浅析外交语言中的虚拟现象

A Tentative Study of Counterfactual in Diplomatic Language

语言中存在着大量的虚拟现象,外交辞令也不例外。作为外交辞令的一种策略手段和言语技巧,恰当运用虚拟话语能满足特殊的外交需要,起到特别的交际功能。虚拟策略是外交人员不可或缺的交际艺术。礼貌原则是虚拟现象存在的动机。虚拟策略是外交谈判中的润滑剂。

Counterfactual is a very popular phenomenon in language,and in diplomatic language(DL) there is no exception.As a communicative strategy,proper use of counterfactual language can meet special diplomatic need.Evidently,diplomatic people should be equipped with the communicative art of counterfactual.This paper tries to make a tentative study of counterfactual phenomenon in diplomatic language.The author first introduces the main features of DL,and then explains the motivation of counterfactual from the perspective of Politeness Principle.Additionally,this paper attempts to propose some counterfactual devices,which enable speakers to talk about sharp issues in a less unpleasant manner.The significance of using such devices is also taken into consideration.