An Exploration Of Vagueness In Diplomatic Language From The Perspectives Of Pragmatic Principles And Functions

As vagueness is existed in human language on a wide range, the research on vague language is of great significance. Reference to relevant literatures reveals that many scholars have studied vague language from linguistic aspect. Diplomacy is involved in the conference, negotiation, agreements between international relations and affairs. When using vague language, diplomatic language has its unique features. As one of the strategies and speech techniques of diplomatic language, vagueness is often employed by diplomat to meet the needs in a specific occasion by expressing politeness, creating harmonious atmosphere, evading sensitive subjects and so on.Firstly, the paper looks back on some academic research on vagueness both at home and abroad and presents the basic characteristics of vague language in terms of its definition; also some relevant and similar terms are analyzed and clarified as well as the reasons for the existence of vague language.Secondly, the paper is trying to figure out the definition of diplomacy, the features of vagueness in diplomatic langue and its classification. Furthermore, on the basis of abundant practical diplomatic data, the dissertation is attempting to analyze different forms of vagueness through linguistic realizations in different grammatical levels, namely lexical, syntactic and cross-textual level.Thirdly, the dissertation turns to analyze how vagueness is embodied with the application of famous Cooperative Principle and Politeness Principle, and what functions it performs in diplomatic language from the pragmatic perspective.Lastly, this paper is arriving at the conclusions that employing vague language in diplomatic arena may be of great effectiveness for enhancing flexibility, achieving politeness, protecting oneself, shunning or lessening responsibilities, etc. This thesis will explore the universal existence of vagueness in diplomatic language from the perspectives of pragmatic principles and its functions. Which will definitely provide some pragmatic significance for the interpretation and employment of diplomatic language in diplomatic activities.