Chinese Pragmatics: A Discourse Analysis Approach15

Abstract

This paper explores the field of Chinese pragmatics from a discourse analysis perspective. It examines the ways in which context and co-text shape the meaning and interpretation of Chinese utterances, particularly in terms of politeness, facework, and indirectness. The paper argues that a discourse analysis approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interplay between linguistic forms and social context in Chinese communication.

Introduction

Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that studies the use of language in context. It investigates the ways in which speakers and listeners communicate meanings that are not explicitly encoded in the words they use. Chinese pragmatics is a particularly rich and complex field, due to the unique cultural and linguistic features of the Chinese language.

Politeness in Chinese

Politeness is a central concept in Chinese pragmatics. Chinese society places a high value on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict, and this is reflected in the way that people communicate. Chinese speakers often use indirect language, euphemisms, and other politeness strategies to avoid causing offense or embarrassment.

For example, the Chinese word "bu" (不) can be used to express both negation and politeness. When used as a negation, "bu" simply means "no." However, when used in a polite request, "bu" can soften the request and make it less demanding. For example, the following utterance could be used to ask someone for a favor:

你能帮我一下吗？(你能不帮我一下吗？)

Can you help me? (Could you please not not help me?)

Facework in Chinese

Facework is another important concept in Chinese pragmatics. Face refers to one's social status and reputation. Chinese speakers often engage in facework strategies to maintain their own face and the face of others.

One common facework strategy in Chinese is giving gifts. Gifts are seen as a way to show respect and appreciation, and they can be used to build relationships and maintain harmony. Another common facework strategy is using indirect language. Indirect language can help to avoid causing offense or embarrassment, and it can also be used to save face for someone who has made a mistake.

Indirectness in Chinese

Indirectness is a pervasive feature of Chinese communication. Chinese speakers often use indirect language to avoid causing offense or embarrassment, and to save face. There are a variety of different indirect speech acts that can be used in Chinese, such as hints, suggestions, and requests.

For example, the following utterance could be used to ask someone for a favor without directly asking them:

你最近怎么样？(你最近忙不忙？)

How are you doing? (Are you busy lately?)

The speaker of this utterance is not directly asking for a favor, but they are hinting at the fact that they would like the listener to do something for them. The listener can then choose whether or not to offer to help, without feeling pressured or embarrassed.

Conclusion

Chinese pragmatics is a complex and fascinating field of study. By examining the ways in which context and co-text shape the meaning and interpretation of Chinese utterances, we can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and communication. A discourse analysis approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interplay between linguistic forms and social context in Chinese communication.

2025-01-20

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