关于限制语精确话语信息的可能性研究

On the Possibility of Information Precision in Hedges

限制语是语言交际中的普遍现象.当它的模糊性已经得到公认的时候,我们是否可以进一步思考限制语是否同样可能具有精确话语信息的功能?本文试从限制语的词义特征、句法结构和语用交际意向的角度,论证限制语精确话语信息的可能性.我们发现,限制语具有提高说话者对话语真值的承诺程度和精确话语信息的功能.

Hedges are common in speech communication. When their fuzziness is well acknowledged, can we think further of the possibility that hedges also have the function to render precise a speech that is vague otherwise? This paper attempts, from an inquiry into the lexical semantic feature, syntactic structure and speech intention of hedges in communication, to prove the possibility of information precision in hedges. We find that hedges do have the function to upgrade the speaker's commitment to the truth value of his speech, thereby making the speech precise.