A Pragmatic Perspective On The Dynamic Context Of English Inversion In Public Speeches With Reference To The Theory Of Linguistic Adaptation

As a common linguistic phenomenon, inversions are widely used in written English. Inversions are divided into Full Inversion and Subject-Auxiliary Inversion. They have several syntactic patterns and convey complicated semantic and pragmatic meanings. In public speeches, inversions are mainly used for the purpose of emphasis. Based on Jef Verschueren's Adaptation Theory, the present study explores how and why the orator uses inversions in public speeches. The theory proposes that the use of language is a process of constant choice-making and that the linguistic phenomenon can be adapted to the complexity of linguistic, cognitive and social factors.The thesis presents an account of the theory and does a detailed analysis of English inversions in public speeches. Inversions in public speeches are an intensive choice by the orator to carry on successful communication with the audience and the choice of structure results from a dynamic process in which linguistic choice and contextual choice are constantly inter-adapting with each other. Therefore, the thesis also studies the close relationship between dynamic context and the use of inversions in public speeches and proves that Adaptation Theory can be used to explain the use of inversions in communication as an important communicative strategy and an effective way to achieve communicative goals. It is the author's hope that the study will provide readers with some insights into the relationship between dynamic context and the use of inversions in public speeches.