A Pragmatic Study Of The Remedy Of Face-Threatening Speech Acts In Chinese Conversation

This paper studies the remedy of face threatening speech acts in conversation. Based on the data collected, the present study further analyzes Spencer-Oatey’s classifications of face-threatening speech acts:threat to one’s quality face and threat to one’s identity face. Through recording and transcribing conversations from daily life, TV shows and films, the paper concludes various redressive trajectories of face-threatening speech acts: self-face threat--other-face redress; other-face threat--self-face redress; other-face threat--other-face redress. Lastly, by meticulously analyzing the data, this study summarizes some pragmatic strategies suitable for redressing face-threatening speech acts, namely:accounting, complimenting, supporting, self-deprecating and apologizing. On the basis of the previous study, this paper further analyzes the details of face-threatening speech acts by combing with the context.The present study is a qualitative research based on both data and theory. The conceptual framework of the paper is Spencer-Oatey’s rapport management theory. On the premise of analyzing the data and inspired by the repair trajectories of CA (Conversation Analysis), the study concludes the redressive trajectories of face-threatening speech acts and finally summarizes some pragmatic strategies useful for redressing face-threatening speech acts.In our daily communication, some speech acts always inevitably threaten faces of both sides. So redressing the threatened face in time promotes the success of communication. By analyzing the real data, this paper aims to provide strategies for people to maintain harmonious relationship in later conversations. Besides, it has reference value for mitigating relationships among people.