Segunemisest

Segunemisest is a theoretical construct in discourse analysis and sociolinguistics that describes a discourse strategy in which speakers foreground external authorities as the source of their claims, rather than presenting conclusions as self-evident. By embedding statements within citations or references, speakers shape how audiences attribute credibility to the asserted propositions. Segunemisest is studied to understand how attribution to sources influences perceived authority and stance-taking in communication.

Etymology and development: The term combines segun, a Spanish word meaning “according to,” with emis, a shorthand linked to emission or dissemination of information, and est, derived from the Latin “est” meaning “is.” The construction signals a cross-linguistic, source-centered approach to argumentation. The concept emerged in theoretical discussions about citation practices in the late 2010s and has since been used in cross-cultural analyses of media, politics, and academia.

Features and usage: Segunemisest is marked by frequent use of quotative frames and attribution markers such as “according to,” “as reported by,” or “per the study.” It often involves chaining multiple sources to build a composite stance, sometimes blending direct quotes with paraphrase. In practice, it can function to diffuse responsibility for claims by tying them to authorities rather than to the speaker.

Relation and critique: The concept helps distinguish between personal assertion and sourced assertion, and it interfaces with related ideas such as epistemic authority and hedging. Critics note that heavy reliance on sources can obscure the speaker’s reasoning or misrepresent the authority of cited material if sources are selected selectively.