英文商务信函中模糊语言的语用分析

论文摘要

模糊性是自然语言的属性之一，研究角度各异。本文旨在从语用学角度研究写信人在英文商务信函中有意地使用模糊语言，运用Verschueren的语言顺应论解释人们在什么时候会有意地使用模糊语言以及Brown和Levinson的面子理论解释人们为什么在这些时候有意地使用模糊语言。由文中的分析我们可以得出结论：英文商务信函中的模糊语言是写信人在顺应不同语境的情况下为了照顾双方的面子来使用的。模糊语言在英文商务信函中的积极语用功能为：(1)提高商务语言的恰当性；(2)增强商务交流的灵活性；(3)有意地截留信息；(4)减轻面子威胁的影响；(5)自我保护和(6)体现对方立场。本文同时指出模糊语言在英文商务信函中不仅有积极的语用功能，同时也存在消极的功能。本论文力图通过对英文商务信函中模糊语言的语用分析，在理论上揭示模糊语言是语言选择和语言顺应的结果，是为了照顾双方面子而使用的产物。在实际应用上，使人们更好地理解怎样利用模糊语言写出有效的英文商务信函。

论文目录

• Acknowledgements
• 摘要
• Abstract
• Chapter 1 Introduction
• 1.1 Introduction to the Study
• 1.2 Rationale of the Study
• 1.3 Data Collection and Research Method
• 1.4 Organization of the Thesis
• 1.5 Summary
• Chapter 2 Literature Review
• 2.1 A Working Definition of Vague Language
• 2.2 Comparison of Some Confusing Terms
• 2.2.1 Vagueness vs Fuzziness
• 2.2.2 Vagueness vs Generality
• 2.2.3 Vagueness vs Ambiguity
• 2.3 Justifications for the Study of Vague Language in Pragmatics
• 2.4 Theoretical Prerequisites
• 2.4.1 Linguisitc Adaptation Theory
• 2.4.2 Face Theory
• 2.5 An Overview of Business Correspondence
• 2.6 Summary
• Chapter 3 Pragmatic Analysis of Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.1 Application of Linguistic Adaptation Theory to the Analysis of Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.1.1 General Situations of Adopting Vague Language in Communication
• 3.1.2 Specific Contexts of Adopting Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.2 Application of Face Theory to the Analysis of Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.2.1 Politeness and Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.2.2 Addresser's Face and Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.2.3 Addressee's Face and Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 3.3 Summary
• Chapter 4 Pragmatic Functions of Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 4.1 Positive Functions of Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 4.1.1 Increasing the Appropriateness of Business Language
• 4.1.2 Enhancing the Flexibility of Business Communication
• 4.1.3 Deliberately Withholding Information
• 4.1.4 Mitigating the Face-threatening Effects
• 4.1.5 Self-protection
• 4.1.6 Indicating You-attitude
• 4.2 Negative Functions of Vague Language in English Business Correspondence
• 4.3 Summary
• Chapter 5 Conclusion
• Works Cited
• 攻读硕士学位期间发表的论文和取得的科研成果