Analysis of Politeness Principle in Chinese Government Press Conference

【Abstract】： This paper is aimed at analyzing the Chinese Government Press Conference in recent years， exploring the application of Politeness Principle from pragmatic level， and emphasizing the importance of the six maxims of Politeness Principle： Tact Maxim， Generosity Maxim， Approbation Maxim， Modesty Maxim， Agreement Maxim and Sympathy Maxim. The author argues that in CGPC， there exists Politeness Principle achieving political intentions. Through analyzing， a better understanding of Politeness Principle can be acquired and CGPC’s language features can be revealed.

【Key Words】： PP （Politeness Principle）; Maxim; CGPC （Chinese Government Press Conference）

1. Introduction

1.1 An Introduction of PP

Traditionally， most people are not aware of Politeness Principle in their daily life. With the rising of pragmatic linguistics， a growing number of scholars begin to study the nature of PP. In 1983， Leech put forward six maxims of PP： Tact Maxim， Generosity Maxim， Approbation Maxim， Modesty Maxim， Agreement Maxim and Sympathy Maxim. Such theory was later widely accepted in academic circles.

1.2 An Introduction of CGPC

CGPC， as one of the most important， official and serious ways of information communication platform， is vitally essential for spokespeople to achieve political intentions. As it is related to state standpoint， interest， security and sensitive issues， avoiding potential conflicts， disputes and confrontations become magnificent. In CGPC， diplomatic tact of spokespeople is accomplished to a maximum extent， with courtesy and flexibility.

2. Analysis of PP in CGPC

2.1 Tact Maxim

Tact Maxim includes two minor maxims： minimize the cost to others; maximize the benefit to others. On October 17， 2014， the spokesperson was asked to state the attitude towards Ebola epidemic. The US government had imposed the travel ban on visitors from some countries On the contrary， the Chinese government chose to fight with the victims. “The Chinese side has been in close communication and cooperation with them， endeavoring to help them overcome difficulties.” It complied with the Tact Maxim of PP. Ebola epidemic was calamitous， but the Chinese government chose to offer assistances rather than reject them. This showed enough politeness.

2.2 Generosity Maxim

Generosity Maxim includes two minor maxims： minimize the benefit to self; maximize the cost to self. It was also complied in CGPC. On January 23， 2014， the spokesperson was asked to respond to Japanese Prime Minister Abe's remarks. He said that “we must restrain military expansion in Asia.” Abe's remarks revealed the conflicts between China and Japan. However， the spokesperson gave a smart answer which complied with the Generosity Maxim of PP. “China's military intentions and policies are open and transparent” explained that China was not going to appeal to military forces. By answering in this way， the spokesperson achieved in avoiding direct language confrontations.

2.3 Approbation Maxim

Approbation Maxim includes two minor maxims： minimize dispraise of others; maximize praise of others. This can be found in the CGPC spokesperson’s comments on Australian government’s rescue efforts of MH370 searching on February 2， 2015. “China's appreciation and gratitude”， “Australian side for the positive attitude” and “significant support and assistance” were all positive compliments of Australian government. These complied with Approbation Maxim of PP. Without clarifying what Australian government had specifically done， the spokesperson utilized these words to maximize praise. Diplomatically these affirmative comments would improve relationships and facilitate communications between China and Australia， and domestically a friendly impression of Chinese government was exhibited.

2.4 Modesty Maxim

Modesty Maxim includes two minor maxims： minimize praise of self; maximize dispraise of self. On February 28， 2014. Japan's official wondered why China designated a national memorial day when it's already been over 60 years since WWII ended. “China has every reason to mourn for the compatriots killed in the war and commemorate the victory of the war of resistance against Japan's aggression.” The spokesperson indicated that winning the war was not easy， since painful sacrifices were made to defeat Japanese enemies. The spokesperson was proud of his nation， but he did not show off this pride. These words complied with Modesty Maxim of PP.

2.5 Agreement Maxim

Agreement Maxim includes two minor maxims： minimize disagreement between self and others; maximize agreement between self and others. On December 29， 2014， a reporter raised a question conforming whether Gmail was blocked in mainland China or not. The spokesperson did not response directly. “…and we will continue to provide an open， transparent and fair environment for foreign enterprises operating in China.” Agreement Maxim of PP was compiled here in CGPC. The spokesperson explained that the Internet in China was nothing different from the other countries. This showed confidence of attracting foreign companies and avoided talking about censorship， in a decent way.

2.6 Sympathy Maxim

Sympathy Maxim includes two minor maxims： minimize antipathy between self and others; maximize sympathy between self and others. CGPC again revealed such maxim on April 3， 2015. The spokesperson was asked to comment on a gun attack. “China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism， and strongly condemns the terrorist attack against young students.” “We extend deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to all the bereaved families and the injured.” Sympathy Maxim of PP was complied. The spokesperson showed great sympathy. China chose to stand firmly by the victim side in its endeavor to safeguard national security and regional stability， which exhibited great inclusiveness.

Works Cited：

[1]Leech， Geoffrey. Principles of Pragmatics. London： Longman， 1983.

[2]Lakoff， Robin. The logic of politeness. Odense： Odense University Press， 1973.

[3]Partington， Alan. The Linguistics of Political Argument. London： Routledge， 2003.