摘要随着经济市场化、全球化趋势的日益深入，与对外经济贸易有关的业务往来也日趋频繁。
作为国际交流的载体，商务英语信函融英语写作与国际贸易业务为一体，已经广泛应用于日常生活和常规工作的方方面面，它不同于普通函件，有其语言、内容、态度、格式方面的独特的文体特点，是开展对外经济贸易业务和有关商务活动的重要手段，对贸易全球化的实现起到了积极的推动作用。
本文对词汇和句子在商务英语信函写作中的语言特点进行讨论分析，帮助学习者更好地掌握商务英语信函中词汇和句子的用法。
关键词：商务英语信函；语言特点；文体特征；词汇；句法；7C原则ABSTRACTWith the deepening of the trend of economic marketization and globalization,the business contacts related to foreign economy and trade are increasingly frequentas well. As the carrier of international communication, business English letter is a combination of English writing and international trade business, has been widely usedin all aspects of daily life and routine work. It is different from ordinary letters whichhas its own language, content, manner, formats unique stylistic features that carry out foreign economic and trade business and related business activities of the important means, for the realization of the globalization of trade which has played a positiverole in promoting it. This paper discusses and analyzes the linguistic characteristics of vocabulary and sentences in business English letter writing to help learners better grasp the usage of vocabulary and sentences in business English letter writing.Key words：Business English correspondence；Language character；Stylistic features；Lexicon；Syntax；7C principleContentsINTRODUCTION (3)CHPTER I Overview Of Business English Correspondence (4)1.1 Development of Business English Correspondence (4)1.1.1 In the Early Term (4)1.1.3 The New Trend (4)1.2 Content of Business English Correspondence (5)1.3 Basic Writing Principles of Business English Correspondence (6)1.4 Classification of Business Correspondence (6)1.5 Functions of Business Correspondence (7)CHPTER II Lexical Features Of Business English Correspondences (8)2.1 Theoretical Foundation —— 7C Principle (8)2.1.1 Courtesy (9)2.1.2 Completeness (9)2.1.3 Consideration (9)2.1.4 Clarity (9)2.1.5 Concreteness (10)2.1.6 Conciseness (10)2.1.7 Correctness (10)2.2 Lexical Features (11)2.2.1 Using Accurate and Careful Words (11)2.2.2 Using Positive and Polite Words (11)2.2.3 Using Fuzzy Language (11)2.2.4 Using Concrete Words over Abstract Words (12)2.2.5 Avoid Ambiguous Words (12)2.2.6 Avoid Repeated Use of Adjectives or Adverbs (13)CHPTER III Syntactic Features Of Business English Correspondence (14)3.1 Using Fixed Phrases (14)3.1.1 Using Emotional Adverbs (14)3.1.2 Using Fixed Sentence Patterns (14)3.1.3 Using Conditional Sentences (15)3.1.4 Using Middle Construction (15)3.3 Using Appropriate Sentence Patterns to Highlight Key Information (16)3.4 Trying to Use Euphemisms (16)3.5 Combination and Simplicity (17)3.6 Common Parallel Structure (17)3.7 Use of Various Sentence Types (17)CONCLUSION (19)REFERENCES (20)INTRODUCTIONLanguage is a basic tool for communication between people. In business activities, people not only talk face to face, but also trade with each other through business English letters. Thus, business English letter also has a place in business activities. Nowadays, with the rapid development of economic globalization, business English correspondence plays a crucial role in the process of international and foreign trade. Business English letter is a general name of many kinds of business letters and electronic data exchange in foreign business center. Business letter is an indispensabletool for business communication and communication, and also an important carrier to convey business information. It is obvious that business English letter and ordinary English letter play different roles due to different application occasions, so there is agreat difference in writing between them. First of all, in terms of the use of vocabulary,the use of vocabulary in business English letters is more exquisite than that in ordinary letters. Even if it is the same meaning, the usage of words will be quite different. Secondly, in the process of writing, many aspects of business English correspondence must strictly abide by and flexibly apply the "7C" principle. Therefore, from the perspective of stylistics, this paper analyzes the lexical characteristics of different parts of speech in business English correspondence bycombining specific practical examples of vocabulary in business English correspondence and the writing principles that should be followed in the writing process of business English correspondence.Through a large number of examples and "Foreign Trade English Correspondence" (2016) edited by Ge Qun, this paper intends to analyze the linguistic characteristics of business English correspondence from the aspects of language, vocabulary and syntax.CHAPTER IAn Overview Of Business English Correspondence1.1 Development of Business English Correspondence1.1.1 In the Early TermThe first stage of development of foreign trade correspondence was probably from the middle and late 18th century to the period before the World War II. With the development of international trade, it is widely used. The main features of foreign trade correspondence in this period are: in terms of vocabulary, a number of large words, loanwords, legal terms and nominal structure to reflect its formality.1.1.2 In the Medium TermThe second development stage of foreign trade correspondence is from the period after the World War II to the 1970s and 1980s of the 20th century, which is also the forming period of the basic style of modern foreign trade correspondence. During this period, there were great changes in the style of foreign trade correspondence, presenting a new style. The most significant change is the practical function of correspondence. The accuracy and efficiency of information transmission required by international trade are put in the first place, which highlights its professionalism.So far, this is still the most basic style of foreign trade correspondence. Duringthis period, foreign trade correspondence became more practical and readable. For foreign trade correspondence style during this period, many documents are happy to use several "C" to summarize. It is generally accepted that courtesy, clarity, concreteness, conciseness.1.1.3 The New TrendFrom the 20th century to now, with people's new understanding of correspondence, the style of correspondence changed significantly during this period, and some new development trends appeared. Specific can be summarized as the following aspects:First, in terms of language style, correspondence is gradually getting rid of the former format of the so-called "business language", oral written business English is widely used, the writing style tends to be personalized and personal. Correspondence began to pursue a fresh, straightforward and humane style of writing; Pay more attention to the beauty of language expression, the human touch in tone and the positive enthusiasm in attitude, in order to close the psychological distance between the writer and the receiver; Focus on brevity, simplicity and clarity.Secondly, the positioning of correspondence function has also changed. Correspondence is no longer just a single exchange of specific business information, but to achieve a broader sense of communication and exchange between the two parties.Thirdly, the correspondence changed the formal face of the past stereotype, but depending on the specific situation to determine the formal level of the correspondence.Fourth, there is a trend towards gender differentiation in wording. Some words and phrases gradually became women's trade correspondence, and letters between men and women became more formalBut at the same time, the old business communication format paper still exists.1.2 Content of Business English CorrespondenceA complete English business letter consists of six parts: head, address, salutation, body, closing and signature. The contents of the header include: full name, address, telephone number, fax and E-mail address of the sending company. The content of the address inside the letter includes the addressee's name and address, the first letter of the addressee's name should be capitalized, the address order from small to large, namely: door plate, street town, county city, country name, the address inside the letter is placed in the lower left corner of the letter head, top case writing, usually separated by two lines with the time. Salutation is an indispensable part of the letter. It is written in the top case, one line below the address. The body of the letter is the main body and the most important part of the full text. Business English letters pay attention to be straight to the point, concise and to the point, and usually adopt the expression that is easy for the other party to accept. The epilogue is written in the space of a blank line at the end of the text, which is equivalent to the "kind salute" used at the end of a Chinese letter. After the conclusion, the American letter is placed at the bottom left and the British letter at the bottom right. It usually takes up 3-4 lines. The first line is the name of the company, the second line is the signature of the writer, and the third line is the position or department of the signer.1.3 Basic Writing Principles of Business English CorrespondenceBusiness English letter is a commonly used business English practical article. It is the main means for both parties to understand each other and conduct trade. While communicating business information in written form, it also reflects the business image of a company or institution. The principles of business English letter writing are changing with The Times. In the middle of the 20th century, business did not flourish as much as it does today, and even face-to-face meetings were formal. Today's business contacts are close, so it is no longer as formal and rigid as at the beginning. In the communication process, we will use more natural and relaxed language, of course and we will still pay attention to the euphemism andappropriateness. Because easy language makes it easier for us to communicate, and the purpose of communication is to suggest relationships, to communicate ideas accurately, to convey a good impression. With the desire to achieve trade through mutual cooperation, nowadays, business English letter, as an important tool for businessmen to carry out business activities abroad, has its own unique principles in writing in order to play its effect, which should follow the principle of 7Cs. They are: courtesy; completeness; consideration; clarity, concreteness, conciseness, correctness. However, under the guidance of these seven writing principles, business English letter has the characteristics of polite and tactful emotion and concise and accurate expression.1.4 Classification of Business English CorrespondenceThere are four main types of business letters: information letters (including inquiry letters, notification letters, quotation letters, etc.), persuasion letters (including sales letters, cover letters, recommendation letters, etc.), problem solving letters (including claim letters, arbitration letters, decline letters, etc.), and goodwill letters (such as congratulatory letters, etc.).1.5 Functions of Business English CorrespondenceAccording to the definition and the classification, people can easily gain a common sense that business correspondence is used to sell products or services, request information or service, answer customer’s enquires, maintain good public relations, and serve a large range of other business functions.Business English letter is the progress of the import and export business of professional written records. It is business people from all over the world to negotiate trade, contact business for import and export trade in one application documents. This time, a large number of written consultations were conducted through business English letters which stipulated the rights and obligations of the buyer and the seller and provided the legal basis for dispute resolution, from the establishment of traderelations to a successful transaction.Business correspondence can act as formal or informal public relations material. It can help to build good relationship between you and you clients, creditors, suppliers and other public groups. It also represents you and your firm to people that you may never meet personally or contact just by phone. How you express yourself forms an impression in the mind of your clients. As a result, business writing deserves considerable care and attention.CHAPTER IILexical Features Of Business English CorrespondencesLanguage is an indispensable part of the development of human society. People often take many things related to language for granted and vocabulary is a unit of language expression. Webster's New World Dictionary offers some of the most common definitions of "language". In fact, the most concise definition of language is a way of verbal communication, which is practical. However, it is difficult to make a scientific definition of "word". It is a natural bounded unit, a common factor that governs a set of forms, and a grammatical unit. According to the differences between different words, we can divide words into changeable words and immutable words, grammatical words and lexical words, closed words and open words, and parts of speech in four ways.2.1 Theoretical Foundation ------ 7C PrincipleBusiness English correspondence is the symbolic manifestation of the changes in the psychological communication between the business interests and the trading participants in the operation of import and export trade. It not only has the exchange value, but also has the economic value. The embodiment of economic value lies in that the participants in import and export trade overcome the cross-cultural economicbarriers and communicate with each other through business English correspondence in the whole process of engaging in import and export trade. Complete the entire process of import and export trade (including: establishing trade relations, enquiries, offers, counter-offers, orders, contracts, payments, packaging, insurance, transportation, appeals and claims, etc.) to obtain economic benefits. Business English correspondence this kind of language behavior satisfies the demand of the import and export trade intercourse, moreover has the broad market and the huge economic value. English is a language with strong network externalities. In economics, network externality refers to the utility generated by the consumption of a certain kind of goods increases with the increase of the number of people consuming the goods. As the world's common language, English is used by a large number of consumers, so the economic utility is huge. The systematic application of principle 7C in the writing of business English correspondence can improve the quality of correspondence and improve the economic benefits obtained through correspondence.2.1.1 CourtesyIn order to establish and maintain a friendly business relationship, business English correspondence should generally pay attention to the principle of politeness, to treat others. The principle of politeness is not only reflected in the use of words such as "please" and "thanks you", but also in the lines to reflect China's foreign trade policy and diplomatic etiquette, to be neither humble nor arrogant, decent and generous. The specific politeness principle basically includes the following aspects: abide by the international business practice; Respect each other's customs; Language should be polite and measured, avoid using command tone; Use a friendly, positive tone, try to use a euphemistic tone to point out the other side is not satisfactory, reply to the letter to be timely.2.1.2 CompletenessA complete business letter should answer each question and clarify the important information you want to convey. The integrity of the letter is conducive to the establishment of a good corporate image, to save both sides of the business time toachieve the desired effect, to avoid unnecessary disputes caused by the lack of important information.2.1.3 ConsiderationUnderstanding refers to the interests of the other side as the starting point and standing in the other side's position to consider the problem carefully, in order to get the other side's good will and achieve the expected purpose.The understanding principle is a technique used in business interactions to facilitate transactions.2.1.4 ClarityThe principle of clarity includes two aspects. One is that the writer knows what to write before writing. The other one is that when the letter received can fully understand the writer’s expression, will not produce misunderstanding. This requires a clear mind, accurate expression instead of using some ambiguous words.2.1.5 ConcretenessSpecific principles refer to the letter involved in the content to say something. Information is completely expression, detailed and specific, rich and vivid. In business letter writing, avoid general, vag ue expressions such as “soon, at an early date, good and nearly”, etc. For example, “I will send the samples to you soon. It would be better if I would send the samples to you in two weeks. ” Or “I will send the samples to you next Monday.”2.1.6 ConcisenessBrevity means to express the richest and most complete content in the least language without affecting the politeness of the letter. Brevity makes a letter more powerful and concise. The format of business English letter should be concise and to the point, the language should be easy to understand, and the content should be concise and rich. This should be about to write in the process of writing as far as possible to choose single room, easy to understand, simple vocabulary, use concise, direct sentences.2.1.7 CorrectnessThe traditional accuracy principle generally includes five aspects: correct information, correct grammar, correct spelling, correct punctuation and correct pragmatics. Pragmatic correctness refers to the appropriateness and appropriateness of language use, which should take into account the linguistic context, the conventional context and the social context. Linguistic context refers to the form, composition, information and communicative intention of the last letter if there is a previous letter. The conventional context refers to the general knowledge of the objective world of the reader, which belongs to the category of encyclopedic knowledge. Social context is cultural context and scene context. Cultural context refers to the consideration of the social norms, cultural contracts and customs of the reader's society. The context of the scene is the specific communicative environment and content of the economic events in which the two parties are involved. Correct pragmatics can make the communication between transaction parties more successful and the economic benefits more smoothly.2.2 Lexical Features2.2.1 Using Accurate and Careful WordsThe essential function of a business letter is to convey information, which is not only related to the company's business development, brand image, customer development, and even affects the company's international reputation. If you want to say "$98", you can write "$98" in a normal letter, but in a business English letter, you must write "$98.00" .It must be strictly distinguished in business English correspondence. There are two prepositional phrases like "by Monday" and "before Monday". The former includes the day" Monday", while the latter doesn't include it, that means the day before the deadline "Monday".2.2.2 Using Positive and Polite WordsIf business letter writers choose the right words, they will leave a goodimpression on the other party and lay the foundation for the cooperation between the two parties. When writing business letters, we should pay attention to the appropriate use of commendatory words and polite words. Example: (1a)" I'm sorry we blundered on your order."; (2a)" We regret the inconvenience you've had been under caused by the broken mixer. " Although the letter writers hope to express a sincere apology, negative (case 1 blunder and 2 inconvenience) will remind receiving bad consequences, affect each other's response to adverse consequences. So the writer can use neutral words to dilute the recipient's response to the consequences. To achieve good communication effect, letter writing can be rewritten as :(1b)" I want to apologize for the order we delivered "; (2b)" We are truly sorry about the experience you had with the mixer."2.2.3 Using Fuzzy LanguageLanguage communication is a necessary means of communicating feelings. In the face of emotional things, fuzzy language can harmonize feelings. The primary basis of business English letter is appropriate and polite language, while the use of obscure words can make the words implicit and euphemistic. Especially for some sensitive topics, such as the interests of both sides, the focus of conflict, etc., fuzzy language plays a role of hiding , avoiding and diversion. Sometimes using vague language out of consideration of discretion and politeness is beneficial to both parties in business dealings.Example 1: “If possible, please also send samples of the goods you are interested in selling.” The writer would very hopeful that the reader to send him samples of interest as soon as possible. But the direct expression will make the sentence rigid, to the reader left an uncomfortable feeling. "If possible" makes the statement more implicit and polite.Fuzzy language is also persuasive. One of the basic requirements of a business letter is truthfulness and accuracy. On this basis, the use of vague language may be easier to arouse the reader's interest or persuade the other side to accept their views.Example 2: “We are very well connected with all the major dealers h ere of industrial products.” The fuzzy adjunct "very well" brings the relationship between the writer and reader much closer, and this relationship provides a good foundation for smooth cooperation. The fuzzy language makes the whole statement more persuasive.2.2.4 Using Concrete Words over Abstract WordsAbstract words are ambiguous in meaning, not directly and accurately expressed in meaning, and specific words are clear in meaning, which facilitates rapid communication between both sides of the letter. It is an important feature of a business letter to use specific words to express one's wishes accurately and help both sides communicate quickly. Therefore, English business letter writing should try to use specific words to express the meaning accurately and quickly, to avoid ambiguity.Example: (1) “The payment of the goods will be effected on July 1st.” (2) “The goods will be paid on July 1st.” (3) “The shipment was affected by weather.” However, the noun "Payment" cannot be used as a predicate to express "Payment" independently, the author must use the verb "effect" to express the meaning. From the stylistic point of view, example 1 to 2 is more formal, but from the concise and accurate level of meaning expression, example 2 is concise and clear, which is more conducive to the communication between both parties. The verb "affect" does not have a clear meaning, so the recipient cannot clearly understand how the weather affects the transport of the goods, and therefore cannot take appropriate countermeasures. So the writer should use accurate words such as "hindered", the "of" or "stopped", facilitate the recipient responded correctly.2.2.5 Avoid Ambiguous WordsAmbiguous words are words that have two or more meanings in the same context. The use of ambiguous words in business letters may affect the misunderstanding of both parties and cause unnecessary trouble. Example: We assembled them by the new machine. (" By "can mean" near "or" by means of ") incase the preposition "by" in English can be interpreted as "by the side of..." and "by means of...”. We put them all together next to the new machine. We used the new machine to put them together. In order to accurately express the meaning, writing a business letter should be changed according to the meaning of the writer on patients into: (1) We assembled them near the new machine, or (2) We assembled them by means of the new machine. In addition, business English letter in a sentence to avoid as far as possible meaning of a word. For example, “Cotton and silk blouses made in China enjoy a good market in the European market. ". In this sentence, the "market" to express the two kinds of meaning: the first "market" means "sales", the second "market" said "the market". In order to facilitate understanding, should put the example for the Cotton and silk blouses made in China enjoy a good sale in the European marketplace ".2.2.6 Avoid Repeated Use of Adjectives or AdverbsChinese people are used to repeating the same meaning in writing. On the one hand, repetition can maintain a balanced lexical structure. On the other hand, repetition also strengthens the mood and the meaning of expression. English culture emphasizes the use of plain language to express meaning. When writing business English letters, we should follow the habits of English language, avoid unnecessary repetition, and keep the letter concise and clear. Repeated errors in adjectives and adverbs commonly found in business letters: General consensus; True facts ("facts "must be true=true); Assemble together (" Assemble "= put together.); Absolutely complete (" Absolutely "= completely).CHAPTER IIIS yntactic Features Of Business English CorrespondenceSentence is the basic unit of discourse. The writing of English business letter must follow the characteristics of business letter and choose the syntactic structure.Professional business English letter writing usually chooses concise sentence structure. The complex long sentence meaning expression is unclear, does not meet the business activity to saves time and the convenience request.3.1 Using Fixed PhrasesUse fixed phrases: as the medium of business communication, both English and Chinese business letters strictly follow the principles of politeness. In the long-standing customs and habits of business communities, some ready-made formulaic patterns, namely social phrases, have been condensed to express social etiquette.3.1.1 Using Emotional AdverbsWith table adverb of emotion, such as: faithfully, kindly, respectfully, sincerely, unfortunately and so on, which are attached to form request, give or inform sentences. It is used to act as additional emotion of the sentence, convey the evaluation of the sender, and express feeling of praise and respect.3.1.2 Using Fixed Sentence PatternsUsing the sentence structure like “I’m sorry to tell... ”, “I regret to say...”, “I appreciate..., but...”, “I 'm afraid.” to sh ow euphemism and politeness, to express sympathy, regret and other feelings. Use “It's very kind of you to...” “It's a pleasure for me to...” “I would like to inform you that...”. This is to express one's feelings of joy or pleasure to attract the attention of the other party. These sentence patterns are characterized by the expression of feelings of the word as the center, euphemism polite introduction of the topic.3.1.3 Using Conditional SentencesIn business English letter writing, the use of conditional sentences will often make the letter achieve a more polite effect. In particular, when making demands or Suggestions to the other party, the use of conditional sentences can euphemistically。
