模糊语在政治演说中的语用分析-以奥巴马就职演说为例_英语论文

Application of Vague Language in Obama's Inaugural Address —A Pragmatic Approach

摘要

模糊性是语言的基本属性，在日常的对话交际中广泛存在。在日常生活里合理的使用能够使观点更加有理有据，方便交流，巩固人们之间的关系。语用学和模糊语之间也有很多联系，语用学的理论可以为研究模糊语提供另外的观点与视角。

本文拟站在语用学理论的角度,研究模糊语在政治演讲中的应用。首先，对模糊语的研究发展及其基本信息进行简要介绍，以便对模糊语有更为深刻及具体的了解。第二，作者整体概括了有关模糊语的相关内容，主要包括定义及其类型，明确区分出模糊语的含义及其在日常生活中所发挥的作用。第三，作者介绍了模糊语同语境以及语义之间的联系，并采用一些实例进行进一步的阐述论证。接下来作者以奥巴马的就职演讲为例，深入探讨模糊语在政治演讲中所发挥的效用。

关键词：模糊修辞；语用功能；奥巴马就职演讲 

Abstract

Vagueness is an essential attribute of language and widely exists in it. During the process of daily communication, vague language can help one’s expression more reasonable, which makes the communication more smooth and strengths the relationship among people. Pragmatics and vagueness have lots of connection. Pragmatic theories can provide another point of view to the analysis of rhetorical vagueness.

This dissertation tries to analyze the vague language from the perspective of pragmatics and discuss the vague language in depth. First, the author introduces some basic information about vagueness. Secondly, the author gives an overview of vagueness which includes the definition and types. Thirdly, the author introduces the relationship among vagueness, context and meaning. Then, the author gives some information about vague language and pragmatic theories. At last, the author takes Obama’s Inauguration Speech as example, and investigates the effect of vague language in political speech.

Keywords:  rhetorical vagueness; pragmatic function; Obama’s Inauguration Speech 

Contents

I. Introduction 1

II. Overview of Vagueness 3

2.1 Definition of Vagueness 3

2.2 Types of Vagueness 3

2.2.1 Logic Vagueness 3

2.2.2 Semantic Vagueness 4

2.2.3 Figurative Vagueness 4

III. Vague Language, Meaning and Context 5

3.1 Vague Language and Meaning 5

3.1.1 Semantic Vagueness and Static Meaning 5

3.1.2 Pragmatic Vagueness and Dynamic Meaning 5

3.1.3 The Relationship between Semantic Vagueness and Pragmatic Vagueness 6

3.2 Vague Language and Context 6

3.2.1 Context and Utterance Meaning 6

3.2.2 Vague Language Realized in Context 7

3.2.3 Vagueness Restricted by Context 7

IV. A Pragmatic Analysis of Rhetorical Vagueness of President Obama’s Inaugural Address 8

4.1 Devices of Rhetorical Vagueness of President Obama’s Inaugural Address 8

4.1.1 Vague Words and Expressions in President Obama's Inaugural Address 8

4.1.1.1 Empty Nouns 9

4.1.1.2 Vague Adjectives and Adverbs 9

4.1.1.3 Selection of Pronouns 10

4.1.2 Hedges in President Obama’s Inaugural Address 11

4.1.2.1 Approximators in President Obama's Inaugural Address 11

4.1.2.2 Modal Auxiliary Verbs in President Obama’s Inaugural Address 12

4.2 Pragmatic Function of Rhetorical Vagueness in President Obama's Inaugural Address 12

4.2.1 Textual Function of Political Vagueness 13

4.2.2 Interpersonal Function of Political vagueness 13

4.2.2.1 Purposefully Withholding Information 14

4.2.2.2 Threatening 14

4.2.2.3 Showing Politeness 14

4.2.2.4 Creating a Blueprint 15

V. Conclusion 16

Bibliography 18