Pragmatic Analysis Of Hedges In EST

EST (English for science and technology) is of accuracy, precision and objectivity. Hedges, as an important part of fuzzy linguistics, are often neglected in this area. Therefore, by descriptive and qualitative analysis, this thesis aims at investigating into pragmatic functions and motivations of hedges in EST with corpora from scientific research articles. The thesis consists of five chapters:Chapter One introduces the reasons and significance of the study and relevant achievements in this area made by scholars at home and abroad. The author's research focus is made clear as well.Chapter Two presents an overview of previous studies on definitions and classifications of EST and hedges. Based on theoretical models of Prince et al. and Hyland, the author's analytical framework is established for pragmatic analysis of hedges in EST.In accordance with the analytical framework established in Chapter Two, Chapter Three classifies hedges in EST into three types, namely accuracy-oriented hedges, writer-oriented hedges and reader-oriented hedges. Their functions in EST are explained respectively.Within the framework of Verschueren's adaptation theory, Chapter Four proposes that hedges should be the result of adaptation to contextual correlates and structural objects, which provides theoretical explanation for the use of hedges in EST.Chapter Five summarizes the research results and significance of the thesis and points out limitations and directions for future study.The research shows that hedges are abundant in EST. They are accuracy-oriented hedges, writer-oriented hedges and reader-oriented hedges, which serve to achieve accuracy, protect writers and show respect to readers. The study also indicates that hedges could be attributed to the writer's adaptation to the mental, social and physical worlds at levels of words and sentences.A pragmatic analysis of hedges in EST could not only enrich the current studies on hedges but also help readers to understand writers' hedging strategies, which might be helpful to understand and write English scientific research articles.