英语论文Language Features of Business English.docx

1、英语论文Language Features of Business EnglishLanguage Features of Business English1. Introduction 22. Selection of words in business English 32.1 Using short and familiar words and expressions 42.2 Choosing simple words 52.3 Avoiding old words 52.4 Selecting precise words 52.4.1 Choose accurate facts an

2、d figures 62.4.2 State what people will say matter-of-factly 62.4.3 Understand the commercial terms correctly 72.4.3.1 Terms for prices 72.4.3.2 Terms for shipments 72.5 Using logical expressions 82.6 Using concrete words 83. Construction of effective sentences in business English 93.1 Using short s

3、entences 93.1.1 Limiting sentence content 103.1.2 Economizing on words 103.1.2.1 Avoid cluttering phrases 103.1.2.2 Eliminate surplus words 113.1.2.3 Avoid unnecessary repetition of words or ideas 113.2 Arranging sentence emphasis 123.3 Giving the sentence unity 133.3.1 Avoid unrelated ideas 133.3.2

4、 Avoid unnecessary repeat 143.3.3 Avoid illogical constructions 153.4 Using active voice and passive voice properly 163.5 Using concise sentences 173.6 Using lots of formulas 174. Development of paragraphs in business English 184.1 Five ways to develop a paragraph 184.1.1 By illustration 184.1.2 By

5、comparison or contrast 194.1.3 By discussion of cause and effect 194.1.4 By classification 204.1.5 By discussion of problem and solution 204.2 Professional plan for paragraph development 214.2.1 Primary ideas 214.2.2 Related sentences 214.2.3 Other sentences 224.3 Achieving paragraph coherence 224.3

6、.1 Repetition of key words or key ideas 224.3.2 Using transitional expressions 235. Creating positive language instead of negative language in business English 235.1 State information positively 245.2 Eliminate negative language and language with negative connotations 246. Conclusion 25References 27

7、1. IntroductionBusiness English is a branch of English language system. It refers to the special English that serves for international business routines. The special way of information transmitting in business activities accounts for the special features of business English. Along with the rapid dev

8、elopment of global economy integration, Chinas entry into WTO and the approach of Beijing 2008 Olympics, people from all over the world pay a visit to our booming country, the exchanges of politics, economy, education and culture between China and other countries become more frequent than before. As

9、 a language tool for international resources share, business English has been a new type of comprehensive subject. It plays a vital role in our national economic reform and innovation. In addition, business English is regarded as a bridge connecting each other in specific language circumstance. Ther

10、efore, the research on language features of business English, to some extent, may strengthen, improve and promote the informational interchange among China and other districts.Its a fact that business English is such a commonly used language in intercultural business activities that it involves all

11、walks of life. Nowadays, Chinas market goes deep into the international economic society. In recent years, a vast majority of foreign-owned firms and multinational companies land in China, theres an increasing need of business talents. Under the tendency of economic globalization, undoubtedly, peopl

12、e should have strong awareness of business English and seek every possible opportunity to master it in order to meet the serious challenge of business era. On one hand, it helps business English learners to be more familiar with the general knowledge of business English, and then they are capable of

13、 making use of language skillfully. On the other hand, it enables people engaging in business affairs to enhance their abilities of befitting applying business English, which assists them in freely and properly taking advantage of the language tool while doing business at home and abroad, and nurtur

14、es a large number of elites speaking fluent business English to meet the need of competitive business talents. People want to be successful while dealing with business tasks, its obvious that just having some common English language knowledge is incompetent at a job, its far from enough. Thus, its w

15、orth analyzing the language features of business English from words selection, sentence construction and paragraph development so as to be qualified with the task. 2. Selection of words in business English The major part of adaptation is selecting the right words and expressions. The right words and

16、 expressions are those that communicate best and have clear meanings in readers mind. Selecting the right words depends on the ability to use language and good judgment. 2.1 Using short and familiar words and expressions Short words and expressions tend to be familiar ones that are daily-used words.

17、 Using familiar words and expressions means using the language that most of the native speakers use in everyday conversation. Its better to avoid the difficult words that do not communicate very precisely. For example, its better to use “end” instead of “terminate”, prefer “use” to “utilize” and “st

18、op” to “discontinue”. The suggestion of using short and familiar words doesnt rule out the use of some difficult words. One should use them if their meanings fit the purpose best .The best suggestion is to write the words and expressions business writers are familiar with.The following examples will

19、 illustrate the effect of using short and familiar words and expressions in communication. For example:(1) a. We wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter of May 2 with the check for $200 enclosed and wish to thank you for the same.b. Thank you for your letter of May 2 and the check for $200 you se

20、nt. Anther example:(2) a. Company operations for the preceding accounting period terminated with a substantial deficit.b. The company lost much money last year. (廖瑛, 2002:49)The latter sentences of the two examples using short and familiar words and expressions express the meaning much clearer. Now

21、that business English is mainly concerned with clear, concise, and accurate language, people should emphasize words and expressions that are familiar and short. 2.2 Choosing simple wordsSince businessmen make efficiency their priority, simple words are applicable to achieve this goal. Another reason

22、 is that the way of information transmitting in business routines has been regarded as the most important part of business; using simple words is also good for people to communicate, to catch the words immediately, while complex and rare words are hard to understand. So its advisable for businessmen

23、 to use simple words rather than complex words or rare words. 2.3 Avoiding old words As a language tool in present-day business era, business English should keep pace with changes in modern society. Its obvious that obsolete commercial jargons are gradually being replaced by modern English in the En

24、glish-speaking world.Out-of-date commercial jargons Modern EnglishAcknowledge receipt of Thank you forDue to the fact that as, because or sinceat your earliest convenience as soon as you can (王乃彦, 2005)2.4 Selecting precise words Practical English writing for international business must be correct;

25、otherwise they may be misunderstood. Practical English writing for international business, especially business letters are bases for various commercial documents such as contracts, agreements, so they are related to the rights and obligation of the two parties of a trade.“Preciseness refers much mor

26、e than that of grammar, punctuation, and spelling of words, which are the fundamental elements” (Frailcy, 1989:147). A letter may be perfectly speaking, but still it at times doesnt achieve desired effect. To guarantee the correctness of business English, the writer should always bear in mind the fo

27、llowing:2.4.1 Choose accurate facts and figures Business letters are related to the rights and obligations of the two parties of a trade. Thus the accurate facts and figures should be chosen to meet the need of the buyer and the seller. For example:(3) You ask very short delivery for your order.The

28、phrase “short delivery” refers to “short-weight” not to “quick delivery”, so the sentence should be changed into: “You require quick (prompt) delivery of your order.” (4) All offers by telegram are open for five days.The above sentence doesnt clearly explain or account for specific 5 days, and shoul

29、d be changed into: “All offers by telegram are open for 5 days inclusive of the date of dispatch.”2.4.2 State what people will say matter-of-factly In order to make sure that the reader has a good understanding on what the business writer intends to express, people should not overstate or understate

30、. Either overstating or understating may destroy preciseness. For example: One shouldnt say: It is the lowest price available to you. We assure you that this error will never occur. One should say: It is the lowest price we can offer now. Well do all we can so that we may not repeat such an error. 2

31、.4.3 Understand the commercial terms correctly 2.4.3.1 Terms for prices In the course of business negotiation and contract conclusion, appropriate trade terms for reasonable price should be chosen. Because different trade terms tell different prices, its crucial for people to precisely comprehense t

32、hem, and then properly use them in international business practice. EXW (Ex works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), for example:(5) Whats the basis are we to offer, FOB or CIF? (黎孝先, 2000:25-30)2.4.3.2 Terms for shipments Shipment refers to the carriage of the goods from the seller to the buyer, and its realized by transportation services. The terms for shipment make great difference to the achievement of international business transactions. Therefore, the e