| Acknowledgements | 第1-5页 |
| Abstract | 第5-7页 |
| 摘要 | 第7-13页 |
| Chapter 1 Introduction | 第13-18页 |
| ·The object of the study | 第13页 |
| ·The rationale of the study | 第13-14页 |
| ·The objective of the study | 第14-15页 |
| ·The methodology of the study | 第15-16页 |
| ·The organization of the thesis | 第16-18页 |
| Chapter 2 Literature Review | 第18-32页 |
| ·Introduction | 第18页 |
| ·Approaches to RQs | 第18-30页 |
| ·Rhetorical Analysis | 第18-19页 |
| ·Grammatical Analysis | 第19-22页 |
| ·Pragmatic Analysis | 第22-30页 |
| ·Summary | 第30-32页 |
| Chapter 3 The Identification and Interpretation of RQs in Chinese Contexts | 第32-50页 |
| ·Introduction | 第32页 |
| ·The Identification and Interpretation Frame of RQs in Chinese Contexts | 第32-45页 |
| ·Theoretical Background of the Framework | 第32-34页 |
| ·The identification of Chinese RQs | 第34-42页 |
| ·Previous definitions of Chinese RQs | 第34-37页 |
| ·Distinctive features of Chinese RQs | 第37-42页 |
| ·The discrepancy between the interrogative form of the rhetorical question and its communicative function as a statement | 第37-38页 |
| ·The polarity shift between the rhetorical question and its implied answer | 第38-39页 |
| ·The multifunctionality of the RQs | 第39-41页 |
| ·The indirectness and implicitness of RQs in conveying meanings | 第41-42页 |
| ·The interpretation of Chinese RQs | 第42-45页 |
| ·Redefining RQs | 第45-48页 |
| ·A classification of responses to RQs | 第45-48页 |
| ·Redefining RQs | 第48页 |
| ·Summary | 第48-50页 |
| Chapter 4 Theoretical Framework of This Study | 第50-60页 |
| ·Introduction | 第50页 |
| ·A rough picture of the Adaptation Theory | 第50-54页 |
| ·Pragmtics as a general functional perspective on language use | 第50-51页 |
| ·A process of choice making | 第51-52页 |
| ·Three key notions | 第52-53页 |
| ·Four tasks of investigation | 第53-54页 |
| ·The Characterization of the Conceptual Framework | 第54-60页 |
| ·RQs as a result of linguistic choices | 第54-56页 |
| ·RQs as the realization of adaptation | 第56-60页 |
| Chapter 5 Interpersonal Functions of RQs in Chinese Contexts | 第60-73页 |
| ·Introduction | 第60-61页 |
| ·Interpersonal Functions of RQs in Chinese Contexts | 第61-72页 |
| ·Settling interpersonal conflicts | 第61-69页 |
| ·Redressing undesirable assertives | 第61-66页 |
| ·Achieving the goal of criticism indirectly | 第61-64页 |
| ·Masking the intent of sarcasm | 第64-65页 |
| ·Attenuating the disagreement force | 第65-66页 |
| ·Minimizing the imposition of certain competitive directives | 第66-69页 |
| ·Intensifying interpersonal relationships | 第69-72页 |
| ·Summary | 第72-73页 |
| Chapter 6 RQs as Realization of Adaptation in Chinese Contexts | 第73-93页 |
| ·Introduction | 第73页 |
| ·Adaptation realized through RQs | 第73-92页 |
| ·Adaptation to the social world | 第73-79页 |
| ·Adaptation to the unequal power relations | 第74-76页 |
| ·Adaptation to the close social distance | 第76-79页 |
| ·Adaptation to the mental world | 第79-82页 |
| ·Adaptation to the addresser's negative emotions | 第79-80页 |
| ·Adaptation to the addresser's motivation | 第80-82页 |
| ·Adaptation to the politeness theory | 第82-86页 |
| ·RQs as a softener of FTAs | 第82-84页 |
| ·Adaptation to the maxims of politeness | 第84-86页 |
| ·One category of RQs with unique Chinese characteristics | 第86-92页 |
| ·Summary | 第92-93页 |
| Chapter 7 Conclusion | 第93-98页 |
| ·Introduction | 第93页 |
| ·Major findings of the study | 第93-95页 |
| ·Implications of the study | 第95-96页 |
| ·Limitations of the study | 第96页 |
| ·Suggestions for future research | 第96-98页 |
| Bibliography | 第98-100页 |
