| Abstract | 第4页 |
| 摘要 | 第5-7页 |
| Chapter One Introduction | 第7-11页 |
| 1.1 Research Background | 第7-8页 |
| 1.2 Research Purpose and Research Questions | 第8-9页 |
| 1.3 Originality and Significance of the Study | 第9页 |
| 1.4 Structure of the Thesis | 第9-11页 |
| Chapter Two Literature Review | 第11-19页 |
| 2.1 Theories on Speech Act | 第11-12页 |
| 2.2 The Speech Act of Benedictions | 第12-13页 |
| 2.2.1 Definition of Benedictions | 第12页 |
| 2.2.2 Functions and Features of Benedictions | 第12-13页 |
| 2.3 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs | 第13-14页 |
| 2.4 Empirical Studies on Benedictions | 第14-19页 |
| 2.4.1 Studies on Benedictions Abroad | 第14页 |
| 2.4.2 Studies on Benedictions at Home | 第14-19页 |
| Chapter Three Methodology | 第19-23页 |
| 3.1 Data Collection | 第19页 |
| 3.2 Classification of Nuptial Benedictions | 第19-21页 |
| 3.3 Statistical Analysis | 第21页 |
| 3.4 Research Procedure | 第21-23页 |
| Chapter Four Results and Discussion | 第23-41页 |
| 4.1 Nuptial Benedictions Adopted by Most Speakers | 第24-29页 |
| 4.1.1 Nuptial Benedictions Adopted by Native Chinese Speakers | 第24-26页 |
| 4.1.2 Nuptial Benedictions Adopted by Native English Speakers | 第26-29页 |
| 4.2 Comparison between Nuptial Benedictions by the Two Groups of Speakers | 第29-36页 |
| 4.2.1 Similarities in Needs of Love/Belonging,Safety,Esteem, Self-actualization,Blessing for Friends and Family and Blessing Words | 第30-33页 |
| 4.2.2 Significant differences in Physiological Needs,Nuptial Benedictions on Early Birth of a Baby and Family | 第33-36页 |
| 4.3 Factors Accounting for Differences in Nuptial Benedictions | 第36-41页 |
| 4.3.1 Factors Accounting for Differences in Physiological Needs | 第37页 |
| 4.3.2 Factors Acoounting for Differences in Nuptial Benedictions on Family and Early Birth of a Baby | 第37-41页 |
| Chapter Five Conclusion | 第41-43页 |
| 5.1 Major Findings of this Study | 第41-42页 |
| 5.2 Limitations and Future Tasks | 第42-43页 |
| References | 第43-46页 |
| Appendix in Chinese | 第46-54页 |
| Appendix in English | 第54-64页 |
| Acknowledgements | 第64页 |
