Hedges showing power distance in the Godfather from pragmatic perspective = Các phương tiện rào đón thể hiện khoảng cách quyền lực trong tác phẩm Bố già từ góc độ ngữ dụng học

Abstract

Hedges are a communicative tool which can be used to achieve pragmatic purposes. The literature review shows gaps in researching hedges in the relation with power distance. This present study seeks to fulfil such gaps by conducting an investigation into the American context after the World War II. The data were from the conversations in one of the most prominent novels - The Godfather by Mario Puzo. Hedges were analyzed in four categories: modal hedges, performative hedges, pragmatic-marker hedges and quantification hedges before they are interpreted in six dimensions of power distance. The findings were discussed from pragmatic perspective via a model of hedging functions: content-oriented, speaker-oriented and reader-oriented. The research pointed out that the use of hedges is determined by age, gender and social status to different extents. This study argues that although the US is a low power country, the power distance in the novel is an exception. This study hopes to contribute to the local and global understanding of hedges and power distance. Practically, it may serve certain samples as a source of authentic materials in learning and teaching hedging devices and functions of hedges for power distance in the classroom and in communication.