A Pragmatic Study Of The Verbal Strategies To Establish Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships play an important role in our life. The present study focuses on the verbal strategies to establish romantic relationships. It mainly belongs to a qualitative study based on the data collected from literary works, TV series, movies and daily conversation. The theoretical framework is based on three psychological theories, namely, impression management, social penetration theory and uncertainty reduction theory. The investigation concentrates on identifying and explaining the strategies. A survey is done to find out the use frequency of these strategies in daily conversation and the gender difference in the employment of these strategies.In this study, initiation as a stage is treated in a sense different from previous researches. The beginning stage of the relationship is delicately divided into three stages, namely, initiation, intensification and establishment. The verbal strategies are induced from the data collected beforehand and are classified according to the stages they are generally used in.In explaining these strategies, it is believed in this paper that the strategies in the initiation stage are used to leave the target person with a positive or favorable impression. Some strategies are used to pass on the impression of romantic interest. As for the strategies employed in the intensification stage, they are used to promote understanding. Partners usually disclose something affectionate or private so as to increase the degree of intimacy. The strategies adopted in the establishment stage are used to reduce the uncertainty regarding the nature of the relationship and clearly define the relationship as a romantic one.A survey is done in this study to make sure that these strategies are actually used in daily conversation. Most strategies identified in this paper have got a high rating by subjects. That is to say, most strategies are often used in daily conversation. The results of the survey also show gender difference in using these strategies. Men tend to use these strategies more often than women.We have made a preliminary study of the verbal strategies to establish romantic relationships. What is found out in this paper may have theoretical values for related study and practical values for enlightening the way to establish romantic relationships.