A Pragmatic Analysis of Vague Language in China Daily News

Abstract

News report, as a widely distributed medium in the information era, plays a crucial role in people’s daily lives. Its dissemination is widespread and its impact profound. While accuracy is a cornerstone of news reporting, vague language is inevitably present in news reports. This is because vagueness is an inherent characteristic of natural language, used across various literary forms, including news reporting. The present paper delves into the phenomenon of vague language in news reporting. Utilizing the Cooperative Principle and Adaptation Theory as frameworks, this paper analyzes the occurrence of vagueness in news reporting through theoretical explanations and illustrative case studies. By examining news articles from China Daily, the paper discusses the appropriate use of vague nouns in news reporting. The judicious use of vague language in news articles can enhance communication effectiveness, ultimately boosting the credibility of the news.