A Semiotic And Pragmatic Exploration Into Non-verbal And Verbal Images In International Exhibition Profiles

This thesis focuses on the analysis of non-verbal and verbal images in international exhibition profiles from the perspectives of semiotics and pragmatics. Chinese academic circles have undertaken systematic researches on the advertising industry. However, few specific and relevant studies cover the field of international exhibition profiles ?a special type of advertisements. Chinese international exhibition industry, a sunrise industry, is playing an increasing important role in contribution to economic development of China and the whole world. The image of a profile represents the image of the publicized exhibition. Organizers' semiotic and pragmatic awareness of the significance of image will spawn improvement of profile images, prosperity of the exhibition industry and, in turn, give birth to the win-win situation for both businesses home and abroad.The thesis consists of five chapters as follows:Chapter 1, Introduction, briefs the definition and properties of the target of the present study - international exhibition profiles, along with the general illustration of the data sources, research methodology and the organization of the thesis.The second chapter, Literature Review, summarizes the relevant theories concerning semiotics, pragmatic politeness theory from the perspective of cross-cultural communication, laying a theoretical framework for further analysis.The third chapter focuses on the analysis of images of non-verbal signs in international exhibition profiles: applying semiotic theories to the analysis of indexical and iconic functions, symbolic and connotative values and rhetorical power of non-verbal signs.Chapter four concentrates on the analysis of images of linguistic message in international exhibition profiles. This image is conveyed by means of involvement and independence strategies. The analysis develops through the clue of lexical items, syntactical features and stylistic-rhetorical means.The fifth chapter is the Conclusion. Following a general summary of the whole thesis is an extended discussion, together with the possible contributions and practical implications of this thesis for exhibition industry and the whole publicity industry. Finally, the Conclusion also designates the limitations of this research and suggests possible further work for more profound research concerning the exhibition industry.