Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of This Study-1

1.2 Significance of This Study-1

1.3 Structure of This Thesis-2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Vague Language-3

2.1.1 Definitions of Vague Language-3

2.1.2 Realization of Vague Language-3

2.2 Previous Studies on Vague Language in BEC-4

2.2.1 Translation of Vague Language in BEC-4

2.2.2 Pragmatic Functions of Vague Language in BEC-5

Chapter Three Theoretical Framework-7

3.1 Adaptation Theory-7

3.2 Three Properties of Language-7

3.3 Four Aspects of Adaptability-7

Chapter Four Interpretation of Vague Language in Business English Correspondence Based on Adaptation Theory-9

4.1 Adaptation to Physical World-9

4.1.1 Adaptation to Temporal Reference-9

4.1.2 Adaptation to Spatial Reference-10

4.2 Adaptation to Social World-10

4.2.1 Adaptation to Interlocutors’ Social Positions-11

4.2.2 Adaptation to Trade Regulations-11

4.3 Adaptation to Mental World-12

4.3.1 Adaptation to Addressor’s Intentions-12

4.3.2 Adaptation to Addressee’s Emotions-13

Chapter Five Conclusion-14

5.1 Findings-14

5.2 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Study-14

References-15

Abstract

Business English correspondence as an important means of international business communication mainly has two functions, namely, to deliver messages and to keep a good business relationship. As an intrinsic feature of language, vagueness is attracting more and more attention in linguistics. The thesis takes Adaptation Theory as a theoretical basis and makes an analysis of vague language in business English correspondence from three aspects, that is, physical world, social world and mental world. The study shows that vague language, the result of linguistic choice-making and adaptation is a language strategy used by communicators in order to realize the communicative intention. The analysis supported by Adaptation Theory not only helps us to understand vague language better, but also guides us to apply vague language to international business trade. This study is expected to help businessmen and business English learners better realize communicative intentions in business activities.

Keywords:  business English correspondence   Adaption Theory  vague language