A Study Of Lexical Features Of Business English Correspondence

With the development of China's foreign trade and the increase of relevant other economic activities, business communication has become important and attracted more and more attention in China. As one of the most effective tools of business communication, business correspondence is used in every field of business activities. This thesis is a study of lexical features of business English correspondence.This research applied qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the specific lexical features of business English correspondences and demonstrated the reasons and background that business English correspondences possess such features. In the thesis, the author collected 84 authentic business English correspondences and analyzed from the aspect of lexical features on the basis of Grice's Cooperative Principle, Leech's Polite Principle, and business English writing 7C's Principle. Research questions are 1) what are the lexical features of business English correspondence,2) why do business English correspondences possess such lexical features.The research proposed the following features:1) choice of common words,2) preference of specific words to general words,3) preference of commendatory words to derogatory words,4) choice of abbreviation,5) preference of accurate words to vague words,6) use of polite or courteous words instead of impolite words,7) choice of business terms. These features are resulted from the objects of business communication and relationship of business partners. Both of the partners make cooperation with each other to achieve win-win object.The author wishes the study can make contributions to both the theoretical and practical aspects on lexical features of business English correspondence. It hopes to enrich the studies on lexical features of the business correspondences and provides guidance on how to write business English letters as well.