ABSTRACT
This paper explores the definition and the original development of vague language in the context of previous research in China. Based on analysis of vague language and features of news reports, it indicates that it is necessary and important to take advantage of vague language in news reports. From the perspective of the pragmatic theory and with a study of news materials, it discusses the pragmatic application of vague language in news reports and comments on advantages and disadvantages of vague language in news reports so as to provide readers with deeper comprehension of vague language in news reports.
Key words: vague language; news reports; pragmatic theories; advantages and disadvantages
Contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………….1
2. A general description of research on vague language…………………………......2
2.1 Origin and development of vague language……………………………………….. .2
2.2 Definition and category of vague language………………………………………… 3
2.3 The conversion between vagueness and clarification..................................................6
3. Vague language and news reports…………………………………………………..8
3.1 Features of news reports……………………………………………………………..8
3.2 The relationship between vague language and news reports………………………...9
4. Applying pragmatic theories to vague language in news reports……………….10
4.1 Cooperation Principle………………………………………………………………10
4.2 Relevance Theory…………………………………………………………………..13
5. The significance of vague language in news reports……………………………..15
5.1 Advantages of vague language in news reports…………………………………….15
5.2 Disadvantages of vague language in news reports…………………………………17
6. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………..19
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………20
References……………………………………………………………………………..21