Contents

Abstract

摘要

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