论文总字数：71175字

摘 要

模糊性是语言的基本特征。语言模糊性是语言行为中的一个重要现象，在日常语言交往中随处可见。在国际政治及外交事务方面，模糊语言的使用与功能也极为重要。因外交工作事关国家利益，模糊外交语言被广泛应用于新闻发布会、答记者问及诸多重要的外交场合。因外交事务方面模糊语言的功用及其成效十分显著，笔者拟从语用学视域对外交模糊辞令进行探寻和分析。

从语用学视域对外交语言中模糊现象的分析和研究不仅对如何正确学习、理解和使用外交语言，以及成功地进行外交活动具有重要的指导意义，而且能够进一步丰富模糊语言学的研究成果。本文回顾了国内外模糊语言的相关研究，借助于经典的语言学理论，对外交模糊语言的功能进行考察和剖析，以期说明模糊语言在外交领域的语用功能。笔者对模糊语言和外交辞令的定义、特点及功能等内容进行概述，进而从语用学视域出发，以经典的语言学理论--格赖斯 (Grice) 的合作原则和利奇 (Leech) 的礼貌原则为理论基础，搜集、归纳并分析外交辞令的相关资料。

研究发现：1）在外交辞令中使用模糊语言遵循或违反了礼貌原则和合作原则的相关准则；2）外交人员经常使用模糊辞令以达到不同目的，外交模糊语言的实现主要归纳为三个方面，即词语、句法和篇章上的模糊；3）通过分析发现，在外交事务中恰当地运用模糊语言，能够促进各国间外交关系的发展，从而实现保护自身，表示礼貌，宣明立场，保留信息的语用效果。

关键词：语用学；模糊语言；外交辞令

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements i

English Abstract ii

Chinese Abstract iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables vii

Chapter One Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Significance of the Study 2

1.3 Layout of the Thesis 3

Chapter Two Literary Review 5

2.1 Definition and Pragmatic Function of Vague Language 5

2.2 Vague Language in Diplomatic English 7

2.2.1 Definition and Features of Diplomatic Language 7

2.2.2 Pragmatic Vagueness of Diplomatic Language 8

2.3 Theoretical Rationale 9

2.3.1 Cooperative Principle and Pragmatic Vagueness in Diplomatic Language 9

2.3.2 Politeness Principle and Pragmatic Vagueness in Diplomatic Language 11

2.4 Previous Studies on Vague Language at Home and Abroad 13

2.4.1 Studies on Vague Language Abroad 13

2.4.2 Studies on Vague Language at Home 15

Chapter Three Research Methodology 17

3.1 Research Questions 17

3.2 Data Collection 17

3.3 Research Process 18

Chapter Four Pragmatic Analysis of Vagueness in Diplomatic English .19

4.1 Language Expressions of Pragmatic Vagueness in Diplomatic English 19

4.1.1 Vague Expression in Vocabulary 19

4.1.2 Vague Expression in Syntax 21

4.1.3 Vague Expression in Paragraphs 23

4.2 Functions of Vague Diplomatic English 24

4.2.1 Protecting Oneself 25

4.2.2 Being Polite 27

4.2.3 Declaring Position 28

4.2.4 Withholding Information 29

4.3 Limitations of Vague Language in Diplomatic English 30

Chapter Five Conclusion 32

5.1 Major Findings 32

5.2 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Study 33

List of Tables

Table 1: Other Vague Expressions in Vocabulary……………………………………21

Table 2: Vague Expressions at Three Levels………...……………..…………….… 24

Chapter One Introduction

As is commonly the case, language expressions ought to be precise and clear, but in effect, at all levels of human language and every aspect of verbal communication, vagueness exists and marks an intrinsic feature of language which is of great usefulness in exchanging ideas and conveying information. Vagueness is an essential property of language and diplomatic language is no exception. From the perspective of pragmatics, a systematic, comprehensive study of vagueness in diplomatic language will be of great significance in better understanding diplomatic language and the practical functions of vagueness in promoting favorable relations among nations. This chapter offers a general introduction to the background of vague language, explains the significance of studying vagueness and finally presents the layout of the thesis.

1.1 Background of the Study

Science pursues certainty (Li Xiaoming, 1996). Since ancient times, science has been regarded as a set of isolated and static truths under the operation of general laws. It is commonly assumed, therefore, that the science of language requires a clear, accurate, direct practice of language and a good usage of it must entail clarity and precision, and that vagueness is a deficiency that ought to be dodged whenever and wherever possible. However, Stubbs (1986) argued that precise language is not necessarily more effective than vague language. The blind pursuit of scientific rationality can be misleading in many cases and a number of linguists have denounced this notion for being too simple a view of language and there are many dilemmas that we may encounter in real life. Because of the difficulty in achieving an expected result in every case, the imprecise and ambiguous use of language is marked as a preferred alternative by a large group of individuals as a resolution to tackle this problem. Vagueness is an intrinsic attribute of natural languages. Ever since Zadeh (1965:338-353) proposed “fuzzy sets”, i.e., a class of entities with a continuum of grades of membership, such characteristics of vague language as politeness, flexibility and euphemism were introduced to and noticed by people and this very feature of language, i.e., vagueness, has been employed on many significant occasions such as in business negotiations, political talks and diplomatic activities.

As the carrier of diplomatic affairs, diplomatic language with its own linguistic characteristics different from general language is employed in diplomatic activities as a communicative channel to maintain good diplomatic relations between various countries. In the field of diplomacy around the globe, diplomats have to be very careful in their use of words and expressions so that the cross-border exchanges would be carried out successfully and smoothly without causing much tension or misunderstanding. Therefore, it is safe to say that vague language plays a vital role in establishing harmonious diplomatic terms between nations by setting up ambiguity like blurring responses to sensitive issues. Vagueness employed in diplomatic language has recently aroused great attention of scholars at home and abroad. In general, vague language with its tactful, implicative features can improve the efficiency and flexibility of words and expressions employed on diplomatic occasions. An appropriate use of vague language in diplomatic activities would enable speakers to achieve the implied meaning of language expression in a large sense.

1.2 Significance of the Study

Vagueness occurs and contributes to daily exchanges. Although it is generally acknowledged that diplomatic activities are closely related to vague language, few have a clear picture in mind about the function of vagueness in helping achieve a desired outcome in diplomatic affairs. Recent studies have shown that language is no longer seen as a pure system of self-sufficiency, but it is regarded as a social act. Due to this academic trend in linguistic studies, a great number of scholars carried out researches on the phenomenon of vagueness from more flexible and various perspectives. Kempson (1977) and Lakoff (1972) studied vague language on the semantics and syntax level while Russell (1923), Ullman (1962), Deese (1974), and Burns (1991) did their research from the perspective of psychology, cognitive science and sociology. Indeed, much progress has been made in the past years in the field of vagueness studies, yet it is safe to say that studies integrating pragmatic theories and specific example with the phenomenon of vagueness are considerably insufficient. Therefore, it is of great importance to systematically and elaborately analyze the pragmatic function of vague diplomatic language. This study intended to analyze and illuminate pragmatic vagueness in diplomatic language on the basis of the Cooperative Principle and the Politeness Principle in the purpose of raising individuals’ awareness of the use of vagueness in diplomacy as well as understanding its functions in keeping positive diplomatic relations between nations.

In addition, studying vagueness in diplomatic language from the pragmatic perspective not only provides us with a broader scope on linguistic researches but also equips us with an insight into the learning and practice of diplomatic activities. The proper adoption of vague language on diplomatic occasions plays a significant role in promoting the development of diplomatic relations among various countries, realizing the functions of protecting oneself, being polite, declaring position, and withholding information. Analyzing vagueness in the diplomatic language from the pragmatic perspective will provide important guidance for comprehending and using diplomatic language appropriately in diplomatic activities.

1.3 Layout of the Thesis

剩余内容已隐藏，请支付后下载全文，论文总字数：71175字