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商务英语信函的主要文体特征及翻译技巧商务英语信函的主要文体特征及翻译技巧国际贸易竞争日益激烈的今天，为了通过发送商务信函达到有效交流，传达友好情感，增加商务合作机会的目的，商务信函必须在风格和语言上发生变化。
现代商务信函的主要文体特征可以概括为以下五点: 内容的清晰性、表达的简洁性、词语的专业性、风格的正式性、措辞的礼貌性。
因此我们要将商务信函本身的特点和英语的语言特点结合起来，分析和总结其翻译思路和技巧。
一、内容的清晰性发送商务信函的目的在于建立商务往来关系，就某一细节进行商讨，努力达成共识，以便促进一项商务活动的开展。
要达到这些目的，首先必须保证阅读者能够清楚了解写信人的意图，迂回或闪烁其辞的话语会让读信人产生不信任，甚至会怀疑对方的语言表达能力，对进一步开展商务活动很不利。
模棱两可的话轻则阻碍读信人对信函意思的理解，重则会对发函方造成不必要的损失。
例如: As to the steamers sailing fromHongkong to San Francisco，we have bimonthly directservices. 此处bimonthly 有歧义，可以是twicea month 或者once two month. 故读信人就迷惑了，可以改写为We have two direct sailings everymonth from Hongkong to San Francisco.翻译要保留原文的清晰度相当重要。
由于在较为正式的场合中，为了将一概念定义完整和清楚，英文常常用关联词将几个短句并在一起形成一个长句，而中文无法照样只用一句话来翻译，即使这样译了也很难达到通顺和自然。
这时，我们就采取将长句按特定的事情发展的顺序拆分成两个或两个以上的小句子的方式来翻译。
必要时还要增加或省略一些词语，让整段文字结构更合理、内容更清楚。
例如: The prices stated are based oncurrent freight rates，any increase or decrease infreight rates at time of shipment is to be the benefitof the buyer，with the seller assuming the payment ofalltransportation charges to the point or place of delivery.例句中以一个介词with 来分界，译为“合同价格是以运费计算，装运时运费的增减均属买方。
商务英语的文体
一、简练的句子
删除重复的词语和词缀
true fact
circulated around transport across united together repeat again new innovation plain and unadorned industrious and hard-working
our reserves of oil are becoming smaller and smaller.
Our reserves of oil are shrinking.
We hope that you will reapply with our company again next year.
There are at present nearly 300 million credit cards in use.
In addition, we are also including a current price list.
The auditors usually arrive unexpectedly, but we’ll be prepared no matter when the auditors arrive.
2 删除那些解释明白无误事实的短语
Up above the bookcase above
In the color of blue
In the year of 1995
An unneeded luxury
Forewarn in advance
3 删除毫无内容的累赘词语
He made the statement that he agreed with the concept that inflation could be subject to control. He agreed that inflation could be controlled.
The more you buy, the result is that as far as money is concerned the more you spend.
The more you buy, the more you spend.
I came back because of the fact that I had forgotten to take my books.
There are three reasons that appear with certainty to explain or account for her decision to move to San Francisco.
She decided to move San Francisco for three reasons.
As a matter of fact, I actually made a report in writing and filed it in the morning before the noon.
I filed a written report before the noon.
In the event that you can attend the meeting, plan in advance to offer some concrete suggestions on how to reduce the cost and expense of overtime in the Office Services Department.
If you can attend the meeting, plan to offer suggestion on how to reduce overtime expense in …
4 将从句压缩成短语，短语眼所成单词
The report that discussed the fiscal crisis was read by businessmen, who showed great interest. The report on the fiscal crisis was read with interest by businessmen.
The employee with ambition is in all probability likely to get results that are good.
The ambitious employee is likely to get good results.
The memo that was written by Mary got lost
5 将定语从句改为前置定语
This amount, which is considered to be insignificant, should be written off as a bad debt.
This insignificant amount should be written off as a bad debt.
Less than half the merchandise that was damaged could be sold.
The workers who produce the most will receive bonuses.
The most productive workers will receive bonuses.
6 用简单句不用复杂句
This is a book which you will read with enjoyment.
You will enjoy reading this book.
The reason why he left the company is that he planed to open his own business in London.
He left the company to open his own business in London.
A world that is rapidly changing world requires education that continues.
A rapidly changing the world requires continuing education.
A business that is local is one that depends upon customers who are steady.
Communication is, of course, of vital importance to any business that wants to achieve efficiency. Communication is very important to business efficiency.
The manager, who was graduated from the Manchester School Business recently, returned to her home base, which is Luton.
The manager, a recent graduate from the Manchester School Business, returned to her home base, Luton.
The tendency of those who are old is to avoid situations that are new and unfamiliar.
The old tend to avoid unfamiliar situations.。
