ABSTRACT
Since LA.Zadeh proposed “fuzzyset”, this mathematical concept has been widely extended to other fields. As the most common and typical phenomenon, hedges appear frequently in different aspects and are used in many domains. The particularity of Business English lies in its characteristic of interest motivation, there is a close relation between the communication effects and the commercial benefit and hedges hold the balance of the effect of the business negotiation. Up till now,Chinese and foreign researchers has carried on the study on hedges in language. However,the research on pragmatic functions and strategies of hedges in Business English is far from enough to satisfy the demand of status.
The author has made a systematic and intensively analysis of the pragmatic functions and strategies on hedges in English for Business Negotiation by analyzing situational dialogues hoping to give a better understanding of hedges and improve the interpersonal relationship of the business negotiators and attain goals.
Keywords:hedges; Business English Negotiation; pragmatic functions; strategies
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Literature Review 3
2.1 The Relevant Study Abroad 3
2.2 The Relevant Study At Home 4
3. Hedges in English for Business Negotiation 6
3.1 The Definition of Hedges 6
3.2 Hedges in English for Business Negotiation 6
4. The Pragmatic Functions and Strategies of Hedges 8
4.1 The Pragmatic Strategies of Hedges 8
4.2 The Pragmatic Functions of Hedges 9
4.3 Analysis of Situational Dialogue 10
5. Conclusion 14
Acknowledgements 16
References 17