Acknowledgements
摘要
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Figures
Chapter One Introduction
1.1 Background of the Research
1.2 Significance of the Research
1.3 Objectives of the Research
1.4 Organization of the Thesis
Chapter Two Literature Review
2.1 Review of Hedges
2.1.1 Study of Fuzzy Language and Hedges Abroad
2.1.2 Study of Fuzzy Language and Hedges at Home
2.1.3 Corpus-based Studies on Hedges
2.2 Review of News Reports
2.2.1 Characteristics of News Reports
2.2.2 Researches on Hedges in News Reports
2.3 Review of Adaptation Theory
Chapter Three Research Methodology
3.1 Research Questions
3.2 Corpora of the Present Research
3.3 Research Procedure
Chapter Four Data Analysis and Discussion
4.1 Overall Frequency of Hedges Used in Each Corpus
4.2 Distribution of Hedges in Each Corpus
4.2.1 Hedges in CN
4.2.2 Hedges in AN
4.3 Comparison Between Two Corpora
4.3.1 Comparison on the Distribution of Appoximators and Shields Between Two Corpora
4.3.2 Comparison on the Four Sub-categories of Hedges in Two Corpora
4.3.3 Comparison of Top Five Hedges of Each Category in Two Corpora
4.3.4 Discussion of Statistical Figures
4.4 Tentative Explanation of Hedges in News Reports from the Perspective of Adaptation Theory
4.4.1 Hedges as Adaptation to the Physical World
4.4.2 Hedges as Adaptation to the Mental World
4.4.3 Hedges as adaptation to the Social World
4.5 Pragmatic Functions of Hedges in English News Reports
4.5.1 Enhance Reliability and Credibility
4.5.2 Avoid Absoluteness and Achieve Self-protection
4.5.3 Improve Politeness and Efficiency
Chapter Five Conclusion
5.1 Major Findings
5.2 Implications of the Present Research
5.3 Limitations of the Present Research
5.4 Suggestions for Further Research
Bibliography
Appendix:List of Hedges Surveyed in Chapter Three
声明