Multiple Modals in Ulster-Scots – Wishful Thinking or Reality? (in search of an approach to the problem)

The aim of the study is to assess the extent to which constructions with multiple modal verbs (MMs) and analytical forms of modal verbs in Ulster-Scots are covered in reference and student’s grammars and whether these phenomena can be considered as systemic differential features of the idiom in question. The material for the study consists of grammars and descriptions of Scots, F.S. Robinson’s “Ulster-Scots: a grammar of the traditional written and spoken language” being the principal primary source. The methods used are as follows: observation, description, comparison, as well as some elements of quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Results of the study: MMs (e.g. might could do, etc.) and analytical forms of modal verbs can be characterized as elements of the system and differential features of Ulster-Scots, as well as Scotticisms. They are still present in everyday speech, but are poorly represented in the language of local literature.