conversations. Concentrate as well while engaging yourself in discussions with native speakers to gain a better knowledge of how to incorporate things into the professional life.
Author:-
Shivani Deshpande
SevenMentor Pvt Ltd
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