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英語信函范文1
1.專業詞匯：外貿英語信函中對專業詞匯的翻譯務必精確、符合經貿專業要求。外貿英語中的價格術語意義固定：有的是單獨的詞，inquiry(詢盤)和offer(報盤）;有的是則是由幾個詞構成，todrawonsomebody(向某方開出匯票)。這些專業詞匯的翻譯稍微有差錯就會給企業造成負面的影響甚至巨大的損失，如曾有則報道說，某譯者錯將“不銹鋼”譯為“炭素鋼”，這兩字之差就給企業造成近20萬元損失。
值得注意的是，有些外貿英語專業詞匯與其本意大相徑庭。Document本意為“文件”，而在外貿英語中則為“單據”，如AnL/Cnormallyspecifiesthedocumentsthatarerequiredbythebuyerandthedatebywhichthegoodsinquestionmustbeshipped。（信用證上，通常規定了買方所需的單據，以及有關貨物的運貨日期。）
2.歧義詞：英語中常常會出現一個詞匯有多重意義，而這幾個意義恰好又是對立的。因此在外貿英語信函的書寫或翻譯中，應避免使用歧義詞。面對這類詞匯應及時發現，并立刻和對方取得聯系，以便及時糾正，以免使締約雙方發生分歧，為日后貿易帶來后患。如inaweek可指在withinaweek（一周內），又可以指afteraweek(在一周后），這就必須要與對方商榷，及時換上表義明確的詞。
3.英美詞匯差異：外貿英語信函的翻譯還應注意英美詞義的差異：在英式英語和美式英語中，同一個詞可能有不同的含義。在這方面的典型例子即是單位的差異，如billion在美式英語中意思為“十億”，而在英式英語中，則代表“萬億”。因此，在翻譯中一定要注意英式英語和美式英語使用場合。
4.縮略語：縮略術語在外貿英語信函中也很常見，其意思對外貿交易極其重要。這里僅介紹幾種常見的縮略術語的翻譯法。
(1)音譯。如:AIDS艾滋??；DDT滴滴涕；OPEC歐佩克。
(2)用漢語的縮略語譯如：UFO飛碟；UNESCO聯合國教科文組織；V.F視頻；XL特大。
(3)部分譯，部分不譯如:DNAfingerprintingDNA鑒別術；FOBShanghaiFOB上海價。
(4)還原成原文意譯如：EconomistsplacedgreatertrustintheCPIreport,contendingthatthesurgeinthewholesaleindexwasmerelyafluke。（經濟學家對消費者物價指數比較信任，認為批發物價指數的飊漲只是偶發現象。）(CPT=consumerpriceindex:消費者物價指數)。
(5)外來語譯法與以上方法差不多，以意譯為多。如：EP(單方面)—exparte(拉丁語)；E/R(在途中)－enroute(法語)。
5.套用格式化語言或句型對應翻譯法：以簽署文件、合同等為目的的外貿英語信函，多套用已有格式。在翻譯的時候，應用相應的中文格式，用程式化語言翻譯即可。它的特點主要表現在一些套用、固定搭配及句式結構的應用中。譯者可相應地采取“套用句型對應方法”來翻譯。在此類商業信函中，對方一般也會采取正規書面語，風格繁冗。尤其是為了增加嚴肅、正式的意味，他們常常會選用帶法律、語言保守傾向的古體詞。常見的有以”here;there;where”為詞根的詞，如:herein;hereof;herewith;hereby;thereby;therefore;whereas;whereby等。翻譯的時候不一定要字字對應，可以在其他地方以詞匯手段予以補償，用相對比較古雅的詞匯將原文的文體風格反映出來即可。6.整體格式差異：整體格式差異主要體現在英文與中文信函中。眾所周知，英文日期常寫于右上方，而中文日期常寫于右下方。英文稱呼使用復數Sirs/Gentlemen,而在中文中，則體現為統稱形式的整體單數。雖然，按照國際貿易慣例，外貿電函英譯漢時，可保留英文外貿函電的格式，也可套用中文外貿函電的格式。但是，根據慣例，建議使用中文格式，以取得整體美感。
二、用于達成友誼、交流感情的商業信函的翻譯
除用于正式交易的外貿英語信函外，為達成貿易雙方的友誼，商家會特別注意禮貌，因此會大量寫作交流情感類信函。對這一類信函，譯者翻譯的時候，應注意選取適合的詞，使用翻譯具有“信、雅、達”的美感。并且提醒注意的一點是，商人畢竟是商人，他首先考慮的是商品、質量及相關問題與條件，而非客套與人稱，漢譯時，應突出重點信息，精簡繁枝冗葉，以達到強化重點的目的。
針對外貿英語信函所帶有的書面語體的語言結構特點，譯者在翻譯時，應該選擇相應的書面語。在中文外貿信函中，使用的是介于文言文與口語之間的半文言文體與之相對應。如Sincerelyyours漢譯為“謹上”即可。而針對港臺地區保留大量古語的特點，譯者在翻譯時，還應該把開頭的“先生”之類詞婉譯為“敬啟者”。在傳統英語貿易辭令中，大量套語，更應該恰當增減。如：Wearepleasedto…；Wehavepleasurein…；Weacknowledgewiththanks…這些套語，產生了諸如Wearelookingforwardwithinteresttoyourreply.等句式，這里若直譯為“我們帶著極大的興趣盼望您的答復?！憋@然，這種翻譯拖沓而且生硬，只要稍微套用一下格式，采取婉譯方式，譯為“盼復”，則簡潔明了。類似的情況還有：Yourpromptreplywouldbegreatlyappreciated。（直譯為“貴方的快速回復將使我們不勝感激”;婉譯為“即復為謝”）
英語信函范文2
[關鍵詞] 商務信函；寫作；原則
【中圖分類號】 H05 【文獻標識碼】 A 【文章編號】 1007-4244（2013）12-303-1
21世紀是經濟日益全球化的世紀，中國與世界各國的交往日益頻繁，國際貿易事業發展迅猛。但隨著科學技術的發展，國際間的貿易往來更多地使用傳真與電子郵件來傳遞商務信函。因而，英語商務信函成為一種便宜而有效的溝通媒介。英語商務信函是一種最常見的商業聯系媒介，它是一種通過電腦或者打字機“書信”來完成的人際間交往。實際上商務信函是一種“推銷”函，寫信人總是在推銷著什么，可能是一種產品、一項服務、一項專利、一個觀念，甚至是推銷自己或樹立自己所在公司的形象等。
一、禮貌原則（courteousness）
在商務信函寫作中乃至所有商務活動中，禮貌都發揮著重大的調節作用。它是有效的自我推薦名片，有助于老關系的加強和新關系的建立。禮貌意味著在信函中非常巧妙的表示出誠摯的友情，誠摯的感謝，真誠的禮貌，體貼的理解和由衷的尊重。
商業信件要簡潔明了，既要注意信件的措詞得體，又要符合商業信件禮貌周到的原則。寫信時要注意禮節，不要盛氣凌人，避免出現命令或粗魯等不恰當的口吻。寫信過程中除了多使用諸如please；your kind inquiry；I would appreciate it if you would等短語外，還需做到以下幾點：語氣要真誠、善解人意以及考慮周全；避免使用傷害、貶低的短語，如：your neglectful attitude；impatience；we deny your claim 等；避免使用含有性別歧視的詞語，如 businessman；chairman 等。
二、準確原則（correctness）
準確表達不僅僅指英語語法、標點符號和拼寫層面，更重要的是書信的內容要敘述正確，買賣雙方的權利、義務、違約條款、付款方式、重要數字等信息都屬于準確表達的范圍。一封表達準確的商務信函，不僅能夠促使商務活動的有效進行，還能夠避免不必要的糾紛。
三、完整原則（completeness）
商務信函的內容力求完整，需回答來信所提出的所有問題和要求，或是包括寫信人希望收信人做出積極反映的一切問題及情況（when、where、who、what、how ）。在書寫商務信函時，應該對信函的內容做到心中有數，避免一件事分多次書信傳遞給對方。一封商務信函只有包含了所有必要信息才能達到它的理想效果，不完整的信函不僅有失禮貌而且會令收信人對你公司產生不好的印象。
四、清楚原則（clarity）
清楚是商務英語信函寫作最重要的原則。一封含糊不清、辭不達意的書信會引起誤會與歧義，造成貿易損失，甚至會引發訴訟糾紛。清楚表達應注意選擇正確、簡練的詞，避免使用一些含糊不清、模棱兩可的詞，條理清晰，表達準確。一般地，商務信函的撰寫者必須將自己的意思清晰地表達出來，以便對方準確理解。
五、簡潔原則（conciseness）
簡潔指的是信函內容完整，語言簡單而不失清楚，用最少的語言表達最為豐富的內容。簡潔被視為商務信函寫信的第一要義。故撰寫商業信件時要摒棄傳統信函中的陳詞濫調和套話，采用簡潔、直接的句式進行寫作，簡明扼要，精煉豐富，長話短說，避免羅嗦，用盡可能少的簡單的文字，完整清楚地表達需要表達的意思。
六、具體原則（concreteness）
信函應該寫得具體，明確，而不能含糊，抽象，籠統。尤其像報盤，詢問貿易條款這類需要具體答復的信函，就更加強調寫作時的具體。這樣會使所表達的內容準確而又生動，使交流的內容更加清楚，更有助于加快事務的進程。例如，商品的某些質量和特征要用準確的數字，避免使用“長”，“短”，“好”這樣的詞語。時間用年月日標明，必要時甚至要注明小時，分鐘，避免使用諸如“昨天”“下個月”“馬上”等表達用語。
七、體貼原則（consideration）
體貼原則強調對方的情況而非我方情況，要體現一種為他人考慮、多體諒對方心情和處境的態度。當撰寫商務英語文書時，要站在對方的立場去考慮他們的各種不同的愿望，要求，興趣和困難，充分理解對方的心情、處境，尋找一種最好的方式將信息傳遞給對方。
八、結論
商務信函是買賣雙方索取、傳遞信息，處理貿易活動中相關事宜、溝通聯絡感情的重要方式，同時也體現著一個公司或機構的商務形象。商務信函在商務活動中起著溝通橋梁的作用，它能夠具體而快捷地傳遞雙方各類相關商務信息，節約雙方的時間，從而實現商務活動的便捷與高效。因此，商務信函對內容、形式、措辭等各方面都有要求。在日常的商務活動中，撰寫商務信函時，應遵循商務信函寫作的基本原則，有效傳遞信息，從而使商務信函更有利于雙方的溝通合作。
參考文獻：
[1]程潤明.國際貿易交際技巧[M].上海：上海外語教育出版社，1994.
[2]張燕彬.國際商務禮儀[M].沈陽：遼寧教育出版社，2001.
[3]祈壽華.新世紀實用英語交際指南（旅美）[M].上海：上海外語出版社，2003.
英語信函范文3
關鍵詞：英語商務信函；書寫；策略
1 英語商務信函的寫作意義
隨著世界經濟的快速發展和全球一體化進程的加速，英語商務信函扮演著越來越重要的角色。在快節奏的現代商務活動中，寫作商務信函最直接的目的就是進行有效的溝通和交流。它是國際商務往來最常用的聯系方式，也是對外貿易活動的載體。寫出一份準確嚴謹、簡潔明了、規范得體、彰顯個性的英語商務信函不僅能夠促成交易的達成，而且可以發展同客戶的良好關系，以及達成新的業務方面起著積極的促進作用。
2 英語商務信函書寫常出現的問題
2.1 詞匯錯誤
在商務英語信函的寫作中，同一個詞匯在商務中具有完全不同的含義。 “credit “本意“信譽、聲望”，在商務中“信用證”?！皁ffer” 提供，在信函中"報價”。Promotion “提升“，在信函中”促銷“。Confirm “證明”，在信函中“保兌”。在信函寫作中，不要用其他詞代替信函中的意思，嚴格遵守它的含義。
2.2 詞匯陳舊
S著時代的發展和進步，商務英語詞匯的規模在不斷擴大。國際經濟的快速發展和計算機技術的高度發達，許許多多商務英語詞匯應運而生?！癮 going concern，” 盈利企業?！盿 leap in the dark “ 冒險舉動。這些新的商務詞匯的出現，為商務英語信函的交流提供了便利。在寫作中，要不斷地跟上時代的發展，與時俱進，更新詞匯，保持商務信函的新鮮度，與世界接軌。
2.3 主動語態多
在商務信函中，被動語態使用較多。為了使信函的表達準確無誤，嚴謹周密，不引起歧義，提高交流的效率，使用了大量的被動語態。主動語態是表示主語是謂語動作的使動方的語態，信函中有時動作的參與者和發出者是誰不清晰，主動語態使用較少。
3 解決途徑
3.1 書寫層面
（1）大寫
在英語產品介紹信函和產品推銷信函中，為了給讀者留下深刻印象達到過目不忘，產品名稱的所有字母大寫。In the brochures， MOUNTAIN 10 is very useful for the kitchen.另外，為了突出產品特點，吸引客戶眼球，使讀者快速抓住重點，迅速做出決定，交易馬上達成，表達產品特點的詞組所有字母也大寫。CONVENIENT AND ECONOMICAL .
（2）逗號
在英語商務信函中，逗號使用較多。逗號用在復句內各分句之間的停頓，用逗號隔開表達了不同的意思，又糅合在一個完整的句子里，避免意思含混不清，幫助讀者正確理解信函內容，順暢做成交易，避免誤入歧異。
（3）冒號
在英語商務信函中，冒號的使用常用來引導下文。Quantity： 1000cases. Payment ： by L/C.商務信函需要用簡潔明了的語言表達內容，冒號引導下文節約了字數和空間，讀者簡易輕松理解大意，快捷抓住內容核心，節省了時間，方便了業務。
3.2 詞匯層面
（1）古詞
在英語商務信函中，古詞的使用具有鮮明的文體特點-莊重、嚴肅、正式。We hereby mail one catalogue.恰當使用英語古詞提升整篇信函的莊重性和嚴肅性，英語商務信函代表企業或公司的形象，商談業務涉及企業之間巨大的經濟效益，嚴肅認真的態度是商務信函必備的態度，古詞的使用表明了其特點。
（2） 數詞
在英語商務信函中，準確的數字對于雙方貿易上的交往成功非常關鍵。A discount 5%.數字的使用不能有半點馬虎隨意，否則會造成重大經濟損失和虧本，有時直接影響到公司的聲譽，產生法律糾紛。
（3）形容詞
在英語商務信函中，積極樂觀的詞可以給客戶帶來身心愉悅之感?？鞓犯吲d的心態對于商務交往非常重要和關鍵。順利達成交易和成功奠定業務基礎為未來的貿易往來打下了牢固的基礎。Glad， excited， suitable， convenient， pleased.這些詞對商務交易達成起著積極的作用。
3.3 句法層面
（1）虛擬語氣
在英語商務信函中，良好的溝通和交流非常重要，保證了整個商業業務流暢進行和運作。使用虛擬語氣委婉含蓄，商討交流的余地較大，對方容易接受。If you could consider， I would appreciate it.這樣的交流語氣，有利于維護雙方的合作關系和保持良好的友誼。
（2）被動語態
英語商務信函被動語態使用較多。Your goods has been delivered to another company.它是商務業務往來通信， 表達上需要準確和規范；措辭和語氣上需要禮貌委婉，嚴謹周密。信函涉及雙方權利和義務，可作為解決雙方爭端的法律依據。
（3）復合句
英語商務信函對簡潔性和嚴謹性都有一定的要求，為了保證嚴密的邏輯性和信函的正式性，信函需要復合句As this falls within the scope， we are desirous to establish relation with B.復合句結構復雜，表達嚴謹周密，商務信函中，復合句使用較多。
3.4 語篇層面
（1）省略
英語商務信函具有“節約經濟”特點，雙方繁忙的業務交往需要快捷簡潔交流，為了避免繁瑣，信函中常用省略。同時盡速突出新的商務信息，緊湊銜接語篇。We hope this shipment will be examined by more（shipment ）.
（2）重復
重復指某個語言成分多次出現的現象。在英語商務信函中，為了突出致函方的意圖，加深閱讀者對這一主題的印象，希望對方引起關注和重視。We have trouble in shipment.the trouble is the cargo.
（3） 連接
在英語商務信函中， 表示時間、因果、轉折、遞進、并列、條件等連接詞的使用體現了信函的邏輯性和連貫性。這些連接詞的前后關系非常緊密，巧妙銜接前后兩部分內容，讀者清晰知道信函內容，有效提高了信函語篇的粘結度。As soon as， as， therefore， when， where， so that 等。
4 結束語
作為當今社會活動不可缺的一分子，英語商務信肩負著建立貿易關系、溝通商務信息、塑造商務形象的社會職能。它代表公司形象，是公司的臉面，是企業對外公共宣傳關系中的重要手段，對于公司樹立良好的形象極為重要。希望寫作策略的研究使英語愛好者能夠深入了解其特點，學習寫英文商務信函，提高英語寫作能力，增長見識，開闊視野，更好服務于經濟社會。
參考文獻：
1.梁樹新.現代國際商務信函[M].北京：人民郵電出版社，2008.
2.李海芳.ESP理論視角下商務英語語言特點的探[J].華章，2013，9（17）：205-206.
3.錢瑗.實用英語文體學[M].北京： 北京師范大學出版社，1991.
4.張學芳.基于商務英語的語言特點談商務英語翻譯技巧[J]. 才智，2014，7（21）： 271-272.
英語信函范文4
關鍵詞：商務英語信函 禮貌原則 禮貌敬語
一、引言
入世以后，中國與世界各國的經貿往來更加頻繁。商務英語不僅是國際商務活動中通用的一種ESP語言，還是對外經濟活動中的重要工具。商務英語函電則成為世界各國之間相互溝通、開展業務、達成交易、建立友好合作關系等國際商務活動的重要媒介。商務英語信函是現代商務活動中一種必不可少的工具，在國際商務交際中起著重要的作用。商務英語信函寫作遵循7C原則，即禮貌（courtesy），清晰（clarity），簡潔（conciseness），正確（Correctness），具體（concreteness），體諒（consideration），完整（completeness）。對于商務英語信函，最突出的特點就是禮貌原則，一封禮貌的信函，得體的表達直接影響到雙方貿易關系能否建立，企業能否樹立職業道德形象，雙方能否最終達成貿易合作。本文將從三個方面來淺析商務信函寫作中的禮貌原則。
二 、禮貌原則
禮貌是語言活動的一條重要準繩，是建立良好人際關系的前提，禮貌原則是商務英語函電的最突出特點之一。禮貌的英文是courtesy，它有很多種解釋：good manners， courteous behavior； a polite of kind action or expression； gracious politeness； a polite， helpful， or considerate act or remark。從上面的解釋中不難看出，商務英語信函時要遵從禮貌原則，其用詞應該是“a polite way， helpful way， a kind expression”。禮貌是日常生活行為中具有道德和倫理意義的一項行為準則，包括人們為維護和諧的人際關系所做出的種種努力。禮貌一詞在語用學研究領域有其獨特的理論內涵。英國語言學家Leech對禮貌原則解釋為：①得體準則（Tact Maxim）、②慷慨準則（Generosity Maxim）、③贊譽準則（Approbation Maxim）、④謙虛準則（Modesty Maxim）、 ⑤一致準則（Agreement Maxim）和⑥同情準則（Sympathy Maxim）。
三、禮貌原則在商務英語信函寫作中的應用
1.禮貌敬語的使用
商務英語信函寫作中的禮貌敬語使用非常頻繁，主要體現在以下幾個方面：
①用于稱呼語（Salutation）
稱呼是信函開頭的禮貌問候，商務信函的開頭稱呼是有講究的。商務信函中常用的正式問候語是：當稱謂單個人時，一般使用“Dear Sir”或“Dear Madam”；當稱謂兩個或多個人時，使用“Dear Sirs”或“Dear Madams”，或“Gentlemen”。如果有明確的收信人，那么可以使用如下正式而親切的稱呼：
Dear Mr. Smith，
Dear Ms. Zhang，
Dear Prof. Hobart，Dear
Dr. Patricia，
如果收信人是女士，不知道結婚與否，都趨向于用“Ms.”作為禮貌的尊稱。
②用于正文中（Body）
信函正文部分是核心內容，向收信人傳達信息，一封禮貌的信件不僅可以達成交易，而且還可以促進友好關系，在寫信時，要避免盛氣凌人或是命令的口吻，避免用粗魯、不禮貌、不恰當的語言。多用諸如“Please，very glad， very grateful， with thanks， would be appreciated， have pleasure， be obliged…”等表示尊重對方的詞語。
③ 用于結尾謙稱（Complimentary Close）
結尾謙稱是結束信函的禮貌方式。結束語和信頭的稱呼語同等重要。如果合作伙伴是你熟悉的朋友，則可以用非正式用語“best regards， best wishes”等結尾。如果是第一次和對方合作，則要使用正式用語表明你的客氣和認真的態度，這時可以使用如：“Yours Truly，Truly Yours，Sincerely，Sincerely yours， Yours faithfully…”等。如果對方是你非常敬重的人，則需用“Respectfully， Yours respectfully”表示你的禮貌和對對方的敬意。當然，結尾謙稱要與信函開頭的稱呼保持一致。
2. 禮貌肯定積極語言的使用
商務英語信函中應避免消極否定語言的使用。人們總是樂于接受肯定積極的語言。例如：
A1. If you can not meet us halfway， we will not see our way clear to entertain the business.
A2. If you will not effect shipment in time， we will not catch the season.
A3. We will not arrange shipment until the end of August.
以上三個句子都使用了否定消極的語言，傳遞的信息會讓對方感覺非常的不舒服，容易產生消極的想法，進而影響合作的興致。我們可以考慮做如下改動：
B1. If you would meet us halfway， we can see our way clear to entertain the business.
B2. If you can effect shipment in time， we will catch the season.
B3. We will arrange shipment at the end of August.
轉換成積極肯定的語言之后，交易的雙方多了幾分客氣，即使到時候不能完成的事情，也要讓對方有一定的希望。
3、多種語氣的使用
商務英語信函中，各種語氣的句子也屢見不鮮。其中表達委婉、疑問和虛擬語氣的句子很多。
a.委婉語氣的使用。每一種語氣都有一定的語用場合，也都能達到一定的交際效果。在貿易活動中，貿易雙方總會有產生分歧的時候，為了避免直接冒犯對方，寫信時會采用委婉溫和的語言。如：
A1. We would appreciate it if you please let us know the ruling prices of the above items. （委婉提出請求）
A2. I am sorry to say your offer seems to be on the high side. （委婉拒絕）
A3. We sincerely hope that you will take this matter into your careful consideration.（委婉表示不滿）
b.疑問語氣的使用。疑問語氣一般是通過詢問對方的要求或意愿來傳達一種請求， 比直接用肯定句表達的語氣間接、委婉，能讓對方感覺到受人尊重，很容易贏得對方的好感。如：
A1. Will you please reply us before Friday？
A2. Are the goods to be flown or shipped to Fuzhou？
A3. Could you offer us a lower price as soon as possible？
c.虛擬語氣的使用
d.虛擬語氣一般用來表達寫信人的猜測、愿望、建議、請求等。它是一種禮貌表達愿望的方式， 可以給雙方留下更多商量的余地。商務信函中常用“ I wish， as if， could/would//should have done”等句型。例如：
A1.We would very much like to solve the matter in a friendly way.
A2. Would it be possible for you to send us your price-list as soon as possible？
A3. I would be pleased if you could accept my apology.
四、 小結
商務英語信函不僅是一種貿易溝通方式，也是建立友誼、吸引客戶的手段。在國際貿易活動中，商務英語信函發揮著越來越重要的作用。當用商務英語信函進行貿易交流時，突出商務英語信函的特點，注意體現禮貌原則，實現貿易雙方的有效溝通，促進貿易的最終達成。
【參考文獻】
1.騰美榮， 許楠. 外貿英語函電〔M〕北京：首都經濟貿易大學出版社
英語信函范文5
1.1 literature review
This study focuses on the morphological and syntactic features of English business correspondences. In order to finish this study effectively, I read some related literatures and this helps me a lot. Now I shall do a detailed analysis about the literatures.
In the article “the features and application of English business correspondences in e-time”, the writer explained his main idea in accordance with the traditional principle “seven Cs”, that is Completeness, Clearness, Concreteness, Conciseness, Correctness, Courtesy and Consideration. This article can be divided into two parts. The writer firstly makes an analysis of the business correspondences and makes sure that the readers are clear about the layout of business correspondences. And then the writer states the unique features of business correspondences in e-time. “This part is divided into two sub-parts to analyze the features, one from the aspect of the form of business correspondences and the other from the aspect of contents”[1]. At last the writer states the meaning of his study.
The article “the grammatical features of English business correspondences” by Gao Jiayong “talks about the features from five aspects”[2], but he viewed the features just from the syntax. Articles written by other people also account for the features, such as “the lingual features of business correspondences and several important principles” by Wang Yuanyuan, “lingual features of English in business correspondences” by Tian Lan and so forth. All those articles analyze the features from their own points of view.
1.2 purpose of this study
My study aims to seek out the morphological and syntactic features of English business correspondences. Before my study, there have been many researches about this topic, but through my reading those articles, I find that they are more or less incomplete. So I intend to make an analysis as comprehensive as possible.
Besides, as time goes by, everything is changing. The business nowadays can be somewhat different from that of before, and so are the English business correspondences. And they must have possessed some new features as they develop. This study also tries to find out these new features.
To sum up the morphological and syntactic features of English business correspondences, the writer hopes that this paper will do some help to business men. And this study shall be a useful instruction to guide people to write business letters. An expert business letter will surely lead to success and unquestionably will also spur the development of economy.
This article is divided into five parts. The first part is instruction. The second part shall explain two basic related concept, morphology and syntax. The third part is about the morphological features of English business correspondences and the fourth part is about the syntactic features. The fifth part shall make a conclusion.
2.some basic related concepts
2.1clarification of morphology
Morphology is a branch of grammar which studies the internal structure of words and the rules by which words are formed. “Just as the formation of sentences is governed by rules, so is the structure of words. Morphology is divided into two sub-branches: inflectional morphology and lexical or derivational morphology. The former studies the inflections and the latter is the study of word-formation”[3].
2.2 clarification of syntax
Syntax is a subfield of linguistics. It studies the sentence structure of language. The term syntax came originally from Greek. It literally meant arrangement. It means that sentences are structured according to a particular arrangement of words. Well-arranged sentences are considered grammatical sentences. Grammatical sentences are formed following a set of syntactic rules.
As a major component of grammar, syntax consists of a set of abstract rules that allow word to be combined with other words to form grammatical sentences. “A sentence is considered grammatical when it is in agreement with the grammatical knowledge in the mind of native speakers. Universally found in the grammars of all human language, syntactic rules comprise the system of internalized linguistic knowledge of a language speaker known as linguistic competence” [3].
3.morphological analysis of English business correspondences
English business correspondence is a kind of common style in trading activities. It serves varieties of business and reflects the main content of commerce, so its diction and sentences both possess some special features. In this chapter, the paper shall explain the morphological features of English business correspondences. And this chapter is divided into seven sub-parts: formal words, old English words adopted, commercial terms, words of politeness, word class shift, the usage of mandatory verbs and acronym.
3.1 formal words
English business correspondence is a kind of formal style for correspondences. It is used to transmit business information and to state business situations. “English business correspondence is always concerned with economic benefits, so it is supposed to be direct, simple and understandable with as few as modification as possible”[4]. And it is avoided to choose dainty words when making sentences, but it is preferred to choose formal and grand words. “The formal words, instead of oral words or basic words, can show the formality and propriety of business correspondences completely”[5].
Formal words are better liked than informal words. When drafting a business letter, people shall adopt “inform” rather than “tell”. “‘Inform’and ‘tell’are both accepted in a sentence, but “inform” is a formal word. And thus “inform” is used to make a sentence”. When the writer of a business letter wants to state the results brought by the former cause, he continues the sentence with the adverb “therefore” instead of the connective “so”. Because “so” is often used in oral language, whereas therefore is often employed in written compositions. In the sentence “we can not grant you insurance coverage of 15% of the invoice value”, “grant” has the same meaning with “give”, while “give” is often used in oral speech. The adoption of “grant” can make the letter looked formal and shows the serious attitude of the writer.
In the sentence “the obligations shall be affected by the liquidation of the contract or by a premature termination of the same”, the words “liquidation” and “termination” are both formal words. Here “liquidation” has the same meaning with “cancel” and “termination” is very similar to “end” in meaning. However, the writer uses “liquidation” and “termination” rather than “cancel” and “end”, for the former are formal and can attract the readers to pay more attention.
And from this example, we can also see that in many situations, a noun is more formal than its corresponding form of verb. There are also many verbs that are usually replaced by another verb with similar meanings, such as “commence” instead of “begin”, “manufacture” instead of “make”, “assist” instead of “help”, “purchase” instead of “buy”, “anticipate” instead of “expect”, “trust” instead of “believe” and so on.
Some phrases may look more formal than other ones. In business letters, people like using “as for” or “in respect to” instead of “about”, “in view of” instead of “for”, for a phrase is always more formal and can attract more attention than a single word. Take the sentence as an example: “contracts shall be concluded in accordance with the principle of equality and mutual benefit and of achieving agreement through consultation”. In this sentence, the phrase “in accordance with” is identical with the word “by” and “under”, but “in accordance with” is preferred due to the formality of business letters. “According to” also has the same meaning with “in accordance with”, but it is not as formal as “in accordance with”. “According to” is better liked in oral speech.
Not only can prepositional phrases be replaced by another one, but also verb phrases. For example, in the sentence “we are in the market for your chemical products”, the verb phrase “be in the market for” is similar to the phrase “want to buy”. However, “be in the market for” sounds formal and is suitable to be used in a business letter, whereas “want to buy” is more suitable in spoken language.
3.2 old English words adopted
In English business correspondences, there are many old English words adopted which are not or seldom used nowadays. And these old English words are almost complex adverbs. The most seen old English words used in business correspondences are these that begin with “here”, “there” and “where” as the root and with one or several adverbs such as “by”, “after” followed. And the words with “here” or “there” and with a preposition followed are mostly adverbs. This kind of words is often used in a sentence as the adjunct. The words beginning with “where” and with a preposition followed are mostly connectives and relative adverbs. And they are used to connect sentences. Take an example: “provided such drafts are drawn and presented in accordance with the terms of this credit, we hereby engage with the drawers, endorsers and bona-fide holders that the said drafts shall be honored on presentation”. In this sentence, “hereby” is an adverb and used as an adjunct to modify the verb “engage”. In the sentence “we hereby confirm having sold to you the following goods on the terms and conditions as set forth hereunder”, the two words “hereby” and “hereunder” are both adverbs and play the role of adjuncts to modify the verbs “confirm” and “set forth” respectively. But the word “whereof” is a relative adverb to connect the whole sentence and it plays the role of the adjunct to modify the verb “have caused” in the sentence “in witness, whereof, the parties here to have caused this agreement to be executed in duplicate by their duly authorized representations”.
This kind of complex words is difficult if one tries to understand them just from their Chinese translation. But it will make easier to understand their meanings after mastering the relation between their forms and meanings. In this kind of words, “here” is supposed to refer to “this”, “there” referring to “that” and “where” referring to “which”. And according to this assumption, “hereafter” should be understood as “after this”. It is the same with “there” and “where”, for “thereafter” can be interpreted as “after that” and “whereby” means “by which”. In the sentence “the said L/C has just come to hand, but regretfully we find that some of the clauses therein are not in agreement with what is stipulated in the contract”, the word “therein” means “in the said L/C”. Take another example: further to our last discussion in Melbourne and the faxes exchanged thereafter on a joint venture in Australia, we were very pleased to receive your letter of December 12 with detailed proposals on the subject. In this sentence, the word “thereafter” means “after that”, exactly “after the discussion and the faxes”.
Sometimes, there is more than one preposition following “here”, “there” and “where”, such as the word hereinafter”. For example, in the sentence “in this agreement words and expressions shall have the same meaning as are respectively assigned to them in the condition of contract hereinafter referred to”, “hereinafter” means “in the following text”.
The adoption of old English words can not only present the serious attitude of the writer, but also avoid some unnecessary repetition. And therefore the business letter becomes more conscious and clearer. Generally speaking, the proper adoption of old English words can make the whole letter looked formal, but the excessive adoption shall make the business letter hard to read.
3.3 words of politeness
Courtesy is the most important principle of writing an English business correspondence. Not only does this principle refer to the adoption of words of politeness, but also it is shown in the respect and consideration of the opposite party. A wise writer shall respect his trading company and view everything from the opposite party’s perspective to know his company’s misgiving. And by the way of respecting the opposite party, the writer will also get the respect from his company and then accelerate the trade to go on smoothly. “Even if some issues rise during their deal, the writer should also pay much attention to courtesy. And even when making a claim, the writer had better use polite words to provide a good basis for further cooperation”.
When others helped you, in normal situation, you can just use “thank you” or “thanks” in your graceful letter. But in business letters, there are many forms that you can choose to show your thanks and different forms present different degrees of thanks. For example, if you want to the other party to ship the goods as early as possible, you can say in your letter: “we will appreciate your effecting immediate shipment.” And when asking for a low price, one may write the sentence “we will be obliged if you could quote us a favorable price”. “In the furious competition of business, the adoption of words of politeness often plays an important part”. So the writers of business correspondences should think a third time to use a word, and try to transform the harsh sentences into polite and periphrastic ones.
Not only when asking for something shall a writer adopt polite words, but when refusing the request that is made by the other party, polite words are also available. And when facing a hard situation, a writer is supposed to pay more attention on the choice of words to tackle the problem.
For example, if a writer wants to reject the offer give by the opposite party, he can write a sentence like “we regret that we are not in a position to accept your offer”. And if he wants to reject an order, he can write: “we regret to inform you that we are not in a position to supply you with such large demands”. In these two sentences, it is not advisable to use “can not” or “unable” instead of “not in a position”. The phrases “not in a position” can show the sincere attitude of the writer and the respect to his partner.
The adoption of words of politeness refers to not only the polite expressions, but also the way of expression.
We can make a comparison between the two following groups:
A.(1) We are sorry that you misunderstood us.
(2) You must give us your reply during two weeks.
B.(1) We are sorry that we did not make ourselves clear.
(2) Would you please give us your reply during two weeks?
Through the comparison of the two groups, we can see that the first group possibly makes its reader have the feeling of complaint and the way of writing seems an order. And of course, the first group of sentences is not polite at all. While the second group finishes the sentences with the accent of discussion and consultation, and undoubtedly it can be easier taken by the reader. When communicating with his partner, one should hold such an attitude that “even if this deal can not be made, he shall give his partner a good impression for his adoption of polite words in business correspondences which can provide a good environment for further cooperation”.
“Politeness makes people pleased, and then it becomes easy to build a cooperative relationship with them”. Before writing a business letter, a writer should think about his accent and tries to be friendly. And the adoption of words of politeness will help him achieve this effect.
4.conclusion
This paper focuses on the morphological and syntactic features of English business correspondences. And through the analysis, the paper makes a summary of the features of English business correspondences from the view of morphology and syntax.
There have been articles about the features of English business correspondences. But through reading these articles, the writer found that some of the articles are out of time, and some of the articles are not comprehensive. So this paper tries to summarize the（下轉第101頁）（上接第56頁）features as comprehensive as possible and tries to find the new features that modern English business correspondences possess.
As the development of business, it is certain that some new features of English business correspondences will appear. And at that time this paper will be out of time and new papers will be called for.■
【參考文獻】
［1］聶仁海. E時代中商務英語函電的特點及應用[J].集團經濟研究，2006,(13)：231-232．
［2］高嘉勇.商務函電英語的語法特點[J].天津外國語學院學報.2001,(9):21-23．
［3］陳媛主編.Modern Linguistics[M].天津：天津大學出版社，2003．
英語信函范文6
sole agency----retail
Dear :____
_____[company] is one of the leading companies in _____ retail business. We have outlets throughout_____[country/area]. We are interested in your _____[products] displayed at _____[exhibition] and would like to know whether you could offer us a sole agency to retail your products in _____[country/area].
We are confident that there is a growing market for your products in _____[country/area], due to the increasing demand for _____.
We operate on a ___% commission basis on net list prices, with an additional ___% del credere commission if required. We usually pay our principals by bill of exchange on a quarterly basis.
If you are interested in the above proposal, we will send our representative to discuss further details with you. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
______[name]
______[title]
Encl.
buying agent
Dear :____
I am replying to your company's advertisement in _____[commercial journal] in which you indicated the need for a buying agent to represent your group in _____[country/area].
My company specializes in buying _____[products] and we have acted for several firms in _____[country/area]. We have well-developed connections with leading brand manufacturers in _____[country/area]. We are able to keep you well informed of new products from the _____industry and purchase a wide range of products at reduced export prices. In addition, we can offer excellent terms for freight and insurance.
Our usual commission is _____% on c.i.f. invoiced values, and we make purchases in our principals' names, sending them accounts for settlement.
I have enclosed literature providing details about our services and terms. If you are interested, please contact me at the above address. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
_____[name]
_____[title]
Encl
二、指定商
accepting proposal
Dear :_____
Thank you for your proposal to act as our agent for the sale of _____[products] in _____[country/area]. I am pleased to inform you that we have decided to accept your proposal on the basis of a _____ per cent commission, payable on all orders received through you. In addition, we will refund expenses reasonably incurred in promoting our sales.
Provided that the arrangements you make with customers are favorable to our interests, we will trust to your judgement such matters as discounts and the granting of credit. We trust that the orders we receive through you and the terms on which you have accepted them will justify our confidence in your ability to promote the sale of our products in _____[country/area].
Sincerely yours,
_____[name]
_____[title]
letter of authorization
Dear ____
Thank you for your letter of ____[date].
By this letter, we now formally authorize you to act as our _____agent in _____[country/area]. Enclosed are two copies each of the following documents:
1. _____
2. _____
3. _____
Please sign and return us the duplicate copy of this letter, together with one copy each of the above documents. We look forward to a pleasant business relationship.
Yours sincerely,
_____[name]
_____[title]
三、委托
consignee's request for trial consignment
Dear _____
We are a large retail chain specializing in _____ business. We have recently received a number of inquiries from our customers in _____[area/country] for your _____[product]. We have also learned from other sources that there are good prospects for the sale of this product. We would like to suggest that you send us a trial delivery for sale on consignment terms.
We make this proposal, hoping that we will place firm orders when we feel sure that the market is established. If you agree, we will get down to details in regard to payment, commission, and so on. You may check our standing with _____[bank], our banker.
We look forward to your early reply.
Sincerely yours,
_____[name]
_____[title]
consignor's instruction for consignee
Dear ____
We have shipped to you today a consignment of ten cases of _____[goods] by _____[ship], which is due in _____[port] on _____[date].
We are now enclosing the shipping documents for this consignment, a proforma invoice, and a price list of all the items shipped.
You will of course sell at the best prices you can get. The listed prices are for guidance only and represent the limits below which the _____[goods] may not be sold on our behalf.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Yours Sincerely,
_____[name]
_____[title]
Encl.
總結：
sole agency：獨家
outlet：出口
due to：由于，歸咎于
commission：傭金
del credere commission：保證收取貨款傭金 （注：del credere意大利語，是指專門的一個agent，為買方或賣方提供擔保，保證他的客戶可以收到應得的貨物或貨款，承擔風險）
principal：貨主
CIF: short for: cost, insurance, freight. 是一種交貨方式，由賣方提供運輸貨物的所有運費以及保險，并把這些記入他們的成本。是所有運輸形式中最貴的一種。其他如：FOB, C&F, FOR, 等等，遇到時我會說明的。
consignee代銷人
consignor 委托人
