A Comprehensive Review of Interpersonal Pragmatics: Theoretical Developments and Applications in the Chinese Context

This paper provides a comprehensive review of interpersonal pragmatics, focusing on theoretical developments and applications in the Chinese context. The review synthesizes literature from databases including SSCI and CSSCI (2010–2025), with inclusion criteria centered on theoretical innovations and empirical studies in Chinese social interactions, to clarify key trends and challenges. Over the past decade, Chinese research has emphasized interpersonal relationships, identity construction, and diverse applications of the field. The paper clarifies the concept, traces its development, and highlights the importance of localized context. Studies on interpersonal relationships have integrated multi-perspective analyses through the “relationship turn,” while identity research has explored linguistic strategies and theoretical advancements. Discourse-level analyses have examined pragmatic effects across contexts, from everyday conversations to specialized domains like business and legal discourse. Despite progress, challenges remain, including unclear distinctions between interpersonal pragmatics and relationships, an overreliance on qualitative methods, and limited theoretical and localized research. Future research should adopt interdisciplinary approaches and diverse methodologies to strengthen theoretical foundations and enhance cultural specificity. The goal is to advance both the theoretical framework and practical application of interpersonal pragmatics within the Chinese context.