外贸函电中的情态隐喻研究_英语论文 

A Study of Metaphors of Modality in Foreign Trade Correspondence

摘要

作为对外贸易的重要交际方式，外贸函电在国际贸易中发挥着重要的作用。本文从情态隐喻理论出发，通过分析外贸函电中的典型实例，研究外贸信函中情态隐喻的类型和功能。研究结果表明，情态隐喻被广泛运用于外贸函电，它起着表达个人态度，突出客观事实，增加礼貌，语篇连贯的功能。此外通过合理运用情态隐喻，对外贸易函电可以达到交际和贸易的目的。作者希望本研究能拓宽外贸函电的研究范围，增强外贸业务员对情态隐喻的理解并提高他们的交际能力。

关键词：外贸函电；情态隐喻；类型；功能

Abstract

As one of the most important communication means in foreign trade, foreign trade correspondence plays a significant role both in communication and in business. Based on metaphors of modality theory, the thesis studies the types and functions of metaphors of modality in foreign trade correspondence by analyzing the typical examples selected from foreign trade correspondence. The result of this study shows that metaphor of modality is widely adopted in foreign trade correspondence, and it can help express the personal attitude, highlight the objective fact, increase the politeness and make the correspondence text coherent. Besides, by rational use of metaphors of modality, foreign trade correspondence can achieve the purpose of communication and trade. The author hopes this study can broaden the research scope of foreign trade correspondence, enhance traders’ understanding of metaphors of modality and improve their communicative competence.

Key Words: foreign trade correspondence  metaphors of modality  types  functions

Contents

Acknowledgements I

Abstract II

摘要 III

Chapter One Introduction 1

1.1 The Background of this Study 1

1.2 The Significance of this Study 1

1.3 Foreign Trade Correspondence 1

1.4 The Structure of this Thesis 2

Chapter Two Literature Review 3

2.1 Modality and Metaphors of Modality 3

2.2 Previous Study of Foreign Trade Correspondence 4

2.2.1 From the Aspect of Language Features 4

2.2.2 From the Aspect of Writing 5

2.2.3 From the Aspect of Politeness 5

Chapter Three Study of Metaphors of Modality in Foreign Business Correspondence 7

3.1 Types of Metaphors of Modality in Foreign Trade Correspondence 7

3.1.1 Modalization 7

3.1.2 Modulation 8

3.1 Functions of Metaphors of Modality in Foreign Trade Correspondence 8

3.2.1 Objective Function 8

3.2.2 Subjective Function 9

3.2.3 Polite Function 10

3.2.4 Cohesive function 11

Chapter Four Conclusion 13

4.1 Findings 13

4.2 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Study 13

References 14