A Study Of Pragmatic Vagueness In Diplomatic Language

Vagueness of language is a universal phenomenon. Since the concept and theory of fuzzy linguistics was proposed in the 1960 s, researchers have made much systematic descriptive study on vague language, especially on the aspects of semantics. However, in recent years, the various theories and principles of pragmatics have made considerable progress in describing and explaining complex phenomena in vague language. Most people hold the opinion that diplomatic activities have always been requiring clear and concrete language, so the systematic study of vagueness in diplomatic language has been neglected. In fact, vague language is widely used in worldwide diplomatic occasions.The present thesis is a pragmatic analysis of vagueness in diplomatic language. By introducing different aspects of vague terms and the existence of vagueness, this thesis is to expound vagueness in diplomatic language based on Cooperative Principle and Politeness Principle. This thesis is composed of four chapters except for introduction and conclusion:This paper begins with a brief introduction of the theoretical background of present study, methodology of this thesis and the significance of the study, and then shows the outline of the whole thesis.Chapter 1 dwells on the subject matter of this study vagueness. It presents the review of fuzzy linguistics, provides the diversity of the definitions, offers the previous study of vagueness at home and abroad, and gives the reasons of existence of vagueness from objective and subjective aspects.Chapter 2 focuses upon vagueness phenomena in diplomatic language. The definition of diplomacy and diplomatic language, the general features of diplomatic language are illustrated. Linguistic realization of vagueness in diplomatic language is analyzed from lexical level, syntactical level and contextual level.Chapter 3 is the theoretical basis of this thesis, which illustrates vagueness in diplomatic language from the angle of pragmatics. It gives the definition and classification of pragmatic vagueness. Great efforts have been made to analyze the vague expressions in diplomatic language mainly by Cooperative Principle and Politeness Principle.Chapter 4 aims at explicating the pragmatic functions of vagueness in diplomatic language. Vagueness in diplomatic language can achieve the following effects: achieving politeness, declaring one s position, protecting oneself, withholding information, breaking the deadlock and creating harmonious atmosphere. However, pragmatic vagueness may not work well if it is not used appropriately. By introducing some negative aspects of exaggerating vagueness of language, it cautions people to treat vagueness of language scientifically: not to ignore and not to exaggerate or abuse.Although some limitations can be found in the present study, it necessarily has its important implications. The diplomats who are aware of vagueness strategy and make use of it appropriately are more likely to communicate more accurately and effectively in diplomatic language. This thesis would do a favor to students who major in diplomacy to better realize the communicative intentions or better understand the implied meaning of vague language.