1 Introduction
Business English can be regarded as an application of English language
in commercial occasions, aiming at enabling speakers to communicate and
interact effectively using the most correct and clearest business language. Business English Correspondence is an important carrier of international
commercial activities which is used to deli ever information, address commercial issues and as a way of communication.
Lexicon is an important factor of a passage. In the writing of business English correspondence, we should pay particular attention to the selection
of lexicon. Different words may carry different meaning and even the mood
of them can be very distinct. Therefore, it is of great necessity to do
research of the features of lexicon in the writing of business English correspondence.
This thesis attempts to do some researches on the following subjects:
To have a good knowledge of characteristics of lexicon in business English correspondence. To make sense of the reason why the business English correspondence have such requirements of lexicon. To provide some suggestions that learners can improve their writing skills.
2 Description of Business English correspondence
2.1 Definition of business English correspondence
Nowadays more and more people choose to work in companies and do commercial work. As China joined the WTO, enterprises are all choosing to
open their markets and expand them into the international world, thus making English inevitably become the most used language in the world. And in this
way a new subject appeared that we call it “business English”. In terms
of business English, we refer to the language used in order to adapt to the
job market whose contents include a lot of aspects (Kansi, 1983; 134). Unlike the general English learners, people who learn business English are more
targeted and specialized.
Business correspondence means the act of communicating by means of correspondences or the correspondences between correspondents (菱, 2000; 87). It is the main way f or traders to do business, exchange commercial information and consult and give answers to commercial questions in international trade. Besides, it is a reflection of different cultures, social backgrounds and
representative of interests of both parties of a trading activity. Business English correspondences is different from personal correspondences, for it is more formal and can be a legal document for both enterprises to do business transaction and deal with commercial disputes. This is a serious problem that business English correspondence writers should pay attention to.
Different from the state correspondence or personal correspondences,
business English correspondences has its own characteristics both in the
article style and language (Ober, 1998; 98). In particular, it is high
demanded of the correctness and standards of language. The business correspondence should be clear, concise, concrete, and of courtesy in language.
2.2 Assortment of business English correspondence
It can categorize business correspondences into three kinds. They are
as follows: The first kind is in accordance with the letters’ content. We have invitation letters, selling letters, employing letters, and etc. In
terms of the role the business letters plays in commercial activities of
enterprises, we have negotiating letters which aims at address a dispute,
friendly letters which is used to keep a friendly touch with another company, and etc. The last is the correspondence, which is used to give some information .The information may be good or bad.
In a word, we can classify the business correspondences from different perspectives just as the way mentioned above. Sometimes, each kind is not
so isolated from others. Besides we h ave mentioned above, there are also many
kinds of business English correspondences such as letters for setting up
business relationships, conclusion of business, sales contract or confirmation, sales promotion, order and fulfillment, products shipment,
shipping advice, insurance, claim, asking for an agent, processing trade, compensation trade, and etc.
2.3 Function of business English correspondence
Today it has come into an information society with the development of information technology and the Internet. Business English correspondences
plays an important part in international trading activities due to its
courtesy, completeness, conciseness and other good features in order to
obtain and deliver information, make effective communication, address related issues in commercial activities and maintain good and normal operating relations. Business correspondence means t he act of communicating by means of letters or the letters, which pass between correspondents (菱, 2000; 76) .It is the main way for traders to do business, exchange commercial information and consult and give answers to commercial questions in international trade. Besides, it is a reflection of different cultures,
social backgrounds and representative of interests of both parties of a
trading activity. Business English letters is different from personal letters, for it is more formal and can be a legal document for both enterprises to do business transaction and deal with commercial disputes. All in all,
we summarized its function as follows: First, it can improve the working
efficiency of foreign trade and reduce the cost. Second, it helps enterprises to seek more new c lients and deepen their relations with the companies. Third, the business English letters can promote the foreign trade economy. And
finally it is bound to play an important role in fulfilling the globalization
of trade.
3 Basic writing principles for business correspondence
3.1 Politeness
Being polite is an important principle in business circles. A polite correspondence can help you win others’will. Therefore, it is appropriate to use more frequently words such as “please”, “I will be highly appreciated that...”, It is our pleasure to…”and etc. There are inevitably conflicts and disputes in business transactions. And it is politeness that can function as a lubricant to break deadlocks. When doing compensation, making complaints, and refusing to accept some requests, business English correspondences’ writers must be more polite and try to
use words not so imperative. When responding to others’ correspondences, the writers shall also use polite words no matter how bad the attitude of
the other party is. First, the writers should be good at using passive
sentences, which can make your words more temperate. For example, the sentence“You made a very careless mistake”may be better if it is changed into “ A very careless mistake was made”. Second, the writers should be
good at using question sentences to show politeness and euphemism and conditional sentences to make y our recommendations sounds more tentative and euphemistic.
3.2 Conciseness and Completeness
Emphatic and descriptive words are good ways to make business English correspondence more effective. Writers can choose abbreviated words in foreign trade fields that are familiar to people. Besides, the sentence
structure should be concise and simple. Writers should use more words to
replace complex sentences and try to maintain the completeness and make sentences more concise (Baugh, 1986; 39). For instance,“As what you have requested...”can be simplified into “As requested...”.
Moreover, it is a key factor to keep the completeness of information.
Some words used in our daily life such as “the above mentioned”,“the former”,“respectively”should not be used in business correspondences as
much as possible. Make sure provide complete information to let the other
party be clear at the first glance.
3.3 Clearness, Concreteness and Correctness
Clearness is the most important principle in business English correspondence. An unclear correspondence may cause misunderstanding and ambiguous and even trading loss. Therefore, writers should pay attention to select correct words and make y our sentences structure is absolutely right.
In business English correspondences writing, the information that is
delivered should be concrete and vivid to avoid the risk of ambiguity.
Correctness not only requires that grammar, syntax, and marks and spelling
be right, but the commercial technical terms should be represented appropriately. The communicative effects will be greatly damaged if mistakes are made in spelling, person, punctuation marks, tense, and etc. Besides,
writers should use more formal words. For example, abbreviations as “I’ll”, “we’re” should not be used.
4 Lexicon and writing principles of business correspondence 4.1 The Definition of lexicology
In the Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese Dictionary, the definition of lexicology is the study of the form, meaning and behavior of
words. Technically, lexicology is a branch of linguistics concerned with the study of the vocabulary of a given language. It deals with words, their origin, development, history, structure, meaning and application. The term lexicology contains two Greek morphemes: lexikon and logie. The former means “word”, the latter means “learning”or “the study of” (Nation, 2001).
4.2 Review of studies on lexical features
4.2.1Review of studies on lexical features in English for Specific Purposes
English has been more and more frequently used in various circles. We
have summarized this situation as workplace English including tourism English, law English, medical English and etc. And in this thesis, we mainly focused on its use in business field that is “business English”. We are now living in a globalized world, and after China entering the WTO, our
country’s commercial activities are increasing rapidly, which makes business English become a n indispensable language tool for communication in the world’s economical activities. Business English correspondence is one of the most effective ways in international communication .A good knowledge of English is the important foundation for writers to write a good and
effective business English correspondence. In the meanwhile, there are many other factors should be paid attention to, such as avoiding Chinglish, having knowledge of the background knowledge of western culture, keeping eye on the trading style of the other party and etc. In one word, with the continuous
changes of the forms of commercial activities, the business English correspondences must change accordingly.
4.2.2 Former studies on lexical features of English business correspondence
Lexicon plays an important part in writing. And in business English
writing, the lexicon is of more significance. Many scholars have made many researches of the language and lexicon in business English correspondences
from various perspectives. They studied many aspects such as the lexicon
meaning, function, correctness, and etc. Therefore, it is of much research
value to do research in this aspect. This thesis tried to explore more
meaningful things expecting to provide some u seful information to the readers and business English learners (何勇斌, 2005; 196).
4.3 The Lexical Features Represented in Courtesy and Consideration
It has mentioned that there are 7Cs principles in business writing, here, I’ll divide them into 3 classifications to illustrate the lexical features in each classification. The first classification is lexical features represented in courtesy in courtesy and consideration. In business correspondences, we often use some polite words to express our kindness to
other. And we often use some special words to present consideration to the
other party. So from some aspect we can say that the consideration for the
other party is also show our courtesy. The second classification is lexical features represented in conciseness and completeness. As I mentioned above, business correspondence should be concise, but that doesn’t mean that the less the better. At the same t ime, we should notice that we give the complete information that needed. The last classification is lexical features represented in clearness, concreteness and correctness. These three principles have one common target that is to make t he business correspondence be accurate and not to be misunderstanding.
4.3.1 Use polite words
English business correspondences is an important way of commercial communication and play many roles such as delivering information, building cooperative relationship, promoting company’s operations and strengthening communication in commercial activities (汤军, 1998; 148). To achieve commercial goals successfully, it is essential to use polite and appropriate language. According to Leech (Leech, 1983; 236), there is a set of Politeness Principle (PP) that socially governs communicative behavior. The Politeness Principle (PP) is formulated as follows: Minimize (other things being equal) the expression of impolite belief, and maximize (other things being equal)
the expression of polite beliefs.
4.3.2 Use positive words
The meaning of word is combined with conceptual meaning and associative meaning. He former one is the core of a word and the associative meaning is
a combination of a word’s emotional and stylistic meaning. Words of positive emotional meaning will deliver an unhappy feeling on readers. In English
business correspondences, words of positive meaning can send people an
emotion of delight, happiness and positiveness and make t hem feel respected, thus making words more acceptable. Therefore, in English business correspondences, words that can express gratitude and praise are often used. For instance, We would be very grateful if you could let us take delivery
before the selling season. It gives us much p leasure to receive the catalogue and samples you sent us. In a word, it is more acceptable to choose words
of positive meaning in English business correspondences.
4.3.3 Hedges
Hedge words are those have certain core meaning in language while not
all the sense of them are definite（伍铁平, 1999;143）. They are different from semantic ambiguity. They have their unique characteristics and rich
pragmatic function. Using hedge words appropriately will make c orrespondence language more polite instead of affecting its preciseness of language.
Hedges can be divided into two kinds. On o ne hand, we can use some words or expressions that can change the original meaning of discourse. For example, we can use “a little, roughly, greatly, approximately “ and etc. On the other hand, we use words that do not change the true condition of discourse
but can soften the language mood (楚君, 2004; 71). In commercial activities, there are some i nevitably disputes that can not be avoided in the cooperation of both trading parties because of some interests conflicts and contradictions. In those situations, writers could use hedges to deliver
their information more quickly in order to give both parties more space to
save their trade and face, thus easily changing their way of trading. For
example, the sentence “We c an not agree with the price you offer.”may be changed into “I am a fraid that we c an not agree with the price you have set’. And in this way, your words can be more acceptable by the other party.
4.3.4 Use more modal verbs
Modal words have modal meaning and modal meaning is the courage of a verb that can express the speaker’s attitude towards and emotion to the subject he talks about. Whether the language is polite depends on whether the modal words are strong. Modal words like “could, might, would, should” and etc. more of negotiable mood t hat can make l anguage mood m ore euphemistic and are often used in English business letters.
4.4 The lexical features represented in conciseness and completeness
4.4.1 Choice of concise wording
Writers of business English correspondences, when write a business English correspondence, redundancy of words should be avoided. Try to make
the words and sentences more clear. Too many d etail descriptions should also be avoided as much as possible. For example, in the sentence “We h ave begun to export our machine to countries abroad”, the word “export”and “countries abroad” are of the same meaning. And in this case, we suggest
that “countries abroad”should be omitted. Emphatic and descriptive words are a good way to make business English correspondence more effective.
Writers can choose abbreviated words in foreign trade fields that are familiar to people. Besides, the sentence structure should be concise and
simple. Writers should use more words to replace complex sentences and try
to maintain the completeness and make sentences more concise (Baugh, 1986; 94). For instance,“As what you have requested...” can be simplified into “As requested...”. Moreover, it is a key factor to keep the completeness
of information. Some words used in our daily life such as “the above mentioned”,“the former”,“respectively”should not be used in business correspondences as much as possible. Make sure provide complete information to let the other party be clear at he first glance.
4.4.2 Synonyms in pairs
Synonym is another important word form used in business English correspondences. It refers to words of the same or almost the same meaning
but have different spelling forms or sound different. These words are often used in business English correspondences. For instance,” we have some t erms and pacts needing you to check carefully”.
It is very common to use a great deal of synonyms in business correspondences. On one hand, the use of synonyms r eflects the diversity and flexibility of language in business English correspondences. On the other
hand, these synonyms have a little difference in the meaning or usage, which can indirectly reflect the preciseness of business English. Such as goods, commodity, merchandise, shipment, freight, cargo and consignment. These
words that we listed here all can refer to things in commercial trading. But if we use different words, we refer to the same t hing. However, there should be noted that we can not still mix them together or just take them as one
word. Because they are divided into accordance with various link of international trade, they represent different links. Shipment and cargo are generally referred to things in transportation, while merchandise, goods,
commodities are more likely to refer to things when they are sold or bought. Therefore, this is a special feature of lexicon in business English correspondences that deserving learners to pay their attention to.
4.4.3 Use Affix
Language is changing with the development of our society and business English, as an application of general English in commercial activities is
changing as well. And the great waved of the economy’s globalization bring more opportunities for business English. In the lexicon of business English, the most striking feature is that the usage of some new prefix and affix,
which contributed the birth of some new words in business area. For example, the prefix e-, eco-, tel-, and suffix -ism ,and etc. Some new words made f rom them such as e-commerce, tele-message, eco-friendly, endism, and etc.
4.4.4 Use abbreviations
Abbreviations are an important part of business English lexicon that
formed in the long-term commercial practices. The use of abbreviations can
make y our expression more concise and clear and they are frequently used in commercial activities. Abbreviations are often represented by the capitalized correspondences, such as L/C (correspondence of credit), B/L
(bill of landing), EAT (estimated arrival time), ASAP (as soon as possible), and etc.
4.5. The Lexical features represented in clearness, concreteness and correctness
4.5.1 Choice of precise wording
In business correspondences, there are some special expressions and
words that re not so frequently used in situations of daily life. These words almost do not appear in general English .In some cases, they are used in
ordinary English, but will have different meaning in business English. This is also a lexical feature of business English correspondences. For example, in the phrase “on the terms and conditions”, the words “ term” and
“condition” are both of the meaning “in some situation or with some requirements”. In our daily life, there is no need to use the two words of
the same m eaning at the same t ime, while in business English correspondences, they are must be used together like above to guarantee that the letters are precise and rigorous. In another example, the word “advise”in the phrase “advise sb of sth”is used as the meaning “give a suggestion or recommend”in daily usage. But in business English correspondences, it means “notice”. There are a lot of such words in business English. For instance, the word
“offer” generally refers to “provide or supply sth”, while in business English correspondences it can used as of the a meaning associated with the stocks. Again, in insurance industry, “the word “policy” means “the credit to prove you make an insurance” rather than the ordinary meaning “principles”. Therefore, it is of great necessity for writers of business English writers to pay attention to this.
4.5.2 Preference of concrete words to abstract words
In business English correspondences, writers should make sure that the information that they deliver is specific, correct and vivid as possible as they can. Try to compare the following sentences: “We have sent to you as usual under your L/C”. “We h ave sent to you our sight draft No. 231 of the Central Bank.” By comparison, it is apparent for us to see that information
of the second sentence is more specific, which make r eaders can clearly make sense of the information the writer want to deliver at their first glance.
However, the first one is so general that readers can understand what does
the sentence mean after careful thinking.
4.5.3 Use simple words to make sure of clearness
In business English correspondences, the principle clearness is of great significance as well. It refers to deliver the information that writers try to pass on clearly and directly without causing any misunderstanding or
bringing any trouble for both trading parties. A clear expression has been
an important link to make s ure of effective commercial communication all the time and thus become t he objective and standard of business English writing.
If the receivers of the business English correspondences can not make sense of what the writers intention is, the correspondence will be bound to turn
out to be meaningless no matter how f igured and magnificent the language is . And in some c ases, such correspondences that cannot deliver correct and clear information may even cause misunderstandings and trading losses.
To solve this problem, firstly, we can choose to use simple words that
familiar to us. In doing trading communication, we had better use words that are simple and in line with their regular expressing ways, either verbally
or in the written form. It should be noted that words that are complex, strange and ambiguous should be avoided. Secondly, writers should organize the
structures of sentence and paragraph. And in those correspondences, writers had better make s ure that the passage is rigorous while words and expressions are simple and clear. Thirdly, some d etermined words should be closely follow the words that that they modify, which can avoid ambiguity. For example, the sentence “Those who work rapidly get ill in these conditions.” In this sentence, the position of “rapidly”leads to two different understandings of this sentence. Readers may get confused that which word does the word “rapidly” modify, “work” or “conditions”? If we change the sentence into “Those who work in these condition get ill rapidly, the meaning that the sentence is going to deliver will become very clear.
There is another problem. In a sentence, writers should note that words of two meanings should not be used. For instance, “We s hall take a firm line with the firm.” In this sentence, the first “firm” means “strong and tenacious”, but the second “firm” means “corporation or company”. It is very easily for readers to get confused. Therefore, this sentence may b e changed into “We shall take a strong line with the firm”. And thus the meaning of the whole sentence will be very clear.
5 Conclusion
Bushiness English correspondence is very worth in researching. It has
its own p articular lexical features. This thesis studies the lexical features on the basis of collected data and tries to explain these features form the aspect from writing principles. After the author analyzed the authentic data collected from foreign trade companies, it is found that there exist some
specific lexical features of business English correspondences, such as preference of concrete words to abstract words, choice of precise wording,
use positive words and use simple or common words instead of difficult words. Business English correspondence is one of the most effective ways in international communication. A good knowledge of English is the important
foundation for writers to write a good and effective business English correspondence. In the meanwhile, here are many o ther factors should be paid attention to, such as avoiding Chinglish, having knowledge of the background knowledge of western culture. In one word, with the continuous changes of
the forms of commercial activities, the business English correspondence must change accordingly.
1 Introduction Business English can be regarded as an application of English language in commercial occasions, aiming at enabling speakers to communicate and interact effectively using the most correct and clearest business language. Business English Correspondence is an important carrier of international commercial activities which is used to deli ever information, address commercial issues and as a way of communication. Lexicon is an important factor of a passage. In the writing of business English correspondence, we should pay particular attention to the selection of lexicon. Different words may carry different meaning and even the mood of them can be very distinct. Therefore, it is of great necessity to do research of the features of lexicon in the writing of business English correspondence. This thesis attempts to do some researches on the following subjects: To have a good knowledge of characteristics of lexicon in business English correspondence. To make sense of the reason why the business English correspondence have such requirements of lexicon. To provide some suggestions that learners can improve their writing skills. 2 Description of Business English correspondence 2.1 Definition of business English correspondence Nowadays more and more people choose to work in companies and do commercial work. As China joined the WTO, enterprises are all choosing to open their markets and expand them into the international world, thus making English inevitably become the most used language in the world. And in this way a new subject appeared that we call it “business English”. In terms of business English, we refer to the language used in order to adapt to the job market whose contents include a lot of aspects (Kansi, 1983; 134). Unlike the general English learners, people who learn business English are more
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竭诚为您提供优质文档/双击可除商务英语信函写作toentertain 篇一：商务英语信函写作精华 商务英语信函写作精华 20XX年07月23日星期日15:38 A.建立贸易关系 1.我们愿与贵公司建立商务关系。 1.wearewillingtoeatablishtraderelationswithyourcomp any. 2.我们希望与您建立业务往来。 2.pleaseallowustoexpressourhopeofopeninganaccountwi thyou. 3.我们很高兴地附上询价单第××号，请贵方报离岸价格。 3.wehavepleasureinenclosingourfile. 4.我们确认向贵方购买……，随函附上订单确认书供参
照。 4.weconfirmhavingpurchasedfromyou…。Aconfirmationorderisenclosedforyourreference. g.请求做代理商 1.我们深盼与英国公司接洽，希望成为其销售代理商之一。 1.weareanxioustocontactsomebritishfirmswithaviewtoa ctingastheirsellingangents. 2.如蒙考虑担任销售你们……代理商，我们将十分高兴。 2.weshouldbegladifyouwouldconsiderourapplicationtoa ctasagentsforthesaleofyour…。 h.请求报价 1.兹函请提供……的报价。 1.wearewritingtoinvitequotationsforthesupplyof… 2.请将定期供应……之报价赐知。 2.pleaseletushaveaquotationfortheregularsupplyfor… 3.请将下列货品的最低价格赐知。
摘要: 英国论文随着时代的发展, 使用简洁通俗的语言已成为现代商务英语, 尤其是商务英语信函的突出特点。本文从这一特点形成的根源简易英语运动出发, 分析了简易英语的定义, 遵循的原则, 最后在此基础上通过大量例证的对照比较, 总结了简易英语趋势在现代商务交际中的体现。 商务英语和法律英语一样, 通常被认为是充斥着技术性术语和诘屈聱牙语句的典型书面语。不可否认, 很长时间以来, 商务文书给人的印象确实如此。然而随着时代的发展, 这种情况已得到极大的改观, 商务交际用语渐趋简明易懂。使用简洁通俗的语言已成为现代商务英语的突出特点。我们可以比较一下下面的两句商务信函中的用语: 1. We beg respectfully to state that we are in receipt ofyour L/C in the amount of USD×××for which we thankyou. 2. We inform you that we have received your L/C forUSD×××. 可以看出, 这两句表达的意思完全相同, 但是第一句使用了beg respectfully to state, in receipt of, inthe amount of, 以及包括定语从句for which we thank you等表达极为繁杂的用语, 而第二句用语简洁明快, 但是它所包含的信息量较第一句而言没有丝毫的减少。现代商务英语正是提倡使用简单词语( plain words) , 而不用复杂的语句( complicated words) , 尤其是那些繁复老套的用语, 即我们所说的陈词滥调( cliché)。现代商务英语的这一显著特点, 其实与这些年来在英美等国出现的英语简化趋势, 尤其是在美国大张旗鼓推行的简易英语运动( Plain English Movement)有直接的联系。这一运动要求革除商业契约上的繁文缛节, 简化法律用语, 从而起到方便民众, 减少因繁复用语而引起不必要争端的作用。1978 年 3 月24 日, 当时的美国总统卡特更是签署了第12044 号行政命令, 要求联邦政府各部切实保证颁布的每项法令必须以简单易懂的英语撰写, 以便须依照有关法令办事的人都能看懂。这一法令理所当然受到普通老百姓的欢迎, 而简易英语运动在这一法令的推动之下也得到了更为蓬勃的开展[1]。 一、什么是“简易英语” 所谓简易英语( Plain English) , 美国学者考特兰?博维(Courtland Bovèe)和约翰?席尔( John Thill)认为简易英语是用简易的文字和结构写成的语句, 读者都能看懂, 很接近于我们的口语[2]。可见, “简易英语”是指书面表达中使用清晰正确的英语简明扼要而有效地传递信息。“简易英语”并不幼稚, 也并非过分简单化的英语。“简易英语”重视信息的传递。它并不堆积词藻, 而且不会不必要地使用行话、术语等难懂的表达。换句话说,“简易英语”彻底抛弃了繁文赘语和让人无所适从的表达。用“简易英语”书写的文件是为了让人们读懂, 因此所用的词语都是读者能够理解的。只要读者能够理解, “简易英语”用到技术性较强的专业术语也并非不可。比如,一篇医学学报上的论文面向的是医学专家, 使用专业术语是可以的, 因为这些读者能够理解。只要表达恰当, 这篇论文的语言仍然可被称为“简易英语”。当然, 如果这篇文章是出现在面向公众的通俗杂志上, 那么再包含很多专业术语就很可能出现普通读者无法理解的状况。这个时候, 只有使用普通大众能够理解的字眼那它才是“简易英语”。我们应该看到非常复杂的概念也是可以用“简易英语”加以解释的。许多法律文书, 比如合同和法令, 用“简易英语”改写后仍然能做到表达精确无误。 二、“简易英语”所遵循的原则 “简易英语”最重要的原则就是读者为先。即为读者着想, 考虑读者的需求。要“简易”, 就得好好考虑如下的问题:读者需要知道些什么? 他们对这个问题的理解程度如何? 怎样才能更好地把意思组织起来以便读者更好地理解? 要想有效传递你的信息, 首要的是要清楚什么样的人会阅读你写的东西。具体来讲, “简易英语”遵循如下的原则: (一)写作前做好规划起草文书之前, 首先得明确自己的写作目的。读者是谁? 他们对于所涉及的话题是非常了解, 了解一点还是一无所知? 他们想知道些什么? 找到这些问题的答案, 做到心中有数。一旦知道了读者是谁, 就应该尽可能从他们的角度来看问题, 来表达
Business Letter I (商务信函I ) Introduction Business letter is more formal than personal letter and it usually refers to: ?requesting (information, application, etc.) ?complaining (service, good, etc.) ?providing information ?recommending (employee, place to visit, etc.) ?inviting Business letter of requesting (询问性商务信函) Requesting letter is very useful in inquiring of information. It usually consists of inside address, salutation, body of letter, complementary, signature, etc.
三、Sample of business letter of requesting (询问性商务信函的写作范文) Exercises 1.What is the purpose of this letter? What does Guo hope to do? 2.Who is the audience? 3.How might Mr. Moore respond? Try it yourself 1.You’re going to graduate from your high school. Please write a letter to a college or university requesting information about admission procedures (入学程序) and the major (专业) you’re interested in. Use the correct business letter format. 2.You’re going to graduate from the university and you’re interested in working at a foreign company. Please write a letter to inquire information about enrollment (录取) and welfare (福利)(salary, house, training, etc.) in this company. Useful structures in business letter of requesting Could you please… Could you possibly… Would it be possible to… I would be grateful if you would…
竭诚为您提供优质文档/双击可除 商务信函英语格式 篇一：英文商务信函写作格式 英文商务信函写作格式英文信函分为混合式和齐头式。 混合式：每一段的首行缩进两格。落款在信末中间靠右下的位置。 齐头式：信的所有内容都靠左，段与段之间空一行。 英文信函的习惯用法，由以下几个方面组成： (1)信头Theheading 信头是指信纸上印刷或打印的企业名称、厂称、地址、电话号码、电报挂号、主管人姓名等。通常情况下，公司都会专门印制带有信头的信笺纸，包括发信人的姓名，地址，电话，传真等。当我们撰写传统信件时，直接使用这种信笺纸就可以。 (2)编号和日期Thereferencenumberandthedate 方便以后查信使用。Yourref:（你方编号）ourref:（我方编号） 日期通常打印在信头的右下方位置，或在寄信人姓名和
地址的下方位置。日期的英式写法是日、月、年；美式写法是月、日、年。为了避免误解，日期、年份用数字表示，月份则用英文表示，第一个字母要大写，也可用缩写。比如may，1998(美式写法)；1，may，1998(英式写法)。 (3)信内地址Theinsideaddress 与信封上的收信人名称和地址相同，通常打印在信纸的左侧，低于日期位置2—4行，也可在签字位置下2—4行。 书写收信单位名称时，应特别尊重对方的习惯，不能随意增删公司名称前的冠词The，也不能随意改用繁写及缩写，如company与co.之间不能互换，否则会被认为是不礼貌的行为。收信人地处的书写格式与信封相同。 (4)称谓Thesalutation 在英文信函中，相同于“阁下”、“先生”等类礼貌性称谓，常用Dearsirs”；称呼企业，公司的妇女组织常用madams，Ladies；无具体收信人姓名用Dearsirormadam称呼收信者。 收信人是个人，就应在收信人姓名之前加称谓，如 mr.(先生)，mrs.(夫人)，miss(小姐)，hon(用于称呼市长、部长、大使等)，pres.(总经理、会长、总统等)，prof.(教授)等等。 (5)开头语Theopensentences 开头语没有统一的格式，但习惯上先用客套的语句把收到对方来信的日期，主题及简单内容加以综合叙述，使对方
商务英文信函写作常被忽略的细节 热14Popeye2010-01-30 13:21 商务英文信函写作常被忽略的细节 有位资深商贸人士这样说：“一切贸易往来，从信函开始，到信函结束。”意思是，商务信函贯穿沟通始终。商务信函包括:询盘信、报盘信、邀请函、开发信、求职信、订货信、投诉信、道歉信等，还包括以上信函的确认信函和回复信函等诸多信息沟通载体。 “口才决定录用，文笔决定提升。”对于职场人士来说，写一手严谨规范、得体简洁、语言地道的商务信函是重要的职业素养和技能。下面笔者将根据商务英文信函写作中常被忽略的细节，从“格式”、“时态”“开头结尾”三个角度帮助读者查漏补缺。 格式 “没有规矩，难成方圆”。商务信函写作的从格式开始。一封信函给读信人留下第一印象不是信函的内容，很多时候形式比内容更重要，甚至包括信函的段落对齐、行间距和字体等细节。一封格式规范、书写严谨的商务信函会让带给寄信人日常信函所不能传达的重要感和尊重感，同时也是对收信人的尊重。 ●信头（Letter Head） 无论传递的方式是邮寄、传真还是电子邮件，正式的商务信函都是要有信头的。 信头不一定在信纸的上部，可能位于侧面或底部，主要作用是：一方面表明寄信人的机构名称、地址及电话和传真号码等联系方式(Contact Details)，另一方面由于信头往往会设计公司标识（Logo），从而展示企业或机构形象。没有信头的商务信函，就像没有来得及穿着正装参加正式会谈一样。 ●日期栏 (Date Line) 传真和电子邮件信函都有固定的日期格式，表明信函发出的日期，便于收信人将信函整理和回信。在邮寄的商务信函中，寄信人往往会忽略这一细节。日期栏应该在信函正文的上边，信头下边，可以左对齐，也可以右对齐。常见的日期栏格式有一下两种： 1.16 January 2009 2.January 16, 2009
全日制英语学习，选择尚语国际语言村https://www.doczj.com/doc/112611108.html, 随着全球商务活动日益频繁，互联网迅猛发展，商务信函成为国际贸易中客户沟通的主要方式，广泛运用于外贸、海外资本运营、国际货运等商务活动。它涵盖询问、洽谈、答复，涉及到询盘、报盘、发盘、还盘、交易达成、支付方式、装运等业务细节，是商务活动中不可或缺的沟通媒介，高质量的商务英语信函翻译对国际商务活动的重要性不言而喻。 一、商务信函的语言特点 与其他文体相比，商务信函具有商务文体正式、简洁、专业、礼貌等特点。 (一)正式。商务信函是公文性质函件，用词布局上比普通信函讲究，较多使用书面语。如请您给我发送一份申请表格，在此表示感谢。一般使用We would be grateful if you could send me an application form。而不使用Could you send me an application form? Thank you!。文体布局上商务信函也比一般信函严谨规范，有其特定布局结构。如道歉信通常开头致歉(We must apologize for …/We apologize for…)，接下来解释事情发生的原因，寻求对方谅解(this is owing to…)，在结尾处再次致歉(We hope that this has not caused you any inconvenience./With apologies once again.)一般道歉信都会遵循这样层层递进的规范布局，翻译时也要注意符合其布局。 (二)简洁。商务人士求实重效率。商务信函必须言简意赅，目的突出，层次分明。一般信件开头就说明来意，如：We are writing to enquire about the prices of your cabinets/ we are writing in connection with the advertisement in the newspaper yesterday. 如果开头东拉西扯，会使繁忙的商务人士无暇向下，不明所以。此外信件中措辞也较少使用冗繁的词语句式。例：Please contact us whenever we can be helpful. (如需帮助请告知)而一般不会使用Whenever there is anything we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us。 (三)专业。商务信函用于业内往来，广泛使用商业术语和缩略语，包括外贸业务术语、公司名称及单证等，规范程度很高。常见如外贸术语CIF(Cost, Insurance and Freight) 成本、运费加保险价，FCA(Free carrier)货交承运人，B/L(Bill of Loading)运输单等在信函中都大量使用。此外商务信函也常使用here，where, there 与in, by, with, after 等构成复合词如hereafter(after this),wherein (in which) therefrom (from that)。如：Seller is bound to reimburse Buyer for any loss sustained therefrom. 长期的商务书信交流中逐步形成了商务英语信函句式的套语和行话。如：收到对方询盘的套话：Thank you for your letter of 23 July, asking if we sell photocopiers.希望得到对方回函、订单时的套话：Looking forward to your favorable /early reply. (四)礼貌。西方人交往中非常重视态度，商务信函应礼貌友好，礼貌可以使对方阅读后心生好感，从而保持友好贸易关系。在信函中采用“You attitude”，从对方角度考虑问题，较多使用第二人称，较少使用
商务英语邮件写作范文3篇 商务英语邮件写作范文3篇 在国际商务业务中，一封得体的信函如同商务中得体的着装，从外可以看到内，规范、优美的书信语言能够有效增进客户。下面是我 为你带来的商务英语邮件写作范文，欢迎参阅。 商务英语邮件写作范文1 复函与报价 RepliesandQuotations 20xx-08-26 Maer S.A 24th November 20## Foshan Seethome Installations Ltd. 2 Xiue Street Foshan, Guangdong China Dear sirs, In repl to our letter of 21st Novermber, We have pleasure in enlosing a detailed ation for bathroom shoers. Besides those advertised in the Builers Joural , our illustrated atalogue also enolsed shos various tpes of bathroom fittings and the sizes available. Most tpes an be supplied from stok. 45-60 das should be alloed for deliver of those marked ith an asterisk.
Building ontrators in Hong Kong and Taian have found our equipment eas to install and attrative in apperane. Naturall all parts are replXXble. and our ation inludes pries of spare parts. We an allo a 2% disount on all orders of US$6,000 in value and overf, and a 3%on orders exeeding US$20,000. An orders ou plae ith us ill be proessed promptl. ours faithfull. Franeso Marani Sales Manager Enl.2 Via S.Lorenzo, 24a Castellon Spain Tel： 560001 Fax 560002 商务英语邮件写作范文2 询价Inquiries atha Business Mahines Import Export Corporation 201X Centur Boulevard Pudong, Shanghai 201X06, China Tel： 59000001 September 5, 20** Universal Softare, In. 2468 Oak Street San Franiso CA94105
英语商务信函格式范文 篇一：英语商务信函范文 建立办事处Establishment of new branch Dear Mr. / Ms, Owing to the large increase in the volume of our trade with this country we have decided to open a branch here, with Mr. Wang Lo as manager. The new branch will open on 1st March and from that date all orders and inquiries should be sent to Mr. Wang Lo at the above address, instead of to our London office. We take this opportunity to express our thanks for your cooperation in the past. We hope the new arrangements will lead to even better results. Yours faithfully 歇业Discontinuation of business
Dear Mr/Ms, With the demolition of our premises at the above address under a redevelopment scheme, the part of our business carried on there will be discontinued after the end of October. On Monday, 1st October, we are holding a closing-out sale. Stock on hand will be cleared regardless of cost. There will be substantial reductions in all departments and in some cases, prices will be marked down by as much as one half. Stock to be cleared is uivaled in both variety and quality. As the sale is likely to be well attended, we hope you make a point of visiting the store as early as possible during the opening days. Yours faithfully 更改名称和地址Change of name and address Dear Mr. / Ms,
《商务英语函电》课程标准 一、基本信息 二、课程定位及目标设计 （一）课程整体目标描述 《商务英语函电》是报关与国际货运专业的一门职业技术必修课，是融国际贸易实务与英语商务信函写作为一体的专业英语课程。本课程的目标是培养学生具备阅读、翻译和写作英语商务信函的能力，培养学生掌握函电撰写的基本技巧、熟练应用英语函电套用语和行文结构。使学生能在英语环境下运用英语函电办理进出口业务等事宜，在外贸工作环境中具备解决实际商务问题的书面沟通能力。外贸函电英语是开展对外经济贸易业务和有关商务活动的重要工具，正确地掌握外贸函电英语的专业知识，并能熟练地加以运用，是外贸工作人员必须具备的专业技能。 （二）课程具体目标描述 1．能力目标 （1）能够独立阅读、翻译、撰写商务英语信函； （2）能够根据特定贸易背景，熟练运用商务信函特点和专业知识正确处理各个交易环节的往来外贸信函； （3）能根据具体的业务磋商信函，规范填制单据中相关的商务英语内容；
（4）能够熟练掌握完整的业务流程，独立完成完整的业务磋商信函撰写。 2．知识目标 （1）掌握商务信函常用撰写格式及组成部分； （2）掌握商务英语信函撰写的特点及专业英语表达方式； （3）掌握各种外贸文件的翻译特点及相关外贸专业知识。 3．素质目标 （1）具备正确理解和掌握国家外交、外贸方针政策的能力； （2）持续学习，不断更新知识的意识； （3）具有从事商务活动的良好职业道德素质及行为规范； （4）具备国际商务礼仪知识，注重对外贸易交往的礼节； （5）踏实的工作作风和严谨的工作态度。 三、课程教学内容设计 （一）学习情境设计 《商务英语函电》课程选择“业务流程”为载体，共设置三个学习情境，各学习情境名称及学时分配情况如表所示：
六大类英文商务书信范文 1、请求建立商业关系 Rogers Chemical Supply Co. 10E.22Street Omaha8,Neb Gentlemen: We have obtained your name and address from Aristo Shoes, Milan , and we are writing to enquire whether you would be willing to establish business relations with us. We have been importers of shoes for many years. At present, We are interested in extending our, range and would appreciate your catalogues and quotations.If your prices are competitive we would expect to transact a significant volume of business. We look forward to your early reply. Very truly yours 自米兰职权里斯托鞋类公司取得贵公司和地址，特此修函，祈能发展关系。多年来，本公司经营鞋类进口生意，现欲扩展业务范围。盼能惠赐商品目录和报价表。如价格公道，本公司必大额订购。烦请早日赐复。此致 2、回复对方建立商业关系的请求 Thank your for your letter of the 16th of this month. We shall be glad to enter into business relations with your company. In compliance with your request, we are sending you, under separate cover, our latest catalogue and price list covering our export range. Payment should be made by irrevocable and confirmed letter of credit. Should you wish to place an order, please telex or fax us. 本月16日收到有关商务关系的来函，不胜欣喜。谨遵要求另函奉上最新之出口商品目录和报价单。款项烦请以不可撤销保兑之信用状支付。如欲订货，请电传或传真为盼。此致敬礼 3、请求担任独家代理 We would like to inform you that we act on a sole agency basis fora number of manufacturers. We specialize in finished cotton goods for the Middle eastern market: Our activities cover all types of household linen. Until now , we have been working with your textiles department and our collaboration has proved to be mutually beneficial. Please refer to them for any information regarding our company. We are very interested in an exclusive arrangement with your factoryfor the promotion of your products in Bahrain. We look forward to your early reply. ` 本公司担任多家厂家的独家代理，专营精制棉织品，包括各灯家用亚麻制品，行销中东。与贵公司向有业务联系，互利互作。贵公司纺织部亦十分了解有关业务合作之情况。盼望能成为贵公司独家代理，促销在巴林市场的货品。上述建议，烦请早日赐复，以便进一步联系合作。此致敬礼 4、拒绝对方担任独家代理 Thank you for your letter of 1 September suggesting that we grant you a sole agency for our household linens. I regret to say that, at this stage ,such an arrangement would berather premature. We would, however, be willing to engage in a trial collaboration with you company to see how the arrangement works. It would be necessary for you to test the market for our productsat you end. You would also have to build up a much larger turnover tojustify a sole agency. We enclose price lists covering all the products you are interested in and look forward to hearing from you soon 9月1日有关建议担任家用亚麻制品独家代理的来信收悉。谨致衷心谢意。目前时机尚未成熟，不能应允该安排深感抱歉。然而，本公司乐意与贵公司先试行合作，为今后合作打下基础。为证明担任独家代理的能力，贵公司宜上述货品作市场调查，研究是否可扩大现有之营业额。奉上该货品之报价单，敬希查照。专此候复。此致敬礼 5、同意对方担任独家代理 Thank you for your letter of 12 April proposing a sole agency for our office machines. We have examined our long and ,I must say ,mutually beneficial collaboration. We would be very pleased to entrust you with the sole agency for Bahrain. From our records, we are pleased to note that you have two service engineers who took
1.Utilize common and reasonable international practices in a flexible way. 灵活运用通行的合理的国际惯例 2.Be enclosed for your reference.随函附上，供参考 3.Enclose our illustrated catalog and price list giving the details you ask for. 随函附上目录和价格明细单 4.Excellent in quality and reasonable in price. 5.On regular purchase in quantities of not less than five gross of individual items we would allow you a discount of 2%. 若每项货品不少于五箩的话，我们可以给2%的回扣。 6.Payment is to be made by irrecoverable L/C at sight.付款是凭不可撤销的即期信用证支付。 7.But if you place your order not later than the end of this month, we would ensure prompt shipment.但是，若你方订货不迟于本月底，我方保证即期装运。 8.We look forward to your early reply.早复为盼。 9.We are in receipt of your order of the 21st March, which has been immediately booked for delivery at the time you stated.你方3月21日订单收到并立即定妥，将按规定的日期交货。10.Enclosed is a sample of a similar cloth, of exactly the same color, which we have in stock.随函附寄同类布料的剪样，颜色完全相同，并备有现货。 11.You have not instructed us as to the shipping of these goods, nor as to how you wish them packed.你方尚未通告我方货物的发运和包装事宜。 12.If you prefer to leave this to us we will act to best of your interest, but if you have any special preference in this matter we should be glad if you would inform us as early as possible.倘若你方愿意由我方决定，我方将尽全力考虑你方的利益。但若你方对此有特殊要求，望你方尽早通知。 13.Although our usual price is two cents per yard more than that for M3, we are prepared to quota it at the same price. Please state by return whether we may substitute this cloth for M3.虽然我们的价格比M3每码高出2美分，但是我方愿报与之相同的价格。请速说明我方是否可用此料代替M3。 14.We sincerely hope to establish business relations with your company so as to promote trade between our two countries.我们切盼与贵公司建立贸易关系，发展我们两国之间的贸易。15.While quoting, please state the earliest shipment and quantity available.报价时请说明最早交货期和可供数量。 16.Quotation: mainly consisted by unit price, period of shipment. It is a kind of reference price, changeable, non-binding. 主要包括单价、装期，是一种参考价格，可变动，无约束力。 Offer: it concludes price, quantity, period of shipment, terms of payment and validity date of quotation. 除了价格之外还包括数量、装期、付款方式和报价的有效期。一般firm order（不可撤销的发价或实盘）在卖方接受后，卖方不能变动。 17.Re: Claim on Machine Tools 事由：机床索赔 18.Re: Catalog and Price List 事由：目录和价格明细单 19.Documents against acceptance 承兑交单Documents against payment 付款交单 1. Your firm has been recommended to us by the Chamber of Commerce in Seoul, Korea, which told us that you export Chinese textiles and cotton goods. Our company is specialized in handling the import business of textiles and we wish to establish business relations with you.韩国汉城商会将贵公司推荐给我们，并告知你们出口中国纺织品和棉织品。我公司专营纺织品的进口业务，希望与贵方建立商业往来。 2. We are enclosing herewith a booklet of our products. As soon as we have received your inquiry,