The construction of stance in English and Arabic newspaper editorials: a case study

This study investigates the construction of authorial stance in English and Arabic newspaper editorials using Hyland's taxonomy (hedges, boosters, attitude markers, self-mentions). Analyzing 80 editorials (40 from The Guardian, UK, and 40 from Addustour, Jordan), a mixed-methods approach revealed significant differences. Arabic editorials frequently used attitude markers, followed by boosters, hedges, and self-mentions. English editorials primarily used hedges, followed by attitude markers, boosters, and self-mentions. The study concludes that language influences stance construction in editorials, with implications for second-language writing instruction.

Sharif Alghazo, Khulood Al-Anbar, Ghaleb Rabab'ah, Nimer Abusalim, Mohammad Rayyan