Hedging & Diplomatic Language

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

What this means for emotional intelligence in practice is less than comfortable. The frameworks popularised by Daniel Goleman were largely constructed from Western data. Applying them globally without cultural adjustment risks producing a new kind of social illiteracy.

Grammar Reference · Hedging & Diplomatic Language

Modal hedge

Use might, may, could to soften a claim. This could reflect a cultural bias. Avoids sounding absolute.

Lexical hedge

Use arguably, to some extent, somewhat. Arguably, no single model fits every culture. Signals openness to debate.

Distancing phrase

Use it has been suggested / it is widely believed. Attributes the claim to others, not the writer.

Common error

Maybe facial expressions are universal. ✗ in formal writing → use It could be argued that ✓

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Hedging & Diplomatic Language

1.Emotional intelligence be more culturally specific than Goleman suggested.

2., facial expressions do carry some universal meaning across cultures.

3. that sustained eye contact has different meanings in different cultures.

4.The research findings reflect a bias in how participants were selected.

5.This framework applies, , to East Asian professional contexts.

6.Silence in Japanese workplaces be interpreted as agreement.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Emotions are the same everywhere.

2.Social intelligence cannot be taught.

3.Eye contact always signals confidence.

4.Goleman's model is wrong outside the West.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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