Abstract: Conflict talk, as a common phenomenon in linguistic communication, has been a hot topic in linguistic studies. More and more focus has been put on its construction analysis in recent years, while studies on responses of conflicting talks are relatively few. Under the guidance of Brown & Levinson’s Face Theory, this paper mainly discusses the response strategies of conflict talks in the film The King’s Speech. It divides these strategies into two categories---direct responses and indirect responses and explores the reasons for choosing strategies. Finally, different response strategies of conflicting talks in the linguistic communication will be concluded to promote a better understanding of interpersonal communication. Meanwhile, this paper, which will promote the growth of the study of conflict talk, will explain how to take polite and proper strategies to protect both sides’ face, so as to realize the harmonious relationship in the real communication.

Key words: conflict talks; response strategies; Face Theory

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literary Review and Theoretical Framework.1

2.1 Review of the Studies of Conflicting Talks

2.2 Brown & Levinson’s Face Theory

3. Analysis of Response Strategies of Conflict Talks in The King’s Speech.4

3.1 Direct Conflict Responses

3.1.1 Direct Negation

3.1.2 Swear Words

3.1.3 Verbal Threat

3.2 Indirect Conflict Responses

3.2.1 Rhetoric Devices

     3.2.1.1 Rhetorical Question

     3.2.1.2 Irony

     3.2.1.3 Puns

     3.2.1.4 Metaphor

3.2.2 Pragmatic Devices

     3.2.2.1 Changes of Deixis

     3.2.2.2 Deliberate Misinterpretation

     3.2.2.3 Focus-shifting

4. Conclusion.10

Bibliography12

Acknowledgements.13