Metadiscourse under linguistic constraint

Abstract This study investigates whether distinct linguistic strategies arise from cognitive and linguistic constraints by comparing interpreted English produced by second-language (L2) professional interpreters, L2 spontaneous speech, and first-language (L1) English speech as a reference. Framed within constrained language theory, the analysis centers on metadiscourse features, which have received limited attention in interpreting research despite their relevance in discourse analysis. Findings show that, compared to L1 speakers, L2 interpreters use significantly fewer stance markers, including boosters, attitude markers, and self-mentions, while employing directives significantly more frequently. In contrast, L2 spontaneous speakers produce significantly more hedges and boosters but use significantly fewer attitude markers and self-references than L1 speakers. These results suggest systematic differences in metadiscourse features shaped by processing pressure and communicative function. Through a metadiscourse lens, this study offers insights into the linguistic choices made by L2 interpreters and L2 speakers in spontaneous contexts characterized by cognitive and linguistic constraints.