| Acknowledgements | 第6-7页 |
| Abstract | 第7-8页 |
| 摘要 | 第9-14页 |
| Chapter One Introduction | 第14-20页 |
| 1.1 Research Background | 第14-16页 |
| 1.2 Research Purpose and Significance | 第16-17页 |
| 1.3 Working Definitions of the Key Terms | 第17-19页 |
| 1.4 Organization of the Dissertation | 第19-20页 |
| Chapter Two Literature Review | 第20-35页 |
| 2.1 Studies on Hedges Abroad | 第20-29页 |
| 2.1.1 Definitions of Hedges | 第20-23页 |
| 2.1.2 Classifications of Hedges | 第23-27页 |
| 2.1.3 Empirical Studies on Hedges | 第27-29页 |
| 2.2 Studies on Hedges at Home | 第29-32页 |
| 2.2.1 Theoretical Studies on Hedges | 第29-31页 |
| 2.2.2 Empirical Studies on Hedges | 第31-32页 |
| 2.3 Studies on Hedges in Diplomatic Language | 第32-35页 |
| 2.3.1 Studies on Diplomatic Language | 第32-33页 |
| 2.3.2 Previous Studies on Hedges in Diplomatic Speeches at Chinese and American Press Conferences | 第33-35页 |
| Chapter Three Methodology | 第35-42页 |
| 3.1 Research Questions | 第35页 |
| 3.2 Corpus | 第35-39页 |
| 3.2.1 Tools for Data Analysis | 第36-37页 |
| 3.2.2 The Construction of Two Comparable Corpora | 第37-39页 |
| 3.3 Research Process | 第39-41页 |
| 3.3.1 Identification of Hedges | 第39-40页 |
| 3.3.2 Analysis of Hedges | 第40-41页 |
| 3.4 Summary | 第41-42页 |
| Chapter Four Results and Discussions | 第42-68页 |
| 4.1 Frequency and Distribution of Hedges in the Two Corpora | 第42-52页 |
| 4.1.1 Frequency of Hedges in the Two Corpora | 第42-45页 |
| 4.1.2 Distribution of Hedges in the Two Corpora | 第45-52页 |
| 4.2 Similarities and Differences in the Use of Hedges in Diplomatic Speeches at Chinese and American Press Conferences | 第52-55页 |
| 4.2.1 Similarities | 第52-54页 |
| 4.2.2 Differences | 第54-55页 |
| 4.3 Reasons for the Similarities and Differences in Diplomatic Speeches at Chinese and American Press Conferences | 第55-60页 |
| 4.3.1 Reasons for the Similarities | 第55-56页 |
| 4.3.2 Reasons for the Differences | 第56-60页 |
| 4.4 Functions of Use of Hedges in Diplomatic Speeches at Chinese and American Press Conferences | 第60-68页 |
| 4.4.1 Showing Politeness | 第60-61页 |
| 4.4.2 Creating Harmonious Atmosphere | 第61-63页 |
| 4.4.3 Withholding Information Purposely | 第63-64页 |
| 4.4.4 Achieving Self-protection | 第64-65页 |
| 4.4.5 Enhancing Flexibility | 第65-68页 |
| Chapter Five Conclusions | 第68-72页 |
| 5.1 Major Findings | 第68-69页 |
| 5.2 Implications of the Study | 第69-70页 |
| 5.3 Limitations of the Study | 第70-71页 |
| 5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies | 第71-72页 |
| References | 第72-74页 |
| Appendices | 第74-79页 |
| Appendix Ⅰ Speeches Studied in the Corpora | 第74-78页 |
| Appendix Ⅱ A List of Hedges Used in the Corpora | 第78-79页 |
