Modal constructions in Asian Englishes: A multivariate approach

This study explores modal constructions in Asian Englishes through a multivariate approach, focusing on the seemingly synonymous high-intensity modal markers have to, must, and got to. Utilizing a corpus-linguistics multivariate analysis based on the data-mining technique known as association rules, the study examines three Asian Englishes – Hong Kong English, Philippines English, and Singapore English – drawing on six variables: main verbs, diathesis, aspect, polarity, variety, and channel. The findings reveal distinctive usage patterns and functional differences and overlaps among the modal markers, challenging the notion of constructional synonymy. The study highlights the importance of considering multidimensional phenomena in understanding modal constructions and their cross-varietal variations.