A Comparative Study Of The Opening Of Conversation In English And In Chinese

This thesis attempts to make a comparative study of the opening of conversation in English and in Chinese from a socio-pragmatic perspective. There are three major problems to be solved: the features of English openings of conversations, Chinese openings of conversations and the implications for cross-cultural communicators. With J. Thomas'theory of speech activity type as framework, the thesis begins with static analysis combined with the dynamic perspective, and makes comparison in six aspects: goals of the participants, allowable contribution, comprehension of"polite language"behaviors, turn-taking system, the manipulation of pragmatic parameters, and pragmatic vagueness, so as to make a comprehensive study of the opening of conversation in English and in Chinese, develop cross-cultural awareness and promote communication.