Questions In TV Feature Interviews Revisiting The Pragmatic Functions Of Interrogative Forms

This paper puts forth a tentative framework for the analysis of the pragmatic functions displayed by N-type or non-standard questions occurring in TV feature interviews. Recent linguists concern themselves much with the non-information-seeking functions of questions and the process of interrogative syntax fulfilling these functions. Yet, so far, few attempts have been made to address interrogatives of the pragmatic functions occurring in a naturalistic verbal context. This study is aimed at providing a bird's-eye-view of the formulation and interpretation of questions with typical non-informational functions found in the semi-institutional interview talk.Verschueren (2000)'s Linguistic Adaptation Theory is employed as the theoretical tool for the analysis of 299 question tokens found in three Chinese TV feature interview programs. Accordingly, the pragmatic functions of these questions are identified according to the responses following them or the lack of response. In terms of the linguistic and extra-linguistic contexts, these questions fall into four main categories—position taking, conversation extension, empathy arousing and information checking. Sub-functions can be distinguished under each major group. The realization of these functions stems from the interplay of the linguistic forms and their contexts. Central to discussion are three contextual correlates in concern of interpersonal relationships which influence the use of N-type questions, i.e. institutional roles, power distribution and politeness strategies. The respective institutional role of the interviewer, the interviewee and the audience entitles them with different status. Their rights and obligations are often executed by means of N-type questions. Power balance in the interviewer-interviewee relationship is maintained to a certain extent through negotiation. The interviewer with privileged institutional authority resorts to interrogatives to conduct the program and communicate indirectly his/her personal stance. The interviewee also relies on them to convey his/her contextual power. The power relationshop between the interviewer and...