AppliatinfHegesinBusinessEnglish模糊限制语在商务英语中的应用.docVIP

Application of Hedges in Business English 模糊限制语在商务英语中的应用 Abstract Fuzziness is one of the essential features of natural languages. As a core member of vagueness，hedging language also widely exist in our daily life. Since the 1970s， some scholars have begun to explore hedges in many aspects. With the further study， hedges have gradually developed in some certain fields in practical use. We find that hedges are used frequently in business to swiftly convey certain commercial messages. Hedging devices are also widely used in international business English because of its irreplaceable effect. This paper talks about an introduction and a description of some basic knowledge of hedges. It also analyzes the possible pragmatic functions of hedges in business language. Hedges have some certain values in practical use. Key words: hedges，hedging, business English, pragmatic functions Introduction Vagueness is one of the essential features of natural languages and phenomena of fuzzy language exist everywhere in our daily life. When people can’t make sure of what they are saying, they often employ vague language to express their opinions on some occasions, and in this way they can make the communication continue smoothly. Hedge, as a core member of vagueness，is the most typical representative and the most universal phenomenon. In reality，hedges are usually considered as a pragmatic strategy. Hedges are preferred technology for people to make their utterance more flexible and effective and help to avoid taking responsibility for their absolute or arbitrary words. For example，interview, actually a communicative process，needs to be realized through appropriate language. This paper analyses the pragmatic realization and functions of hedges in English interviews. Literature Review The term “hedge” was first introduced by Lakoff in 1972 in his famous article Hedges: A Study in Meaning Criteria and the Logic of Fuzzy Concepts (1972:195) to mean “words whose job is to make things fuzzier