商务英语信函的词法特征_英语论文

On Lexical Features of Business English Letters

摘要

作为一种承载商务信息的工具，商务英语信函应该以一种正式的格式被普遍应用于国际商务交往中。得体的商务英语信函不仅能促成交易，还能改变或加强合作双方的关系，保持贸易双方的合作关系。因此，理解和掌握如何写好商务英语信函的方法和技巧显得尤为重要。

本文基于商务信函中的礼貌原则，阐述了商务信函的词汇特征。阐述了英文商务信函的共性词汇特征，和在传达好消息和坏消息时,商务英语信函的个性词汇特征。希望能帮助商务信函作者，以规避商务往来中的一些不必要损失,尽可能扩大合作。

关键词：商务英语信函；词法特征；礼貌原则

Abstract

As the tool to carry out foreign trades and international businesses, business English letters, which should be written in a formal style, are widely used in international businesses. An appropriate business English letter can not only facilitate transactions, but also can strengthen the cooperation and maintain trade relations between the two parties of trades. Thus it is very necessary for traders to understand and grasp the methods and skills to write a successful business English letter. 

This paper, based on the politeness principle, elaborates the lexical features of business English letters. It is found that there are some common lexical features in all business English letters and also some individual lexical features in some good news or bad news business letters. It is hopeful to help business writers avoid unnecessary losses in international business activities and maximum cooperation.

Key words: Business letters; lexical features; politeness principle

Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 Literature Review 2

2.1 Business English letters 2

2.1.1 Definition 2

2.1.2 Classification 3

2.1.3 Roles 4

2.2 Politeness principle 4

2.3 Related studies 6

3 General Lexical Features of Business English letters 7

3.1 Using polite expressions 7

3.2 Using jargons 9

3.3 Using acronyms 9

3.4 Using formal words 10

3.5 Using archaic words 10

4 Individual Lexical Features of Business English Letters 11

4.1 In good-news business letters 11

4.1.1 Using specific words 11

4.1.2 Using “You” instead of “I” or “We” 12

4.2 In bad-news business letters 13

4.2.1 Avoding you-language 13

4.2.2 Using general words 14

5 Conclusion 14

References 16