Abstract

Business English letters are the crucial tools and play a fundamental part in business transaction and activities. Business English letters are regarded as the lifeline of contemporary business negotiation. The quality of the business English letters will make a great influence on the negotiation in commercial world. The importance of business English letters determines the application of the Politeness Principle, that is, what language forms are used to present the Politeness Principle of the business English letters.     

Through the comparison and analysis, we can conclude that some politeness strategies are applied to the business English letters in order to get a smooth and successful business negotiation. However, the application of politeness strategies is variously represented, among which similarities and differences coexist. Hopefully, this essay can give some helps to business people.

Key words: politeness principle; business English letters; application of politeness strategy

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction1

2 A brief review of politeness and business English letters2

  2.1 A brief review of politeness principle.2

  2.2 A brief review of business English letters4

  2.3 The relationship between politeness principle and business English letters5

3 Application of politeness strategy in business English letters.6

  3.1 Application of politeness strategy in positive-news letters.6

  3.2 Application of politeness strategy in negative-news letters.8

  3.3 Application of politeness strategy in persuasive letters9

4 Conclusion.12

References.14