The Study Of Strategies On The Responses To Indirect Speech Act

The theory of Indirect Speech Act is an important part in pragmatics. The thesis first gives a brief introduction to speech act theory established by linguists Austin and Searle and its development stage. Then makes a list of three modes of responses for indirect speech act. It also makes an exploration of strategic responses and motives affecting indirect speech act. Through analysis, it is found that seeking politeness is the most dynamic factor of using indirect speech act; and economy is an indispensable supplement to politeness. It also illustrates various approaches realizing indirect response. Meanwhile, it points out that, to a great extent, the communicative effect is dependent on the study of all manner of responses and motives. In view of that, so long as we combine indirect speech act theory with communicative strategies and take the related principles into consideration, can we have a full comprehension of indirect meaning of discourse and communicate with each other in a better way.