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

Abstract

摘要

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