Abstract

In these years, China has become the second largest economy of the world, which became the rules maker. The business activities between our country and the rest of the world have become more and more frequent. As a kind of formal writing style which is related to the negotiation of business affairs and business activities, business English correspondence plays an important role in international trade. The proper use of business correspondence related to whether the promotion of business will be succeed or not. To this end, writers should pay more attention to the expression of the relevant letter words and meaning and be sure to reach the the standard, clear and concise requests. Meanwhile, euphemism becomes an indispensable component in business English correspondence. With the characteristics of diverse expression and flexible way to attract customers, capture business opportunities and open up the market, these effective means can avoid the use of business bogey or too directly lead to unnecessary friction, contradictions and misunderstanding. People have done a study on the use of euphemisms in business English correspondence. Euphemism can be used to express the best so as to obtain the best communicative effect. Therefore it is worth in-depth study and research. 

Key words: Business English Correspondence; Euphemism; Business Communication; Politeness

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 The composition of euphemism and social function-2

2.1 The composition of euphemism-2

2.1.1 Traditional euphemism-2

2.1.2 Stylistic euphemism-2

2.2 The social function of euphemism-2

2.2.1 Communicative function-3

2.2.2 Taboo function-4

2.2.3 Courtesy function-4

2.2.4 Hidden function-5

3 The necessary application of euphemism in business English correspondence-5

3.1 Words selection-6

3.1.1 Using vague limited words-6

3.1.2 Using emotional words-6

3.1.3 Using mild verbs-7

3.2 Grammatical manifestation-7

3.2.1 Making good use of the second person-7

3.2.2 Tenses changes-8

3.2.3 Voice changes-9

3.2.4 The use of conditional sentences and interrogative sentences-9

4 Translation of euphemism in business English correspondence-10

4.1 Translation of words for euphemisms in business English correspondence-10

4.1.1 verb-11

4.1.2 noun-11

4.1.3 adv-12

4.1.4 Prepositions and prepositional phrases-12

4.2 Translation of sentences for euphemisms in business English correspondence-12

4.2.1 The fixed sentence expression-12

4.2.2 Concise statement and valid expression-13

4.2.3 Multi-use compound sentence and few simple sentence-14

4.3 Translation of texts for euphemisms in business English correspondence-14

5 Different approaches to euphemism reflected in business English correspondence-15

5.1 Subjunctive mood-15

5.2 Negative method-16

5.3 Tone weakening method-16

5.4 Using the semi-verb method-17

6 Conclusion-18

7 References-19