摘　要

本文旨在梳理礼貌策略，尤其是商务英语礼貌策略的理论研究，进而探讨其在商务英语函电中的具体应用。本文主要采用文献研究法，在分析前期学者的合作原则、礼貌原则、面子保全论的基础上，从语法、词汇角度进一步阐述商务英语函电中的礼貌策略，进而结合大量实例分析探讨礼貌策略的应用。研究表明，礼貌策略在商务英语函电中发挥着重要作用：不仅有助于减少双方误解，节约时间金钱，而且可帮助树立良好的企业形象。得体的商务函电是商务活动成功的重要保障。研究认为，以前期学者理论为基础的礼貌策略研究，有利于从多角度对礼貌策略进行分析探讨，也能为从事商贸行业的人员提供借鉴。

关键词：礼貌策略；商务英语函电；应用

Abstract

This thesis attempts to sort out politeness theories, especially the ones in business English and then explore the application of politeness strategies in business English correspondence. Through the documentation method to analyze Cooperative Principle, Politeness Principle and Face-Saving Theory, this paper illustrates politeness strategies from the aspect of grammar and lexical and then further discusses the application of politeness strategies in business English correspondence by means of some examples. The research results show that politeness strategies play an important role in business English correspondence writing: it can eliminate unnecessary disputes between two sides, save not only time but also expense and help create favorable impression. The decent business correspondence is an important guarantee for the success of business activities. The study finds that research on politeness strategies on the basis of previous scholars’ theories can help analyze politeness strategies from multiple angle, and provide guidance for people in trade industry as well. 

Key words: politeness strategy; business English correspondence; application
 
1 Introduction

The whole world came into a new period after the cold war, which gave world trade and economy an unprecedented golden opportunity. Trade and economic cooperation between the countries all over the world is on dramatic increase since then. In the background of economic globalization, more and more organizations, corporations and merchants began to negotiate and conclude business not only at home but abroad. However, there is a big question—the geographical boundary which may bring much inconvenience. We start to use e-mail, letter, fax, etc. to communicate with people in different countries. And also thanks to the rapid development of science and technology, business English correspondence which has been widely used by business people in international trade and business activities becomes the most basic and indispensable tools.