Abstract: As an important means of international business communication , English business correspondences is supposed to be specific and clear to avoid unnecessary disputes and trouble. So, it seems to be unadvisable to use pragmatic vagueness while writing business correspondences. But we found the fact that pragmatic vagueness is widespread used in varies business correspondences through the observation of substantial business correspondences. In order to explain this phenomenon , this paper analyses the pragmatic vagueness used in the six major kinds of English business correspondences and reaches the conclusion that it is the “ language of choices “ that leads to the widespread use of pragmatic vagueness in English business correspondences. That is to say, this phenomenon is result of spontaneous adjustment to adapt to the mental, social, and physical world. The use of pragmatic vagueness has no negative effect on the communication through English business correspondences. On the contrary, the expression of English business correspondences can be more polite, flexible, and decent by the application of the pragmatic vagueness. The research into the pragmatic vagueness phenomenon in English business correspondences reveals it’s significance.

Key words: English business correspondences; communication; pragmatic vagueness; “language of choices”

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

2.1 The Definition of Pragmatic Vagueness-1

2.2 Previous Studies on Vague Language at Home and Abroad-1

2.2.1 Research on Vague Language Abroad-2

2.2.2 Research on Vague Language at Home-2

3. The Study of Pragmatic Vagueness in Six Major English Business Correspondences-3

3.1 Business Relations Correspondences-3

3.2 Inquiry and Offer Correspondences-5

3.3 Counter-offer and Counter-counter Offer Correspondences-6

3.4 Order and Payment Correspondences-8

3.5 Insurance and Transportation Correspondences-9

3.6 Claim and Apology Correspondences-10

4. The Pragmatic Functions of Pragmatic Vagueness in English Business Correspondences-12

4.1 Strengthening Language Persuasion-12

4.2 Enhancing the Self-protection-13

4.3 Strengthening Politeness-13

4.4 Retaining Information-14

5. Conclusion-14

References-16