Abstract: Clear and accurate expression of the language is the pursuit of the ideal realm of language   users. However, our life is full of vague language. Actually, vagueness is one of the features of the natural language. Vague language makes our language rich, colorful, and euphemistic. This article studies vague language in English news reports. The study begins with the definition, classification and factors of vagueness. This study then applies Relevance Theory and Adaptation Theory to analyze the use of the vague language in news reports. On this basis, the study summarizes the pragmatic functions of vagueness in English news reports and explains the importance of vagueness in news reports.

Key words: vagueness; English news reports; pragmatic analysis 

CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Vagueness.2

  2.1 Definition of Vagueness

  2.2 Classification of Vagueness

  2.3 Factors Causing Vague Language

3. A Pragmatic Framework for Vagueness.3

  3.1 Relevance Theory of Vague Language 

  3.2 Adaptation Theory of Vague Language

4. Vagueness in English News Reports5

  4.1 Features of News

  4.2 Reasons for Applying Vagueness in English News Reports

    4.2.1 Objective Reasons

    4.2.2 Subjective Reasons

5. Pragmatic Functions of Vagueness in English News Reports.6

  5.1 Giving Right Amount of Information

  5.2 Enhancing Credibility of News Language

  5.3 Enhancing Vitality of News Language

  5.4 Avoiding Unnecessary Trouble and Protecting Reporters

  5.5 Reducing the Negative Influence

6. Conclusion8

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements.11