「語用學」(Pragmatics)探討言語應用的原理原則，不但有助於精確掌握語意，並利於深入瞭解語言功能，藉以提高語言運用能力。「鴻門宴」是司馬遷《史記•項羽本紀》中精彩的片段，透過作者匠心獨運，其中人物傳神，體現出言語過招的機巧，深具言語應用的價值。本文以「鴻門宴」情節作為討論的素材，從語用學中「合作原則」與「禮貌原則」的角度進行分析，試綜理其中言語運用的有效策略，同時觀察西方語用學中此番理論的應用成效，藉以增進語言修養，提升語用能力。

Pragmatics is the theory which studies using of language. It can help us to control the meaning of language and to understand the function of language. Pragmatics can help us to promote the ability of talking. Hong Men Yan is a fascinating story in Shi Ji which Si Ma Qian wrote. It describes the persons in the text. Their dialogue is skillful. Such technique of expression is worthwhile. This research through this story tries to make analysis from the cooperative principle and the polite principle in pragmatics. This study expects to provide a better reference for ability of talking.