摘要

言语行为理论是语言语用学研究中的一个重要理论。据此理论，人们在说话表达时，实质是在执行某些行为。说话人在说话时可能同时进行三种行为：言内行为、言外行为和言后行为。塞尔在奥斯汀的基础上，将言外行为分为阐述类、指令类、承诺类、表达类、宣告类。间接话语是言外行为的表达形式。美剧《致命女人》中的间接话语传达大量语境信息，突出作品的黑色幽默又引人反思。文章以言语行为理论为基础，对《致命女人》的五类言外行为进行分析，让观众更易理解作品中角色的塑造及表达的主题思想。同时，本文证明了言语行为理论分析影视剧本的可行性。进一步来说，本文为今后影视作品的发展激发新思路。

关键词：言语行为理论  《致命女人》  电视剧  言外行为  间接话语 

Contents

Chapter One  Introduction 1

1.1  Research Subject 1

1.2  Research Reason 1

1.3  Research Question 2

1.4  Research Method and Purpose 2

1.5  Structure 2

Chapter Two  Literature Review 4

2.1  Previous Studies on American TV Series 4

2.2  Previous Studies on Speech Act Theory 6

2.2.1 Previous Studies on Speech Act Theory at Home 6

2.2.2 Previous Studies on Speech Act Theory Abroad 7

2.3  Comment 7

Chapter Three  Theoretical Framework 9

3.1  Austin’s Concept of Speech Act Theory 9

3.2  Searle’s Development of Speech Act Theory 11

3.3  Summary 11

Chapter Four  Analysis of Indirect Speech in Why Women Kill 13

4.1  Introduction of Why Women Kill 13

4.1.1 Basic Situation 13

4.1.2 Three Major Characters 14

4.2  Indirect Speech in Why Women Kill 15

4.2.1. Representatives 15

4.2.2. Directives 17

4.2.3. Commissives 18

4.2.4. Expressives 20

4.2.5. Declarations 21

Chapter Five  Conclusion 23

5.1  Major Findings 23

5.2  Limitations and Suggestions for Future Study 23

Bibliography 24

Acknowledgements 25