Abstract: Vague language is widely used in our daily lives. Not only is vague language used in our daily conversation, but also in news reports. News report usually has the features of accuracy, timeliness and objectivity. The use of vague language in news report does not reduce its accuracy, on the contrary it improves the credibility and timeliness of the news. Therefore, the vague language in news reports is studied through the analysis of sample reports on the basis of the Adaptation Theory. In different contexts, journalists use vague language to adapt to the reader's physical world, social world and journalists’ and readers’ psychological world so as to achieve efficient communication. This will make readers understand the news easily and make the reports more authentic. In addition, the use of vague language improves the vividness of news report and it also serves to arouse empathy in readers.

Key words: vague language; news report; Theory of Adaptation

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

2.1 Vague Language

2.2 Vague Language in English News

2.2.1 Vagueness by Choice of Words

2.2.2 Vague Additives

 2.2.3 Vagueness by Implication 

3. Theory of Adaptation-3

3.1 Contextual Correlates of Adaptability

3.2 Structural Objects of Adaptability

3.3 Dynamics of Adaptability 

3.4 Salience of the Adaptation Processes

4. Analysis of Vague Language in English News from the Theory of Adaptation-5

4.1 Adaptation to the Physical World

4.2 Adaptation to the Social World

 4.2.1 To Protect Secrets

 4.2.2 To Protect Privacy and Reputation

 4.2.3 To Avoid the Negative Effects to Society

4.3 Adaptation to the Mental World

4.4 Adaptation to the Principles of News Reporting

5. Conclusion-10

Bibliography-11

Acknowledgemets12