Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Thesis-1

    1.2 Significance of the Thesis-1

1.3 Organization of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Definition of Vague Language-3

2.2 Overview of Previous Research on Vagueness Language-3

2.1.1 Previous Research Abroad-3

2.1.2 Previous Research at Home-4

2.3 Vagueness and Business English-5

Chapter Three Vague Language in Business English-6

3.1 Application of Vague Language in Business English-6

3.1.1 Application in Business Negotiation-6

3.1.2 Application in Business Advertisement-7

3.1.3 Application in Business Correspondence-8

3.2 The Pragmatic Function of Vague Language in Business English-9

3.2.1 The Positive Pragmatic Function of Vagueness-9

3.2.2 The Negative Pragmatic Function of Vagueness-10

3.3 Limitation of the Research-11

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

With the continuous development of China's economy, business English is becoming more and more important. Generally speaking, the requirement of language in business should be clear and accurate, but vague language is also often used in business activities. Vagueness is one of the inherent attributes of language. The study of vague language in recent years is concentrated in the category of semantics, but now in pragmatics. Therefore, this thesis focuses on the application of vague language in business negotiation, commercial advertisement and business correspondence. Also it expounds the positive pragmatic functions and negative pragmatic functions of vague language in business English. 

Key words: Vagueness; Business English; Application; Pragmatic function