Abstract

Along with the economic globalization, the trade between China and other countries in the world is more and more frequent. As a main means of the trade exchanges, business letter plays an important role in the business communication. Courtesy is an outstanding linguistic feature of business letter, a polite business letter which adopts courteous expressions is significant for a successful trade.

In order to guide the communication more politely, Geoffrey Leech, an English linguist, proposes the politeness principle in the 1980s, including six maxims, namely, Tact Maxim, Generosity Maxim, Approbation Maxim, Modesty Maxim, Agreement Maxim and Sympathy Maxim. Based on the theory, this paper through a careful study of the definition of politeness principle, and it's pragmatic features, focuses on the application in business letter translation, and comes up with relevant translating strategies through a comprehensive analysis of the C-E translation samples in business letter.

In the translating process, instead of the declarative sentence, the use of interrogative sentence or passive sentence is more tactful. It can soften tone and convey the message more politely, especially when the content of letter bears criticism or refusal. In addition, choosing direct expression or indirect expression accordingly can make people feel comfortable by omitting the unpleasant things. Moreover, the use of positive words in translation can leave favorable impression on recipients by showing respect and courtesy. The successful application of Leech's politeness principle in business letter translation not only helps improve the teaching quality, thus cultivating students’ writing ability of business letter, but also helps achieve the effective business cooperation.

  Key Words: business letter; politeness principle; C-E translating strategies

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Politeness principle-2

2.1 Definition-2

2.2 Features-3

2.2.1 Gradations-3

2.2.2 Conflicts-4

2.2.3 Appropriateness-4

3 Presentation of courtesy in business letters-5

3.1 Translating skills of the business letter-5

3.2 The expression of politeness in the business letters-6

3.2.1 Lexical presentation-6

3.2.2 Passive sentences-8

3.2.3 Subjunctive sentences-8

4 The application of politeness maxims in business letter C-E translation-9

4.1 Tact maxim-9

4.2 Generosity maxim-10

4.3 Approbation maxim-11

4.4 Modesty maxim-12

4.5 Agreement maxim-13

4.6 Sympathy maxim-14

5 The significance of the application of politeness principle in business letter translation-15

5.1 For teaching-15

5.2 For business communication-15

6 Conclusion-16

6.1 Major findings-16

6.2 Limitations-17

References-18