Exploring the Communicative Functions of Pragmatic Vagueness as a Discursive Strategy

Pragmatic communication difficulties encompass many distinct behaviours, including the use of vague and/or insufficient language, a common characteristic following traumatic brain injury (TBI) that negatively impacts psychosocial outcomes. Existing assessments evaluate pragmatic communication broadly, often with only one or two items capturing each behaviour, thus limiting sensitivity and precision to variations within each behaviour. Given that greater nuance is needed to detect subtle pragmatic communication differences and investigate underlying cognitive mechanisms, a more refined measure is critical to improve psychosocial outcomes. The Vague scale was developed to address those needs. To provide preliminary evidence supporting the novel Vague language use (Vague) scale's reliability, validity and clinical utility. The Vague scale rates each discourse sample utterance for vague language use on a 3-point scale; the measure's Vague score represents the mean of utterance-level ratings. Using the Vague scale, two raters naïve to diagnosis evaluated Cinderella narratives of 46 adults with severe TBI and 46 controls with no brain injury, providing reliability, construct validity and classification accuracy evidence. Vague scores were also compared to other clinical measures to gather criterion-related validity evidence. Interrater agreement across all transcripts was moderate. Construct validity was supported by expected group differences and criterion validation, including significant relationships with increased violations of Grice's maxim of quantity and measures of lexical variation; significant relationships with psychosocial outcomes, supporting clinical utility; and nonsignificant relationships with measures of syntax and overall pragmatic communication. Classification accuracy expectedly did not support using Vague scores in isolation for diagnosis, due to unacceptable sensitivity (0.696). Evidence supported the Vague scores' psychometric properties. Thus, the Vague scale shows promise as a measure of one distinct pragmatic communication behaviour: vague language use. Future research should apply the Vague scale to determine its sensitivity in individuals with subtle social communication challenges (e.g., mild TBI), explore its utility with more naturalistic discourse samples as part of a pragmatic communication battery, longitudinally examine changes in Vague scores, and investigate cognitive mechanisms underlying this specific pragmatic communication behaviour. What is already known on this subject Use of vague language is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may contribute to negative psychosocial outcomes related to employment and relationships. However, existing measures of vague language lack sensitivity and precision, limiting their utility for identifying subtle performance variations or determining the cognitive mechanisms underlying this specific pragmatic communication behaviour. What this study adds to existing knowledge The current study gathered promising reliability, validity and clinical utility evidence to support using the novel Vague language use (Vague) scale, which was developed to address these limitations. Based on complex (Cinderella) stories of adults with and without TBI, Vague scores demonstrated moderate interrater agreement and promising construct validity based on expected group differences and criterion validation, including moderate associations with related constructs and weak associations with unrelated constructs. Because pragmatic communication profiles post-TBI can vary, classification accuracy expectedly indicated that Vague scores should not be used alone to identify communication differences post-TBI. What are the clinical implications of this work? Vague scores show promise for documenting clients' use of vague language and planning intervention to address associated discourse-level challenges. Future research should investigate applying the Vague scale to naturalistic discourse samples (1) as part of a battery that sensitively and precisely identifies pragmatic communication differences and (2) as a tool for investigating cognitive mechanisms underlying vague language use, with the goal of improving interventions that support pragmatic communication and enhance psychosocial outcomes.

Investors look to the language a firm uses for information that may not be available otherwise, especially in entrepreneurial settings. One aspect of language that is garnering greater attention in the management and other business literatures is vagueness. Vague language is often viewed negatively by audiences because of its association with greater uncertainty and potential to obscure negative information. However, some work in linguistics implies that the use of vague language can have positive impacts if the speaker understands the needs of the audience. This study explores the use of vague language and its relationship with investor interest as well as how it interacts with the skills of the entrepreneurial founding team. We hypothesize that, in general, investors are less interested in firms that use vague language, but the positive impacts of vague language become apparent when firm founders have human capital endowments associated with the effective use of language. Analyses based on data from a major start-up pitch competition provide evidence to support these hypotheses. Post hoc analyses explore potential mechanisms. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16367 .

Vague language has been explored in a variety of languages, including Russian. There is also a growing body of research into vague language used by L2 speakers, predominantly of English. Vague language of Russian L2 learners has not yet been addressed.
 The present study focuses on the use of vague language by Italian-speaking learners of Russian based on the data of 2 learner corpora. It deals with main categories of vague language: vague nouns (вещь ‘thing’), approximators (около десяти ‘around ten’), and general extenders (и так далее ‘and so on’). The aim of the study is to identify how extensively and in what contexts Italian learners of Russian resort to vague language and to compare the findings to the use of vague language by native speakers and learners with a different linguistic background (English L1).

The article is devoted to the study of social advertising as a special type of French advertising discourse, namely, to the definition of the communicative purpose and functions inherent to advertising discourse. Special attention was paid to the development of the classification of communicative goals of the advertising message and the definition of its functions in social advertising. Having studied the message of modern social advertising, we classified its communicative purpose as follows: 1) attracting attention or changing the attitude of the public to a certain problem; 2) call to change the behavioural model of society; 3) promotion of a certain way of life; 4) encouragement to specific actions; 5) forming of public opinion / social consciousness; 6) humanisation of society and its involvement in social processes. It is worth noting that depending on the type of communicative purpose of the advertising message, French social advertising performs the following functions: informative, promotional, explanatory (interpretive), preventive, economic (incentive to pay taxes), educational (educational), persuasive. Usually, one advertising message performs several functions at the same time, since the informative function in social advertising is often combined with a promotional or preventive function, the educational function with an interpretive function, and the persuasive function can be combined with any of the listed functions. The analysis of French social advertising messages showed that the communicative purpose of an advertising message and its functions are closely related, in other words, the functions of a social advertising message depend on its communicative purpose. To be as effective as possible in the process of social communication, advertising slogans must precisely combine language form, pragmatic instructions and communicative functions.

The analysis of modern textbooks for English language training of specialists in the field of tourism has demonstrated lack of correlation between the contents of learning materials and the tasks of future specialists’ training, and, therefore, the necessity to determine the aims and contents of teaching professionally oriented monologue speech. Practical, professional, educational, developmental, instructional aims of forming professionally oriented English language competence in monological speech of specialists in the field of tourism have been specified. The aims define the contents of learning which is regarded as a complex hierarchical structure which summarises what students should learn. Subject and procedural aspects of the contents of forming professionally oriented English language competence in monological speech of specialists in the field of tourism have been determined. The components of subject aspect – spheres of communication (it has been determined that professional sphere dominates), situations and roles, nonverbal means of communication, communicative purposes, topics, texts, language and linguosociocultural material, learning and communicative strategies used to speak effectively – have been analyzed. Taking into account typical professional duties of specialists in the field of tourism, and the positions they may occupy, there have been determined typical communicative situations, roles, intentions of the speakers and styles. For example, communicative situation –presentation of the company, tourist product in front of the audience; communicative role – manager of tourism; communicative intentions – to present the information, describe the advantages, present facts and data, persuade the audience, urge to action; style – official. Direct (mnemonic and cognitive), indirect (metacognitive, social and affective) learning strategies as well as communicative (compensation) strategies have been specified. In terms of procedural aspect monological skills as well as declarative and procedural knowledge which students should master to communicate effectively have been determined. Further research should be focused on selecting learning materials to form professionally oriented English language competence in monological speech of specialists in the area of tourism.

Vague language (VL, e.g. kind of), an integral part of language, has been attracting increased attention in linguistic studies. VL is a versatile tool of communication in presenting the world in an imprecise but powerful manner. This study explores an overlooked issue: the relationship between the sensitivity of topics and the use of VL, particularly between topical sensitivity and the form and function of VL items. The corpus consists of semi-controlled spoken interactions between Western Australian tertiary students who were asked to converse on two topics: asylum seekers (touchy) and weekend activities (less touchy). The findings reveal the impact of sensitivity, manifested by different VL frequencies (macro level) and forms (micro level) used in the different topics. More VL, and particular forms of VL (e.g. I think, some, or something), were used in the asylum seeker discourse. As the level of topical sensitivity increases, the level of vagueness in talk-in-interactions also increases: that is, the level of sensitivity, VL frequency, and specific VL items are positively related. Showing how participants use VL in responding to different degrees of sensitivity, this study enriches the scarce literature by providing fresh insights and new resources in this important research area. It is expected that the impact of touchy topics may be applicable to other areas of linguistic studies.

PC-FACS

Language in action can be seen in terms of verbal, non-verbal and written media. Therefore, language and communication are sine qua non in this world of words and continued eruptions of conflicts or disputes. What defines human’s humanity is language which is the vehicle of communication. People, therefore, engage in communication for many reasons and for the purpose of this paper, we shall examine the roles and functions of communication as one of the means of non-violent methods of conflict resolution. Language is regarded by experts as the key to the heart of a people. Language and communication, therefore, are very crucial in the management and resolution of conflicts or disputes between the two parties in conflicts. As important as language and communication are in conflicts and conflict resolutions, they are not properly focused in the works of many writers and researchers. This paper, therefore, identifies communication as a significant means of resolving conflicts. Other non-violent methods of management and resolution of conflicts where the use of language and communication are crucial and significantly inevitable include negotiation, dialogue, mediation, adjudication, arbitration as well as the use of the mass media. It is the opinion of this paper that the roles and functions of language and communication should be more focused, analysed and utilized in order to find out the root causes, management, effects and resolutions of conflicts in the society. Key words: Peace, conflict, non-adversarial procedures, use of language, communication, mediation, resolution.

This paper explores how a Humean may respond to issues of vagueness in philosophy of language—and in extension—ontology. It begins with an examination of the sorites paradox and two common responses: epistemicism, and eliminativism. I then turn to David Hume’s conception of abstract ideas as a way to determine how vague terms refer and then compare this view to both epistemicism and eliminativism. The paper ends with a defense of the Humean view as a synthesis of the two, which ultimately questions the formulation of the sorites paradox as a proper use of language.

This study analyzes Chinese online science communication and discussion about genetically modified foods (GMFs). Based on data collected from one of the largest Chinese GMFs science popularization website, it utilizes Wodak’s discourse analysis to investigate how Chinese genetically modified (GM) scientific discourse is characterized by a range of discursive strategies that construct specific identity of Chinese GM scientists and explore science hegemony underlying Chinese GMFs debates. Findings show that discourse features of Chinese GM scientific discourse is objective as well as emotional, particularly conveying a strong sense of superiority realized by trope, argumentative strategies and intertextuality. The unequal power relationship between scientists and the public as well as Chinese intellectuals’ knowledge hegemony could partly explain why those discursive strategies are employed in science communication practices of GMFs debates in Chinese context.

As a new and exciting science, however, the non- verbal communication takes a significant place in the English classroom teaching. This thesis starts from the definitions of the Non-verbal communication and focuses on some usages of the Non-verbal communication in English classroom teaching on the basis of the current situation of English teaching, such as the use of body language, space language, environment language. Though using of such strategies and techniques, teachers and students' ability of non-verbal communication have been greatly improved. Keywords-non-verbal communication; English classroom teaching; body language; I. INTRODUCTION Naturally, everyone attaches great importance to the effect of expressing himself in language, but they usually pay little attention to the function of Non-verbal communication. The study on just started after World War II. Most linguists agreed that at first human beings communicated with each other through body language such as bodily movement, gestures, postures, facial expressions, eye contact, and touch and so on, rather than verbal means. The history of the use of nonverbal signals is far longer than the use of verbal means. In the 1950s, nonverbal communication made a breakthrough development. In the 1960s the study of the developed to a new stage, at which man's different gestures were studied. Since 1980s the study on has further developed. Some Chinese scholars began to study it from many different dimensions like linguistics, architecture, art, sociology, etc. Abererombic says: We speak with our vocal organs, but we converse with our whole body.(Cited in Bijiwan 1995:72) Everyday, people conduct a lot of Non- verbal behaviors such as performing facial expressions, postures and action, consciously and unconsciously. And these signals convey different messages about us to others consciously or unconsciously. Many studies have revealed some important facts about our use of Non-verbal communication. There are scores of definitions that researchers and scholars use to refine Non-verbal communication. According to Mark Knap (1980:18) the term non-verbal communication refers to non-verbal behavior that people perform with the value of message, and the signals to which meaning will be attributed. It can be used to describe all human communication events that transcend spoken or written words. Bur goon and Sain (cited in Malandra, 1989:7) show that NVC is the qualities or behaviors known to all in a community without the use of words and such qualities or behaviors are intentionally given by the speaker and consciously received and responded by the listeners. According to James C and Steverk, is a process of one person stimulating meaning in the mind of another person non-verbally. The linguist Samovar (2000) has made a great effort to interpret the term. He proposes NVC involves all those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the variety of ways without the use of verbal codes. It is both intentional and unintentional.

The tobacco harm reduction literature is replete with vague language, far-reaching claims, and unwarranted certainty. The American Thoracic Society has increasingly recognized the need for a framework for reliably making such claims. Evidence-based standards improving the scientific value and transparency of harm reduction claims are expected to improve their trustworthiness, clarity, and consistency. Experts from relevant American Thoracic Society committees identified key topic areas for discussion. Literature search strategy included English language articles across Medline, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Collaborative databases, with expanded search terms including tobacco, addiction, smoking, cigarettes, nicotine, and harm reduction. Workgroup members synthesized their evidentiary summaries into a list of candidate topics suitable for inclusion in the final report. Breakout groups developed detailed content maps of each topic area, including points to be considered for suggested recommendations. Successive draft recommendations were modified using an iterative consensus process until unanimous approval was achieved. Patient representatives ensured the document's relevance to the lay public. Fifteen recommendations were identified, organized into four framework elements dealing with: estimating harm reduction among individuals, making claims on the basis of population impact, appropriately careful use of language, and ethical considerations in harm reduction. This statement clarifies important principles guiding valid direct and inferential harm reduction claims. Ideals for effective communication with the lay public and attention to unique ethical concerns are also delineated. The authors call for formal systems of grading harm reduction evidence and regulatory assurances of longitudinal surveillance systems to document the impact of harm reduction policies.

The contact of English language with other languages in the world has significant impacts on language use in different domains. The coexistence of English with Ghanaian indigenous languages in Ghana, for example, has resulted to different language varieties in the country. Thus, presently, Ghana has three different language varieties: Unmixed-English, Unmixed-Ghanaian Language(s), and Mixed-English. The use of any of these varieties, as observed by Owusu-Ansah (1997) is, however, largely constrained by multiple domains of language use in Ghana. This paper, accordingly, discusses the extent at which the contact of English with Ewe language affects language use in the informal domain among the Ewe of Southern Volta. It highlights the use, and the domains of use of these varieties in contact situations, but focuses more on the informal domains such as homes, streets, recreational centres, markets and shops. The data were collected from 120 participants from different age groups, gender and different educational groups through participant observation and interview. The study has shown that the informal domains: homes, streets, shops, markets and recreational centres among the Aŋlɔ-Ewe are highly dominated by the use of English and Mixed-Ewe English varieties. This suggests that the Aŋlɔ-Ewe do not restrict themselves to language specific domains in Ghana, but manipulate the choice available to them to fulfill their communicative purposes; they choose the variety they feel most comfortable with. This finding thus contradicts Owusu-Ansah (1997). It nevertheless, contributes to the on-going discussion on language situation in Ghana, and also helps the Aŋlɔ-Ewe to work towards maintaining the Unmixed-Ewe variety so as to avoid its death.

Background: Effective communication is essential in nursing care, especially for patients with cognitive impairments. While verbal communication is commonly used, non-verbal communication strategies such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language can also play a crucial role in ensuring patient understanding and comfort. However, the effectiveness of these two communication approaches remains underexplored in nursing research. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of verbal and non-verbal communication in nursing care for patients with cognitive impairments, evaluating their impact on patient understanding, comfort, and compliance. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a hospital in Ambon, Indonesia, from April to December 2024. A total of 300 patients with cognitive impairments were recruited, with 150 patients in each group (verbal communication group and non-verbal communication group). The effectiveness of each communication method was assessed based on patient comprehension, comfort level, and compliance with nursing instructions, using pre- and post-intervention surveys and observational assessments. Results: The results demonstrated that both communication methods had a significant positive effect on patient understanding and comfort. However, the non-verbal communication group showed a slightly higher improvement in patient comfort, while the verbal communication group had a more substantial impact on comprehension. Conclusion: Both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques are essential in nursing care for patients with cognitive impairments. Understanding the strengths of each method and incorporating them into daily practice can enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes

Politeness in verbal communication is important for harmony in a country especially Malaysia which consists of a variety of races, ethnicities, and religions. However, the impoliteness in verbal communication among the members of the community is increasingly worrying until it becomes trending in nowadays communication. The use of impolite language, dialects, and cursing has destroyed the culture of politeness in verbal communication which is a very significant element in the growth and development of a society as an expresser of philosophy, knowledge, and thinking as well as a tool for human creativity in various fields of life. Thus, language should be put in an appropriate place in the context of developing and consolidating a civilized society. In the context of Malaysian society, politeness in verbal communication is emphasized as a reflection of Malaysian society. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the maxims of politeness in verbal communication among the Malaysian community as well as the relationship between Leech's Principles of Politeness and the socio-culture society in Malaysia. The research method is quantitative and involves primary data collection through a survey of 272 youths among the Malays, Chinese, and Indian communities around the Klang Valley. The findings revealed that there is politeness in verbal communication in the maxims of politeness, kindness, and polite maxims and consent in Malaysian society. Leech’s Principles of Politeness proves that all three maxims have successfully unified various ethnicities that reflect the identity of Malaysian society. Hence, this study can be used as a reference for politeness in verbal communication which is very significant in multi-ethnic society in Malaysia.