The Interpretation Of Vagueness In Diplomatic Language From The Perspective Of The Interpretive Theory: A Study Based On President Xi Jinping’s Two Keynote Speeches

In diplomatic activities, diplomats often use vagueness in diplomatic languageintentionally in order to maintain friendly relationship and avoid conflicts with othercountries. Although there are some studies about vagueness in diplomatic language, theauthor finds there exists very limited research about the interpretation vagueness indiplomatic language under the framework of the Interpretive Theory. This thesis usesthe Interpretive Theory as the theoretical foundation to study the interpretation ofvagueness in diplomatic language and tries to conclude some effective interpretingmethods based on the two main interpreting strategies proposed by former researcherby analyzing two keynote speeches delivered by President Xi Jinping at the openingplenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and the Mexico Senate in2013.The author hopes these strategies and methods can help interpreters better deal withdiplomatic vagueness and improve the interpretation quality of diplomatic language.There are five chapters in this thesis. The first chapter is the introduction partwhich introduces the research background, research methodology, purpose andsignificance of the research, and the layout of the thesis. The second chapter is theliterature review and the theoretical framework. The third chapter is the research ofdiplomatic language and vagueness. In chapter four, two interpreting strategies areintroduced and some methods are concluded by using concepts and knowledge of theInterpretive Theory to analyze the two keynote speeches. The last chapter is theconclusion and limitations of this thesis as well as suggestions for future studies.