Abstract:  From the viewpoint of linguistics, fuzziness means the lack of definite boundaries. It is different from polysemy, ambiguity and generality. In contrast with precision, fuzziness is characteristic of more generality and flexibility. Based on the definition of fuzziness and its classification, the paper makes an attempt to explore the functions of fuzziness in English text. Having analyzed the representation of fuzziness in daily communication, news report and business English，the paper has drawn the following conclusions: in daily communication, fuzziness may reduce toughness, help to save face and ease embarrassment. In news report, fuzziness sometimes meets the audiences’ reading psychology, making news reports avoiding running into absoluteness. In business English，fuzziness may improve the efficiency of English expression, facilitating business transaction. On the whole, fuzziness, as a strategy of language use, reflects the flexibility and efficiency, and does good to people’s communication.  

Key words: fuzziness; function; English text

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. About Fuzziness-1

2.1 Definition of fuzziness-1

2.2 The classification of fuiness1 

3.The Function of Fuzziness in English Text-2

3.1The Function of Fuzziness in daily communication-2

3.1.1 Avoiding toughness and being accepted easily-2

3.1.2 Creating politeness.-3

3.1.3 Helping to save face and to strengthen cooperation-3

3.2 The Function of Fuzziness in news reports-3

3.2.1Conforming to the audience's reading psychology-3

3.2.2 Avoiding too absolute reports-3

3.3 The Functions of Fuzziness in business English-4

3.3.1 Reduce the responsibility of business English.-4

3.3.2 Expressing politeness, easing embarrassment-4

3.3.3 Improving the efficiency of language expression-5

3.3.4 Enhancing the flexibility of the language expression.-5

4.Conclusion-5

Bibliography:-6

Acknowledgements-7