模糊语言的弹性

The Elasticity of Vague Language

鉴于现有文献缺乏有关模糊语言策略化弹性(例如:'有关这方面的书,我可能有几本。')的研究,本文旨在为其建立起一个理论总框架。文中以弹弓作比喻,描述模糊语言在满足交际需要过程中的拉伸。本研究以澳大利亚机场海关职员盘查旅客时的真实对话作为语料,采用非量化的方法,以模糊语言积极有效的功用为重点,探讨了模糊语言策略化弹性理论是如何在语料中得以体现和解释的。这一实证研究验证了模糊语言弹性理论的主导准则(在话语协商中弹性地拉伸语言)和四项具体准则(提供恰到好处的信息、表示概括、表示假设、表示主观推测)是如何运作的。本研究得出三个主要结论:1)语用功能、其语言表现形式和所遵循的准则之间是相互关联的;2)主导因素是交际目的;3)模糊语言的多功能性和弹性表现为其功用在一个带有两极的(温和和强硬、变通和不变通、合作和不合作)连续体上来回伸缩变换。本文的一个重要启示是:虽然模糊语言的具体解释可因语境和文化的不同而不同,但其全方位的弹性特征却是具有普遍性的。

This paper develops an overarching theoretical framework for dealing with the strategic elasticity of vague language.Employing the metaphor of a slingshot,it describes how the vague language(VL) is stretched to meet the needs of communication.Drawing attention to the positive and effective role played by VL,the study further looks into how the VL theory is derived from real-life data of tension-prone encounters.The empirical evidence validates the theory's main maxim and its four specific maxims,and lends support to the following findings: 1) the pragmatic functions which VL performs,their linguistic realizations,and the pragmatic maxims they conform to are interconnected;2) the dominant factor in the functioning of VL is the communicative goal;and 3) stretching on a continuum of polarities,between soft and tough,firm and flexible,cooperative and uncooperative,shows the versatility and elasticity of VL.An important implication of this study is that while VL's vagueness is context-governed and culture-dependent,its all-round elasticity is universal.