| Abstract | 第6-7页 |
| 摘要 | 第8-10页 |
| Chapter One Introduction | 第10-15页 |
| 1.1 Research Background | 第10-11页 |
| 1.2 Objective of the Study | 第11页 |
| 1.3 Methodology of the Study | 第11-14页 |
| 1.4 Structure of the Thesis | 第14-15页 |
| Chapter Two Literature Review | 第15-30页 |
| 2.1 Previous Studies on Humor | 第15-22页 |
| 2.1.1 Definitions and Classifications of Humor | 第15-17页 |
| 2.1.2 Classical Theories on Humor | 第17-19页 |
| 2.1.3 Linguistic Studies on Humor | 第19-20页 |
| 2.1.4 Other Prevalent Approaches to Humor | 第20-22页 |
| 2.2 Previous Studies on Textual Rhetoric | 第22-25页 |
| 2.3 Features and Functions of Press Briefings Discourse | 第25-27页 |
| 2.4 Previous Studies on Press Briefings | 第27-30页 |
| Chapter Three Theoretical Basis | 第30-40页 |
| 3.1 Introduction to Text and Textuality | 第30-31页 |
| 3.2 Standards of Textuality | 第31-40页 |
| 3.2.1 Cohesion and Coherence | 第32-34页 |
| 3.2.2 Intentionality and Acceptability | 第34-36页 |
| 3.2.3 Informativity | 第36-37页 |
| 3.2.4 Situationality | 第37-38页 |
| 3.2.5 Intertextuality | 第38-40页 |
| Chapter Four Textual-functional Analysis of Verbal Humor in U.S. Press Briefings | 第40-63页 |
| 4.1 The Textual Rhetorical Analysis of Verbal Humor in U.S. Press Briefings | 第40-58页 |
| 4.1.1 Cohesion and Coherence Achieved by Rhetorical Devices in Interpreting Verbal Humor | 第41-43页 |
| 4.1.2 Intentionality and Acceptability Achieved by Rhetorical Devices in Interpreting Verbal Humor | 第43-49页 |
| 4.1.3 Situationality Achieved by Rhetorical Devices in Interpreting Verbal Humor | 第49-53页 |
| 4.1.4 Informativity Achieved by Rhetorical Devices in Interpreting Verbal Humor | 第53-55页 |
| 4.1.5 Intertextuality Achieved by Rhetorical Devices in Interpreting Verbal Humor | 第55-58页 |
| 4.2 The Functions of Verbal Humor in U.S. Press Briefings | 第58-63页 |
| 4.2.1 Creating Humorous Atmosphere | 第59页 |
| 4.2.2 Being Self-protecting | 第59-60页 |
| 4.2.3 Being Euphemistic | 第60页 |
| 4.2.4 Withholding Information Intentionally | 第60-61页 |
| 4.2.5 Realizing the Face-saving | 第61-63页 |
| Chapter Five Conclusion | 第63-66页 |
| 5.1 Major Findings of the Study | 第63-64页 |
| 5.2 Limitations and Implications for Further Study | 第64-66页 |
| References | 第66-71页 |
| Publications | 第71-72页 |
| Acknowledgements | 第72页 |
