Application Of Adaptation Theory To The Study Of Hedge

Hedge is a universal and complicated phenomenon of language use. It is widely used in different types of writing as well as exists in almost all the natural languages. It can play an important role in the interaction of human being when being used properly and appropriately. Since the publication of fuzzy -set theory, published by Zadeh, there is a prosperous research in this field of hedge.Up to now, studies of hedge are far from being satisfactory. Therefore, this paper attempts to take adaptation theory to analyze the use of hedge. Based on this theory, proposed by Jef Verscheren, it is held that the use of hedge is a process of continuously making choices with higher consciousness. In the process of interaction, language user makes choice of hedge to achieve his communicative goals or intentions. And it is the three properties of natural language that make it possible to make continuous choices, they are viability, negotiability and adaptability. During the process of choice making, language user has to adapt to communicative context. To be specific, physical, cultural, social, psychological factors have to be adapted to. As a result of adaptation, the pragmatic functions can be achieved. One is being cooperative, the other is saving face. Both of them are mainly concerned with cooperative principle and politeness principle. Comparably speaking, adaptation theory provides a better account of the use of hedge.