Writing Strategies of Business English Correspondence from the Perspective of Adaptation Theory

Abstract

As an important means of communication in international trade, business English correspondence whose goal is successful transaction plays a significant role in trading process, so the quality and strategies of its writing are the core factors affecting the final result. Communication involves pragmatics, and effective communication requires the guidance of adaptation theory. Therefore, an analysis of the writing strategies of business English correspondence based on adaptation theory is instructive to practical business communication.

This thesis is mainly divided into four parts. The first part mainly introduces the adaptation theory, its key concepts and research perspectives. The second part is mainly inclusive of the definition, classification and writing principles of business English correspondence. The third part introduces the application of adaptation theory in business English correspondence; the fourth part introduces how the writing strategies of the business English correspondence adapt to the reader's psychology in dynamic. Through analysis, this thesis points out that writers of business English correspondence should improve their pragmatic awareness and competence. They should adapt to the reader’s mental world, social world and physical world and choose appropriate language according to different contexts to show clearly their intentions while showing respects to the other party. In this way, effective and smooth communication can be conducted and transactions get facilitated.

Key Words: adaptation theory; business English correspondence; adaptation awareness; writing strategies