机构权力制约下媒体话语中元语用评论语的功能

Functions of Metapragmatic Comments in Media Discourse under the Constraints of Institutional Power

元语用评论语是交际中评价自身和他人语言及行为的话语。本文在语言顺应论(Verschueren 1999/2000)视角下,以争辩性电视节目中主持人和嘉宾话语中使用的元语用评论语为分析对象,探究在机构权力制约下,媒体话语中元语用评论语的功能。语料分析表明,主持人顺应职位权力(positional power),选择元语用评论语调控交际进展与节目影响,调节嘉宾间冲突程度,以及关照其面子与情感需求。嘉宾则顺应个人权力(personal power),选择元语用评论语锚定和引出观点阐述以及凸显其合理性与有效性。争辩性电视节目中的元语用评论语体现交际者在不同机构权力制约下,为履行机构责任与义务,对进行中的交际实施主观干预的自我与他人意识。

Metapragmatic comments （MPCs） refer to the commentary utterances on self or others＇ contributions in interac- tions. Drawing on the data from the host＇ s and guests＇ utterances in an argumentative TV talk show, this paper explores the functions of MPCs under the constraints of institutional power from the perspective of linguistic adaptation （ Verschueren 1999/ 2000）. It is found that the host selects MPCs to monitor the program agenda and the impact of the shows, to regulate interper- sonal conflict and to cater to emotive needs so as to adapt to his positional power, whereas the guests select MPCs to anchor, introduce, and highlight their viewpoints and positions so as to adapt to their personal power. It argues that institutional speakers choose MPCs to interfere with ongoing interactions because of their awareness of self and others＇ rights and obligations as- sociated with the institutional power they possess.