Using language to shape identity in academic discourse: the case of disclaimers and provisos

The chapter investigates the use by scholars of disclaimers and provisos to deny, renounce or limit responsibilities as to the reliability and quality of the information presented in their work. Interestingly, a number of scientific journals specifically ask contributors to complete a section detailing possible limitations of the research submitted. By analysing a small corpus of academic texts, this chapter examines how disclaimers and provisos are constructed in a number of disciplinary areas in order to identify their most salient discoursal features. It shows authors also use disclaimers and provisos for a variety of other purposes, from displaying a sense of humour to emphasising the originality of their work. This contribution is highly revealing of how identity, whether individual or collective, is defined and outlined in these texts.