A corpus-based study of vague language in legislative texts: Strategic use of vague terms. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Shuangling
• Is Part Of: English for specific purposes. Volume 45(2017:Jan.)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Corpus-based study -- Vague language -- Legislative texts -- Legislative communicative competence; English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Periodicals; English language -- Business English -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; English language -- Technical English -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Anglais (Langue) -- Étude et enseignement -- Allophones -- Périodiques; Enseignement professionnel -- Périodiques; Anglais (Langue) -- Anglais commercial -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Anglais (Langue) -- Anglais technique -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; English language -- Business English -- Study and teaching; English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers; English language -- Technical English -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 428.007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esp.2016.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0889-4906

Abstract

Abstract: Legislative language is a sub-type of legal discourse that is less extensively explored than other subjects like contracts. It is contended that while all legal texts share some similarities, such as precision and inclusiveness, each variety may have its own peculiarities in linguistic features and illocutionary acts. This article investigates vague language, specifically in legislative texts, using a corpus-based approach, and explores the role that vague use plays in the discoursal functions of legislative language. The analysis shows that vague language is mainly used in relation to four semantic groups in legislative texts: 1) 'quantity' (e.g. a number of ); 2) 'time' (e.g. from time to time ); 3) 'degree' (e.g. appropriate ); and 4) 'category' (e.g. such measures ). The results also suggest that a strategic use of vague language can achieve several communicative purposes of legislative texts, for example, to extend applicability of legal terms, to provide flexibility in fulfilling obligations and exercising power, and to mitigate potential problems. This article concludes that vague use should be considered as one of the specialised communicative strategies for drafting legislative texts, and explicit instructions on such a strategy may help develop legislative draftsmen's communicative competence. Highlights: Investigates vague use in corpus of legislative texts. Linguistically, vague use associated with four main semantic groups: 'quantity', 'time', 'degree' and 'category'. Functionally, vague use may contribute to several communicative purposes of legislative texts. Vague use should be considered important specialised communicative strategy in drafting of legislative language.