Sit on the Fence and Hedging

My name is Duncan Brown and I am an English Facilitator, here are some of my thoughts about learning the English language. 

As I have written before, language is culture and has an effect on manners. I also questioned, Does your personality change depending on the language you speak? People think English is a direct language, and Japanese is a vague language, but in reality, this is an over-generalisation.

The phrase “sit on the fence” means to remain neutral on a topic and not have a stance or opinion. This English idiom can also be used to describe someone who doesn’t give an opinion to avoid being judged, take personal responsibility, or refuse to get involved in a dispute or discussion. This inaction or indecision is not a direct opinion, as you can see.

As for hedging, this is to describe a statement that doesn’t commit to anything or is intentionally vague. This fuzzy language can be seen as weak. “Can be” is hedging, as I am not saying it IS weak because hedging is used to communicate imprecise information or ideas. Virtually everyone usually hedges practically every day. You get the idea, maybe. As life is imprecise, there are too many variables for absolutes in some things.

As for both, sitting on the fence or hedging, these can be seen as negative because people sometimes view it as indecisive or secretive behaviour. But I disagree that it is negative behaviour; it’s cautious language or an inaction to demonstrate indifference or uncertainty.

Hedging words express uncertainty or soften a statement.

Seem, suggest, may, might, could, possibly, perhaps, probably, assumption. These words are used in academic writing and scientific theories, which we often recognise as having some truth.

Other hedging phrases like "in my opinion" or "to some extent" demonstrate humility and limitations; you’re working with the knowledge you have, and that you don’t know everything!

I know direct-speaking Japanese people who are not vague in their meaning. Nothing could be achieved in business, politics, or even in a household if the Japanese language were vague. I can’t imagine a world where “Might I suggest a possible alternative answer” could replace “You’re wrong!” 違います！

I think direct and vague language exists in the culture of language, the individual’s personality, and the etiquette required in a situation. Is it a cultural difference? Is it the person? Is it the right time? If that’s the case, in my opinion, sometimes, it’s good to sit on the fence and possibly hedge sentences.