摘要

商务英语信函是国际贸易中最重要的工具。商务英语信函中的语境对写一封准确又恰当的商务英语信函是非常重要的。本文主要分析了商务英语信函的语境分类，并在此基础上着重探讨了商务英语信函的语言特点，包括词汇特点，表达方式特点和语气特点，以期对商务英语信函的写作有所启示。

关键词：语境；商务英语信函；语言特点

Abstract

Business English letter is the most important tool in international trade. The particular context is very important for writing a correct and felicitous business English letter. This thesis, based on the classification of context in business English letters, mainly explores the language characteristics of business English letters, including lexical characteristics, characteristics of ways of expression and characteristics of tone, in the hope of offering some insight into the writing of business English letters.

Key Words: context; business English letters; language characteristics

1. Introduction

With China’s entry into WTO, international trade has become more common and frequent in the world. Although telephone, telegraph and telex are widely used in international trade, business English letters still serve as the most important tool and are indispensable for people to communicate with each other. It is the main method for buyers and sellers to establish business relations, exchange information, express friendship and so on. In most cases, things settled by telephone or telex often need to be confirmed by letters. Therefore, writing a good business English letter is useful in international trade.

1.1 Functions of Business English Letters

Business English letters have many functions. As Peng Ying (2009: 9-10) points out generally speaking, the business English letter has following functions. Firstly, it is an effective way to convey and retain information. Although many business activities can be handled by phone or in person, few businessmen have enough time to visit their clients personally. Long distance calls maybe expensive. Oral communication may lead some of the massages to be forgotten or misunderstood. Secondly, it can work as a contract or an agreement. Thirdly, it can also serve as a part of a company’s permanent record. Businessmen can check copy of the letters or the e-mail box when they need. Lastly, it acts as formal or informal public relation materials. It can help build goodwill between the writer and reader.