This thesis uses data from two German reality TV shows, Bares für Rares (“Cash for Rarities”) and Zwischen Tüll und Tränen (“Between Tulle and Tears”), to examine the pragmatic function(s) of the German modal particle mal. To facilitate an analysis of mal focused on facework, I have proposed a model for the participation framework of these televised interactions.

Existing work on mal has focused almost exclusively on its role in requests. The most common explanation for mal’s function is that it indicates that the requested action is small and easy to accomplish (e.g., de Vriendt et al. 1991, Hentschel 1991, Kotorova 2015, Weydt 1969). Some authors have also posited that mal serves to build relationships, indicate sensitivity to the addressee’s point of view, and/or signal friendliness or informality (e.g., Braber 2006; Franck 1980; Weydt 1969, 2006).

As expected, there were numerous cases in these data where mal was used in requests. However, speakers also used mal in a wide range of additional contexts not accounted for the existing literature. These data allow for the general characterization of mal as a downtoner that is often used to convey tentativeness and/or to mitigate a perceived face threat. The consistent use of mal in imperatives, especially alongside particular verbs, is also highly suggestive of conventionalization. Finally, numerous examples in these data appear consistent with the theory that mal serves to convey friendliness, casualness, empathy, or connectedness.

Although modal particles are an important part of pragmatic competence in German, speakers often find it difficult to explicitly articulate their meanings, and treatment in textbooks is often inadequate (Bardovi-Harlig & Dörnyei 1998, Belz & Vyatkina 2005, Duch-Adamczyk 2012, Heggelund 2001, Hogeweg et al. 2016, Möllering 2001). These findings thus have significant potential to contribute to language teaching and textbook development.