Modality in Teacher-to-Teacher Talk of Forced Online Learning

The objectives of this study were to investigate the types of modality, describe the ways the modality was realized, and explain the reasons for the realization of modality in teacher-to-teacher talk of forced online learning. The data of this study were sentences expressing modality uttered by teachers while they were talking about forced online learning. There were two techniques performed by the researcher in collecting the data, namely: participant observation and interview. Based on the data analysis conducted it was found that the four types of modality, namely: probability (61%), usuality (13%), obligation (21%), and inclination (5%) were realized. Furthermore, the modality was realized through modal operators (47%), modal adjuncts (27%), interpersonal metaphors (16%), and predicator constituents (10%). Moreover, there were some combinations of the types of modality and the realizations of modality realized. It can be concluded that the teachers had many ways to assert and deny and to prescribe and proscribe when they were talking about forced online learning. Furthermore, it was found that modality was realized because of the tenor. It is because of the roles played by the teachers taking part in the conversations (power, contact, formality, and contact) and also the values that the teachers imbue about forced online learning (positive and negative values). Thus, the government should consider many aspects especially what teachers think in their attempt to make policies regarding the implementation of online learning in Indonesia.