Abstract

Vagueness is one of the basic features of language. In recent years, the application of vague language in business communication is becoming increasingly widespread. As a functional and an informative text, the information delivered in business language must be especially clear and accurate, but actually vagueness indeed exists in business language and its translation. How to properly use vague language in business practice and realize its special pragmatic functions so as to promote business activities smoothly, how to do accurate, rigorous and normative translation of vague language, remain as the focus of researchers and translators. This thesis aims to do some research on the pragmatic functions and translation of vague language in business correspondence. This paper starts with the connotations and characteristics of vague language, discusses the classification, language features and principles of writing business correspondence, and then summarizes pragmatic functions through the analyzing the application of vague language in business correspondence. Combined with analysis of specific examples, this thesis strives to make in-depth exploration and analysis of the translation strategies and methods of vague language in business correspondence. This study is expected to help people improve the flexibility and appropriateness of language use as well as provide certain reference to business people and translation learners.

Key words: business correspondence; vague language; pragmatic functions; translation strategies

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

2  Literature Review-2

2.1 Definition of Vague Language-2

2.2 Characteristics of Vague Language-3

2.3 Studies of Vague Language at Home and Abroad-3

3  An Introduction to Business Correspondence-4

3.1 Categories-5

3.2 Language Features-6

3.3 Writing Principles for Business Correspondence-6

4  Pragmatic Functions of Vague Language-7

4.1 Improving the Accuracy of Language Expressions-8

4.2 Avoiding Embarrassment and Showing Courtesy-9

4.3 Enhancing the Flexibility of Business Operation-10

4.4 Strengthening the Self-protection-11

5 The Translation Strategies of Vague Language in Business Correspondence-12

5.1 Explicit and Implicit Translation-13

5.2 Complying with the Relevance of Language Translation-14

5.3 Omission-15

6  Conclusion-16

References-18