Abstract：News is the main means of mass communication. It is generally acknowledged that the language used in news reports is required to be accurate and objective. Actually, hedges will not decrease the accuracy of reports. Instead, news reports can be more accurate with a combination of hedges and objective and precise words. 

On the basis of former researches, this paper studies the use of hedges in Chinese and English news reports. This study finds that hedges are widely used in both Chinese and English news reports, but obviously, hedges are employed more in English news reports than those in Chinese news reports. In addition, Chinese and English news reports have different preferences for different kinds of hedges. Through the analysis of hedges in Chinese and English news reports, this study hopes to give guidance to English study, English teaching, Chinese and English reporters’ working, as well as news writing and translation.

Key words: hedges; Chinese and English news reports; comparative study

CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

中文摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Background of the Research-1

1.2 Objective of the Present Study-1

1.3 Significance of the Study-1

1.4 Overview of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Studies of Hedges-3

2.1.1 Definitions of hedge-3

2.1.2 Classifications of hedge-4

2.2 Studies of Hedges in News Reports-5

2.3 Summary-5

Chapter Three  METHODOLOGY-6

3.1 Research Questions-6

3.2 Data Collection-6

3.3 Research Procedures-7

3.4 Summary-7

Chapter Four  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION-8

4.1 Results-8

4.2 Discussion-9

4.2.1 Similarities in form-9

4.2.2 Differences in form-12

4.2.3 Pragmatic functions of hedges-13

4.3 Summary-15

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION-16

5.1 Major Research Findings-16

5.2 Implications of the Study-16

5.3 Limitations of the Study and Suggestions for Future Research-17

REFERENCES-19