英语访谈节目中模糊限制语的顺应性研究 ——《拉里·金访谈》个案分析

论文摘要

本文的研究对象是英语访谈节目会话中模糊限制语的刻意使用。在前人对模糊限制语的研究基础上,本文以Verschueren(2000)提出的语言顺应论为理论框架分析了CNN著名的电视访谈节目《拉里·金访谈》的23期节目会话,对访谈会话中的模糊限制语现象进行了定量和定性分析,对每期节目对话中出现的模糊限制语数量进行了统计,旨在从变异性和顺应性方面解释会话过程中的这一现象。本文着重研究了三个问题:语言顺应理论何以解释访谈会话中说话人刻意使用模糊限制语这一现象?模糊限制语在访谈会话中的实现方式有哪些?访谈会话中使用模糊限制语时的决定因素可能是什么?针对以上问题,本研究以Verschueren(2000)的语言顺应论为理论框架探讨了模糊限制语使用的生成机制,认为这一语言现象的出现是顺应各种语境因素的结果。作为一种交际策略,模糊限制语有各种不同的语言实现形式,包括多种起到模糊限制作用的词汇、短语、被动语态等等,说话者根据实际需要选择一种或几种模糊限制语。本研究发现,访谈会话中的说话人选择使用模糊限制语这一交际策略是受到各种语境因素制约的结果,其顺应性主要表现在对访谈场合、访谈参与者的动机和情绪等心理因素和参与者之间的权力关系的顺应。正是由于上述多种语境因素的制约,说话者转向使用模糊限制语来满足自己的交际需求。本研究希望通过英语访谈节目中说话人使用模糊限制语的实例验证顺应理论对语言使用的强大解释力,同时希望能揭示会话过程中说话人如何恰当地使用语言以达到良好的交际效果。

论文目录

• 摘要
• ABSTRACT
• Chapter 1 Introduction
• 1.1 General Introduction
• 1.2 Research Questions
• 1.3 Research Methodology
• 1.4 Rationale of the Study
• 1.5 Significance of the Study
• 1.6 Structure of the Thesis
• Chapter 2 Literature Review
• 2.1 Studies on TV Interview Programs
• 2.1.1 A General Survey of TV Interview Programs
• 2.1.2 Studies on TV Interview Programs both at Home and Abroad
• 2.1.3 A Brief Account of Larry King Live
• 2.2 Previous Studies on Hedges
• 2.2.1 A Historical Overview of Researches on Hedges Abroad
• 2.2.2 Studies on Hedges at Home
• 2.3 Studies on Linguistic Adaptation Theory
• 2.3.1 Relevant Studies Abroad
• 2.3.2 Relevant Studies in China
• Chapter 3 Theoretical Framework
• 3.1 The Working Definition and Taxonomy of Hedges
• 3.2 A General Introduction of Linguistic Adaptation Theory
• 3.2.1 Three Properties of Language
• 3.2.2 Four Angles of Investigation
• 3.2.3 Summary of Linguistic Adaptation Theory
• 3.3 A Conceptual Framework for Analyzing Hedges in English Interview Programs
• Summary
• Chapter 4 Variability of Hedges in Selected Data of Larry King Live
• 4.1 Linguistic Realizations of Hedges in Larry King Live
• 4.1.1 Lexical Hedges
• 4.1.1.1 Modal Auxiliaries
• 4.1.1.2 Verbs
• 4.1.1.3 Adverbs
• 4.1.1.4 Adjectives
• 4.1.1.5 Nouns
• 4.1.2 Non-lexical Hedges
• 4.1.2.1 Phrasal Hedges
• 4.1.2.2 If-clauses
• 4.1.2.3 Passive Voice
• 4.1.2.4 Tag Questions
• 4.1.2.5 Impersonalization
• 4.2 Frequency of Hedges in Selected Data of Larry King Live
• Summary
• Chapter 5 Adaptation of Hedges in Interview Conversations of Larry King Live
• 5.1 Adaptation to Interview Settings
• 5.1.1 The Host's Role
• 5.1.2 The Guest's Role
• 5.1.3 The Audience's Role
• 5.2 Adaptation to the Mental World
• 5.2.1 Adaptation to Various Motivations
• 5.2.1.1 Keeping Privacy
• 5.2.1.2 Protecting Oneself
• 5.2.1.3 Constructing Identity
• 5.2.1.4 Keeping other's Esteem
• 5.2.2 Adaptation to Emotions
• 5.3 Adaptation to the Social World
• 5.3.1 Adaptation to Power
• 5.3.1.1 Adaptation to Institutional Power
• 5.3.1.2 Adaptation to Expert Power
• 5.3.1.3 Adaptation to the Third Party's Social Position
• 5.3.2 Adaptation to Politeness
• Summary
• Chapter 6 Conclusion
• 6.1 Major Findings
• 6.2 Implications
• 6.3 Limitations of the Present Study
• 6.4 Suggestions for Further Studies
• Acknowledgements
• Publications
• Bibliography
• Appendix
• Figures and Tables