浅析商务英语函电中的礼貌原则.docx

1、浅析商务英语函电中的礼貌原则Per（2014）届本科生毕业设计（论文）题 目 A Brief Analysis on the Politeness Principle of Business English Correspondence(浅析 商务英语函电中的礼貌原则) 专 业 商务英语 院 系 外国语学院 学 号 1004030906 姓 名 何 翠 指 导 教 师 李 久 红 讲师 2014 年 4 月 浅析商务英语函电中的礼貌原则学生姓名：何 翠 指导老师：李久红摘 要：随着中国国际贸易的不断发展，中国经济与国际经济的联系越来越紧密了。商务英语函电作为商务活动中相互交流的一种重要方式在国

2、际贸易中起着重要的作用。随着商务英语函电的频繁使用，商务英语函电中的礼貌原则也显得日益重要。贸易双方在函电交流中是否有礼貌，直接关系到双方贸易的成功与否。本文基于语用学礼貌原则理论简单的介绍了礼貌原则的六大准则，从遣词造句的角度分析了这些准则与商务英语函电写作的融合。旨在为商务英语函电撰写者提供关于使用礼貌原则的写作建议，从而提高贸易成功率。关键词：商务英语；函电；礼貌原则A Brief Analysis on the Politeness Principle of Business English CorrespondenceUndergraduate: He CuiSupervisor:

3、Li JiuhongAbstract: With the constant development of Chinese international trade, the relationship between Chinese economy and foreign economy is increasingly closer. Business English correspondence is a very important way in business communication which plays a fatal role in these trades. Along wit

4、h the frequent using of business English correspondence, the politeness principle of business correspondence is getting more and more important. Whether trading parties are polite or not in correspondence communication directly affects the results of trade. Based on the theory of pragmatics politene

5、ss principle, this paper makes a simple introduction of the six rules of politeness principle, and on the basis of the phrasing, makes an analysis on how these principles integrate into business English correspondence. This paper is intended to provide business English correspondence writers with wr

6、iting suggestion about using politeness principle to promote trading.Key words: Business English; Correspondence; Politeness Principle Contents1. Introduction.42. Previous researches on politeness principle.43. A brief analysis on the politeness principle of business English correspondence.53.1 Poli

7、teness principle. 53.2 The Application of Politeness Principle in Business English Correspondence.73.2.1 The use of words.73.2.1.1 Personal pronouns73. 2.1.2 Positive words.83. 2.1.3 Modal auxiliary verbs.8 3. 2.1.4 Hedges.93.2.2 The use of sentence patterns103.2.2.1 Interrogative sentences.10 3.2.2

8、.2 Compound sentences.113.2.2.3 Passive sentences113.2.2.4 Subjunctive sentences124. Conclusion12 Bibliography.13 Acknowledgments141. Introduction With the development of Chinese reform and opening up and the entry of the World Trade Organization, international business in China is getting broader a

9、nd deeper. In order to cope efficiently in international transactions for businessmen, more and more linguists devote themselves into studying business English correspondence which is playing a more and more important role in international activities.In business correspondence, many principles shoul

10、d be paid attention to. Cooperative principle and politeness principle are the most important. Since 1970s, linguists began to research the function of politeness principle in the communications. Business English correspondence is a main communication way of trading exchanges and cooperation. In add

11、ition, it is an important medium to communicate, conduct business, conclude the transaction and build friendly cooperation relationship in business practices. Therefore, the courtesy principle should be observed. Politeness is usually taken as a measure to achieve ones certain aim, and to enhance or

12、 maintain parties harmonious relationship. Polite language could narrow the psychological gap between parties and make them know each other more and create cordial and friendly atmosphere. If parties are from different countries and cultural backgrounds, polite language is lubricant during the conta

13、cts so as to the association could go on smoothly and pleasant. Politeness is the soul of business correspondence, so it is necessary to research on the courtesy principle in business correspondence.In this paper, the first part is about previous researches on politeness principle, mainly lists some

14、 representative foreign linguists research achievement. The second part consists of three points: a simple introduction of politeness principle; the use of words (personal pronouns, positive words, modal auxiliary verbs, hedges) embodies the application of politeness principle in business English co

15、rrespondence; the use of sentence patterns (interrogative sentences, compound sentences, passive sentences, subjunctive sentences) reflects the application of politeness principle in business English correspondence. Moreover, the second and third point containing many example sentences in business E

16、nglish correspondence to illustrate corresponding politeness principle. The last part is the conclusion, bibliography and acknowledgments. 2. Previous researches on politeness principle Because of the importance of politeness in business English correspondence and the vital role of correspondence in

17、 business trade, so many language experts have researched the politeness principle in business English correspondence.The present study aims to explore how politeness are applied in business English letters and for what reasons they are applied, so as to research the relationship between courtesy pr

18、inciple and business English correspondence and thus improve the business correspondence writing level and promote business exchange.Hudson thinks We usually try to avoid exposing other peoples weakness or raising heated controversy, unless we are sure that it will not affect the attitude of others

19、towards us or we are indifferent to their opinion . (Hudson, 1985:115) In other words, politeness is of importance in promoting interpersonal relationship to achieve both individual and group goals.America linguist George Lakoff argues that politeness is used for “reaffirming and relationships” in 1

20、973. According to her, “Politeness is a system of strengthening interpersonal relations designed to facilitate interaction by minimizing the potential for conflict and confrontation inherent in all human interchange”. She proposes three maxims of politeness from the perspective of the speaker: Dont

21、impose; Give options; Make him feel good.English linguist G. N. Leech presents the famous “Politeness Principle” from the point of rhetoric and linguistics, based on the “Cooperation Principle” in 1983. The core content of “Politeness Principle” is: minimize cost to other, maximize benefit to other,

22、 so as to try to gain the others favorable impression. The importance of this principle is that giving others trusts on positive meaning while avoiding to offensive others on negative significance. (Leech, 1974)Brown and Levison in 1987 put forward that politeness are forms of behavior that allows c

23、ommunication to take place between potentially aggressive partners. They proposes the “Face Theory”, that is both the speaker and the hearer have an interest in maintaining each others face, but often have to commit face-threatening acts (FTAs). 3. A brief analysis on the politeness principle of bus

24、iness English correspondencePoliteness is necessary for a success business. A correspondence without politeness could lead to disappearance of a business that should be successful. In the correspondence, businessmen must show their sincere, so that the business could be close to success. In view of

25、this, the success of business not only needs businessmens outstanding personal quality and morality, but also needs good faith and polite manner in business correspondence. The wording should be appropriate, not rude or rigid. And it should also respect others opinion. Even if other parties have abs

26、urd or offensive words, we should keep calm, be neither humble nor haughty, and keep good manners and noble mind. 3.1 Politeness principleAccording to Geoffrey Leech, there is a politeness principle with conversational maxims similar to those formulated by Paul Grice. He lists six maxims: tact, gene

27、rosity, approbation, modesty, agreement, and sympathy. The first and the second form a pair, as do the third and the fourth. These maxims give great instruction to so many business correspondence writers in so many years.1. The Tact MaximThe Tact Maxim states: Minimize the expression of beliefs whic

28、h imply cost to other; maximize the expression of beliefs which imply benefit to other. The first part of this maxim fits in with Brown and Levinsons negative politeness strategy of minimizing the imposition, and the second part reflects the positive politeness strategy of attending to the hearers i

29、nterests, wants, and needs. Leech thinks that this maxim is first important which is a universal maxim to guide people make a successful conversation.Using language tactfully means to use it politely. (He Ziran, 1998) Business letters should, according to circumstances, adopt suitable language, neit

30、her being offensive nor over polite, and make sure the business communication to continue in a harmonious atmosphere.2. The Generosity MaximLeechs Generosity Maxim states: Minimize the expression of beliefs that express or imply benefit to self; maximize the expression of beliefs that express or imp

31、ly cost to self. This maxim which manifests in business English is that adopting more “other attitude” and less “self attitude”. Unlike the Tact Maxim, the maxim of generosity focuses on the speaker, and says that others should be put first instead of the self.3. The Approbation MaximThe Approbation Maxim states: Minimize the expression of beliefs which express dispraise of other; maximize the expression of beliefs which express approval of other. It is preferr