Exploring the Excessive Use of Modal Adverbs of Possibility in English by Chinese and Japanese Learners: Cultural Insights and Pedagogical Implications

This paper examines the excessive use of modal adverbs of possibility, such as “maybe” and “perhaps,” by English learners from China and Japan. It explores how cultural norms that prioritise harmony and indirect communication influence this linguistic phenomenon. Through real-life examples and cultural analysis, the study reveals that this tendency is deeply rooted in cultural values and communication styles. The findings offer insights into the challenges learners face and pedagogical suggestions to improve language teaching and cross-cultural communication.