‘What the _?’ On the use of ellipsis and silence in sarcastic media and electoral discourse in Hong Kong

Abstract

The objectives of this presentation are: 1. To investigate how Hong Kong politicians discredit rivals through verbal indirectness strategies and mitigation of face-threats in tense election competition. 2. To explore the strategies employed by news media to express public dissatisfaction through a critical and attention- drawing, yet playful and humourous tone.