signalsverbal

Signalsverbal is a term used in discourse analysis to denote a class of verbs that function as signals about the source, reliability, or stance of a proposition within a text. The term is not standardized in mainstream grammar and may appear in specialized literature, where it is related to, or sometimes treated as synonymous with, reporting verbs or stance verbs.

Definition and scope: Signalsverbal verbs explicitly indicate the speaker’s or writer’s attitude toward the proposition, the source of the information, or the degree of certainty associated with it. They help to frame the proposition rather than to convey its propositional content directly. Common examples include assert, claim, argue, suggest, indicate, report, maintain, contend, and deny. In contrast to pure content verbs that describe actions of the subject, signalsverbal verbs convey epistemic stance or discourse status.

Usage and analysis: In corpus and discourse analysis, researchers may tag signalsverbal verbs to study authorial stance, source attribution, or hedging. The selection of a signalsverbal verb can affect perceived certainty, bias, and the reader’s trust. For instance: “The study claims that...” signals a level of claimed status; “Experts indicate that...” implies external validation; “He denies the allegation” signals opposition.

Cross-linguistic notes: While English has a rich set of reporting and stance verbs, other languages may package signaling differently via mood, evidentiality, or quotative particles.

Related terms: reporting verb, stance verb, epistemic modality, hedging, discourse marker.