| Abstract in English | 第3-4页 |
| Abstract in Chinese | 第5-9页 |
| 1. Introduction | 第9-15页 |
| 1.1 Research Background | 第9-11页 |
| 1.2 Significance and Objectives of the Research | 第11-13页 |
| 1.3 Data Collection | 第13-14页 |
| 1.4 Structure of the Thesis | 第14-15页 |
| 2. Literature Review | 第15-21页 |
| 2.1 Definition of Apology | 第15-16页 |
| 2.2 Previous Research on Speech Act of Apology at Home and Abroad | 第16-21页 |
| 3. Theoretical Framework | 第21-31页 |
| 3.1 Apology Strategies | 第21-25页 |
| 3.1.1 Fraser’s Classification | 第21-22页 |
| 3.1.2 Olshtain and Cohen’s Classification | 第22-23页 |
| 3.1.3 Trosborg’s Classification | 第23-24页 |
| 3.1.4 Apology Strategy Classification Adopted in Current Study | 第24-25页 |
| 3.2 Leech’s Politeness Principle | 第25-27页 |
| 3.3 Hall’s High-Context and Low-Context Culture Theory | 第27-31页 |
| 4. Speech Act of Apology in How I Met Your Mother | 第31-55页 |
| 4.1 Introduction to How I Met Your Mother | 第31-32页 |
| 4.2 Distribution of Apology Strategies in How I Met Your Mother | 第32-45页 |
| 4.2.1 Expression of Apology (IFIDs) | 第34-38页 |
| 4.2.2 Explanation or Account | 第38-40页 |
| 4.2.3 Acknowledgement of Responsibility | 第40-43页 |
| 4.2.4 Expressing Concern for Hearer | 第43页 |
| 4.2.5 Minimizing the Degree of Offense | 第43-44页 |
| 4.2.6 Offer of Repair | 第44-45页 |
| 4.2.7 Promise of Forbearance | 第45页 |
| 4.3 Analysis of Apology Strategies from the Perspective of Politeness Principle | 第45-49页 |
| 4.3.1 Apology Strategy Realized by Tact & Generosity Maxims | 第46-47页 |
| 4.3.2 Apology Strategy Realized by Sympathy Maxim | 第47页 |
| 4.3.3 Apology Strategy Realized by Agreement Maxim | 第47-48页 |
| 4.3.4 Apology Strategy Realized by Approbation Maxim | 第48-49页 |
| 4.3.5 Apology Strategy Realized by Modesty Maxim | 第49页 |
| 4.4 Analysis of Cultural Factors in Speech Act of Apology | 第49-55页 |
| 4.4.1 Analysis of Cultural Factors in Distribution of Apology Strategies | 第50-53页 |
| 4.4.2 Analysis of Cultural Factors in Application of Politeness Principle in Speech Act ofApology | 第53-55页 |
| 5. Conclusion | 第55-59页 |
| Acknowledgements | 第59-61页 |
| Bibliography | 第61-67页 |
| Publications | 第67页 |
