Abstract:
This corpus-based exploratory study examines modal verbs in Zimbabwean English (ZimE), and British English, to determine whether there are variations in use
between the two varieties. Data from the ZimE corpus and the International Corpus
of English Great Britain (ICE-GB) were analysed quantitatively and statistically to
gain insights into how the usage patterns of modal verbs might be influenced by the
usage context. Results show variations in the frequency of can and will, with the
ZimE corpus registering more frequencies compared to the ICE-GB. The frequencies of could, may, might, and would were higher in the ICE-GB compared to the
ZimE corpus. Overall, the ICE-GB contained more modal verbs than the ZimE corpus. In the spoken registers, results indicate that could, may, might, shall, and would
occurred more in the ICE-GB, while can and will were attested more in the ZimE
corpus compared to the ICE-GB. In the written registers, the ICE-GB recorded more
occurrences of could, may, might, and would. A qualitative analysis was done by
means of semantic interpretations of the modal verbs in different contexts. Results
show the use of can be able to occurring as a modal phrase. The effects of language
contact also lead to code-switching. Both results serve as possible motivations for
variation. Furthermore, the use of can and will in past time contexts, and the use of
the habitual will in past contexts, account for the higher overall frequencies of can
and will in the ZimE corpus.
