On Hedges And Learning Of English

In general, people tend to use precise language to express their ideas in daily communication. However, sometimes in order to better send messages the vague language is widely used. As we all know, vagueness is an inherent property of human language. And as an important member in the vague family, hedges become a common phenomenon in communication and play a unique role which precise language fails to do. Appropriate use of hedges can not only enhance the expressiveness of language and the efficiency of communication but also make the expression more natural, polite and flexible for human beings to better exchange ideas and feelings. In this way the relationship between both parties in the conversation can be maintained and improved and finally the aim of communication is achieved. Since the 1970s, foreign scholars and linguists have made many studies on hedges in various aspects, and their researches turn out to be profound and comprehensive. In contrast, similar studies on hedges in our country have not reached the same level and there is a broad space for further exploration and research. Here it is expected that this thesis can present a further and deeper understanding of hedges as well as provide some implications and suggestions in improving English learners'pragmatic competence in foreign language teaching.The thesis firstly introduces the definition and classification of hedges in specific, and then follows the present studies on hedges and classroom discourse. Secondly, by conducting a small-scale investigation in the form of questionnaire and language test, the thesis tries to prove that the tolerance of vagueness is related to the language level. Thirdly, by searching and analyzing the transcription of English class's videos, the thesis presents the usage of hedges in English classes at middle school and gives answers to questions like how many times teachers and students use hedges in class respectively and which type they usually use. And then it summarizes the pragmatic function of hedges used in English class. At last, the thesis puts forward some suggestions in teaching hedges and improving English learners' pragmatic competence accordingly.