The Application of Euphemism in Business Letters from the Perspective of Linguistic Adaptation Theory_英语论文

摘要

本文以维尔索伦的顺应论为基础框架，具体分析委婉语的语境顺应性，结构顺应性，动态顺应性和顺应过程中的意识凸显性。作者认为：委婉语的应用是一种动态选择，顺应于语境关系和结构对象,并被顺应过程中不同程度的意识所影响。委婉语策略是一种语言选择的结果，它被商务信函的种类、信函所用语法和信函所处语境所影响，并且选择委婉语的过程是由使用者的意识程度来控制的。

关键词：委婉语；商务信函；顺应论

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Euphemism and Business Letters 2

2.1 The definition and functions of euphemism 2

2.2 The classification and the functions of business letters 3

3. Verschueren’ s Linguistic Adaptation Theory 5

3.1 Contextual correlates of adaptability 6

3.2 Structural objects of adaptability 6

3.3 Dynamics of adaptability 7

3.4 Salience of adaptation processes 7

4. Adaptability of euphemism in business letters 8

4.1 Contextual correlates of adaptability of euphemism 8

4.1.1 In cognitive context 9

4.1.2 In social context 11

4.2 Structural objects of adaptability of euphemism 16

4.2.1 In category 16

4.2.2 In grammar 18

4.3 Dynamics of adaptability of euphemism 19

4.3.1 In cognitive context 19

4.3.2 In social context 20

4.3.3 In category 22

4.3.4 In grammar 22

4.4 Salience of adaptation processes of euphemism 22

5. Conclusion 24

References 25