Modality in Chilean Spanish: construing historical interpretations in the Introduction to the Report of the Commission of Historical Truth

Abstract This article examines modality in Chilean Spanish from a Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) perspective, using the Introduction to Report of the Commission of Historical Truth and New Deal with Indigenous Peoples (2008) as its data corpus. While descriptions of modality in Spanish remain limited, we address this gap by analysing congruent and metaphorical realisations of modality and their role in authorial stances in the construction of historical interpretations. The analysis focuses on the Report’s Introduction, which outlines key historical periods and justifies their significance. Instances of modality are described by type, value, and realisation, and their contribution to authorial stances is interpreted within the engagement system. The findings reveal a patterned interplay between contraction and expansion of the dialogic space: probability and obligation with high values consolidate authority and present claims as necessary and indisputable, while lower values of obligation, ability, and inclination expand the dialogic space, allowing alternative perspectives and softening categorical assertions. Spanish-specific realisational strategies also support nuanced positioning, enabling the authors to foreground or background the modal responsible, shift focus from capacity to potentialities, and present intentions indirectly. Overall, the study contributes to SFL-based descriptions of modality in Chilean Spanish and provides a framework for analysing historical and official reports.