ABSTRACT

Against the background of globalization, in order to develop economy, we need to communicate and do business with corporations from different countries and negotiate with people from different cultures. Business correspondence is one of the most commonly and widely used means to transfer information in business communication.  And it plays an important role in facilitating establishment of cooperative relationship as well as trade success. 

In this thesis, the author analyzes the rhetoric differences in addressing terms and language styles between Sino-US business correspondences and explains these differences from the angle of culture in details. By doing case analysis, the author hopes to help the readers understand the rhetorical differences in language style easily and thoroughly. 

The result of the study shows that due to the effects of culture, different rhetoric can cause different effect on people with different culture background, which means rhetoric differences may cause misunderstandings or reduce the effectiveness of communication. The author is aimed at providing some inspirations to writers in writing Sino-US business correspondences and then facilitating the smooth progress of Sino-US trade, without causing unnecessary loss. 

Key words: business correspondences; rhetoric differences; culture

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Culture, Language and Rhetoric-3

2.1.1 The relationship of culture and language-3

2.1.2 The relationship of culture and rhetoric-4

2.2 Previous Studies at Home and Abroad-5

2.2.1 Researches abroad -5

2.2.2 Researches at home -6

 2.3 Summary -6

Chapter Three  Analysis of Rhetorical Differences between 

Chinese and American Business Correspondences-8

3.1 Rhetorical Differences in Addressing Terms and Underlying Reasons-8

3.1.1 Addressing terms in Chinese and American business correspondence-8

3.1.2 Culture factor in addressing terms-9

3.2 Rhetorical Differences in Language Style and Underlying Reasons-10

3.2.1 Circuitous way of expression in Chinese business correspondences-11

 3.2.2 Direct way of Expression in American business correspondences-12

 3.2.3 Sample analysis-12

 3.2.4 Culture factors in language style -13

Chapter Four  Concusion-15

REFERENCES-17