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1、从关联理论角度分析商务信函模糊语 摘 要模糊是语言的基本属性之一，它广泛存在于人类的语言交际中。关联理论认为，语言交际是个明示推理过程，发话人应该提供尽可能关联的信息，使听话人能够以最小的努力去理解发话人的含义，达到最佳的语境效果。本文从关联理论角度探析外贸英文信函中的模糊语现象，运用关联理论首先解释了商务英语信函中的语言模糊现象，然后以真实的商务信函为例子，探讨了写信人如何使用模糊语言明示话语信息，实现最佳关联，以准确表达交际意图，达到交际目的，使贸易双方之间达成互明，实现成功交际的目的。第一章为文献综述，主要介绍了有关模糊语言的理论研究和商务信函特征，包括什么是商务信函以及商务信函的特征有
2、哪些，第二章为探讨关联理论以及关联理论有哪些原则，第三章为从关联理论角度分析商务信函中的模糊语言。利用关联理论分析了商务信函模糊语言的功能。第四章主要总结了本篇论文的局限性以及意义。此篇论文旨在使商务交际中的贸易双更好的交际与理解对方，使得交际双方更好的使用模糊与建立良好的商务关系。关键词：商务英语信函； 模糊语； 关联理论 Analysis of Vagueness in Business Correspondence Language from the Perspective of Relevance-theoretic ApproachAbstractVagueness is one o
3、f the basic attributes of language, it widely exists in human language communication. Relevance Theory proposes that communication is an ostensive-inferential process and the communicator should provide the most relevant information so that the audience can understand the communicators intention wit
4、h the least effort. Using a relevance-theoretical framework，the paper first elaborates the application of vagueness in business correspondences and then explores how vague expressions allow a writer to convey the communicative intentions precisely by processing correctly the optimal relevance in the
5、 real business correspondences. Thus we can achieve successful communication. The first chapter is literature review which reviews previous studies on vagueness and determines the definition and the features of business correspondence. The second chapter is about relevance theory and principles of r
6、elevance theory. The third chapter is analysis of vague language of business correspondence in relevant approach, explaining the function of vague language from the perspective of relevant theory. The fourth chapter is the significances and limitations, In this chapter, the author pointed out the li
7、mitations of the study and suggested further research possibilities. The aim of the paper is to achieve better communication with each other in business communication.Key words: business correspondence; vagueness; relevant theory ContentsIntroduction1Chapter One Literature Review21.1 English busines
8、s correspondence21.2 Vagueness3Chapter Two Introduction of Relevance Theory62.1 Overview of relevance theory62.2 Principles of relevance theory7Chapter Three Analysis of Vagueness in Business Correspondence Language from the Perspective of Relevance-theoretic Approach63.1 The interpretation of relev
9、ance theory to the vague language in English business correspondence93.2 The ways for sender using vague language to express explicit information to recipient in English business correspondence11Chapter Four The Significances and Limitations154.1 Significances154.2 Limitations15Conclusion16Bibliogra
10、phy16Introduction Domestic and foreign scholars have had profound discussions about the vagueness in language. In foreign countries, the English famous phonetician D. Jones realized the vague attribute of language early in 1957. In 1965, professor Zadeh in the University of California most early pro
11、posed the vague theory in his essay called “Fuzzy Set” published in the magazine named Information and Control and started the new discipline of vagueness language. In China, professor Wu in Beijing Normal University first researched the vague attribute of language using vague theories in his thesis
12、 called “The Primary Research of Vague Language in 1979 and wrote the book of Vague Linguistics, thus he started the fuzzy linguistics of China, which symbolize the birth of vague linguistics in China. Nowadays, vagueness is widely used in all areas such as law, economy, and teaching. Business corre
13、spondence characterized by the correctness of language, the clearness and orderliness of logic of thinking, the preciseness of structure are no exception. Vague language transmits information using vagueness in itself, the uncertainty of which is often expressed by the way of implicitness, objectivi
14、ty, preciseness, and politeness, these features can improve the communicative effect. To some extent, vagueness plays an irreplaceable role in English business correspondence. The appropriate use of the language policy tools or skills can help us to achieve the optimal relevance. Using the framework
15、 of relevant theory, this paper tres to discuss the phenomenon of vagueness in English business correspondence. Based on the real correspondence, the paper also analyzes how the senders select and use vague language to achieve optimal relevance, in order to achieve successful communication purpose.C
16、hapter One Literature Review In this chapter, the author firstly have a brief introduction of business English correspondence. And then an overview of vagueness as well as its pragmatic analysis.1.1 English business correspondence1.1.1 Definition of English business correspondenceCorrespondence is t
17、he act of exchanging letters or the letters which pass between correspondents. Business correspondents can be defined as the correspondence used in business transaction, in which the participants are commonly regard as the addresser and the addressee. In business communication, business corresponden
18、ce is used to sell products or services, request material or information, answer customer inquiries, maintain good public relations, and serve a variety of other business functions(Channel 1994: 20).1.1.2 Features of English business correspondenceEnglish business correspondence is an effective way
19、to express and keep information in business contacts, which can be roughly divided into the following parts: Letter to establish business relations, Information advisory letter, Valuation and quotation letter, Letter fot order, Processing business letter, Claims and complaints letter after business
20、transactions. Business letters ate more formal official documents with correct words and succinct writing style. Business correspondence generally follows the writing principles of business English, that is, “7cs” principle: Correctness, Conciseness, Clearness, Completeness, Concreteness, Courtesy,
21、Consideration(Sperber&Wilson1986:40). Business English must be expressed accurately and clearly to convey information and be careful of using metaphor, hyperbole and so on. It should try to avoid using uncertain words, in order to avoid unnecessary disputes ,because business letters are usually used
22、 to be the basis of determining the rights and obligations of the parties.1.2 Vagueness1.2.1 Overview of vaguenessThe study on vagueness has been a long time. But there isnt an uniform definition up to now. As the famous philosopher Pierce first pointed out in 1902, “ A proposition is vague where th
23、ere are possible states of things concerning which it is intrinsically uncertain whether, had they been contemplated by the speaker, he would have regarded them as excluded or allowed by the proposition”(Pierce, 1902:749). Crystal and Davy from the perspective of Applied Linguistic, pointed out four
24、 reasons that language users use vague language. The reasons are the lack of memory, lack of accurate and appropriate words, inaccurate topic, intent expression for specific meaning or avoiding statementing accurate information. Channell(1994:20)proposed three kinds of vagueness: (1) additional vagu
25、e words, refers to the words which are added before or after the words, in order to make statements become blurred. Like, around, some, kind of, nearly and so on. (2) vague words, refers to the meaning of words that are vague in itself. Like, thingummy, whatsit, loads, heaps of and so on. (3) vague
26、implication, refers to accurate expression that contains fuzzy implication. Like, Odessa has a population of one million. The one million is an accurate number which doesnt mean the population of the city is really one million.With the further study of vagueness, people gradually realize the importa
27、nt and unique pragmatic features in language communication. Such as, it can make language more persuasive and polite, or the speaker for self-protection deliberately uses vague language to cover specific information. Therefore, vagueness is not only a linguistic phenomenon, but also a language strat
28、egy. Nowadays, international trade is increasingly frequent, business English letters have become an important means of communication in the economic field.1.2.2 Pragmatic analysis of vagueness in business correspondence Being polite. Language communication is a necessary means to exchange feelings.
29、 In front of the feelings of things, vagueness can harmonize the relationship. The primary basis of English business correspondence is appropriate and polite language, the use of vague words can make words euphemistic and gentle. Especially for some sensitive topics, such as, the interests of both s
30、ides, the focus of conflict. Vagueness can avoid conflicts and make diversionary effect. Sometimes for the moderate and courtesy consideration, the use of vagueness is good for both parties of trade. Example1: If possible, please also send me samples of the goods you are interested in selling(Li Li,
31、 2008:231-233). The writer really hopes that the reader can send him the samples he is interested in as soon as possible. But the direct expression will make words crude, leaving an uncomfortable feeling for the reader. Using “if possible” here can make words more euphemistic and gentle. Being persu
32、asive. One of the basic requirements of business letter is true and correct. Based on this situation, using vagueness can be more likely to arouse the readers interest or persuade them to accept his views.Example2: We are very well connected with all the major dealers here of industrial products(Yu
33、Guixia, 2007:12). Additional vague language” very well ” makes the relationship between the writer and the reader closer, this relationship has made a good foundation for bilateral cooperation. The vagueness here makes the whole statement more persuasive.Lack of specific information. American philos
34、opher H.P. Grice pointed out in a series of lectures in Harvard University in 1976, in the process of communication, in order to guarantee the smooth progress of the session, both sides must abide by some basic principles, namely the Cooperative Principle. And he put forward four criteria or impleme
35、ntations of cooperative of principle: the maxim of quantity, the maxim of quality, applicable standards and manner maxim. Among them, the maxim of quality requires to make the information provided true and not to speak false words, or the words lack of evidence. Because of the objective things thems
36、elves with uncertainty, when writer lacks enough information, the use of vagueness can make statement more objective, accurate and can make the statement kind. Example3: We would be interested in receiving your inquires for all kinds of chemicals(Yu Guixia, 2007:12). Using” all kinds of “ the additi
37、onal vague word reflects that the writer doesnt know what kind of information the reader are interested in, at the same time, he hopes to establish a good business relationship with the opposite party.Self-protection. One of the most important purposes of the use of vague language in business corres
38、pondence is to strengthen self-protection. In business activities, because things are unpredictable and changeable and so on, the writer often cant give accurate answer in terms of customers requirements. In such circumstances, the writer had better use vague language to avoid wrong answer and the i
39、mpact of their own interests. In addition, if the clients themselves require to bear some responsibility, or the information provided by them will make negative effects to other customers to some extent or will produce direct economic loss, this time using vagueness is a very good means for self-pro
40、tection. Example4: This product may be of magic in the temporary relief of the symptoms commonly associated with frozen shoulder(Yu Guixia, 2007:12).The writer promotes the magic power to the reader, but the use of “may” makes the good commitment to this product vague. Therefore, even though the pro
41、duct is invalid, the writer doesnt need to assume any responsibility. This way avoids the writer being in a legal disputes and indirectly strengthening the self-protection. Providing perfect information. The quantity of maxim in Grice” cooperative principle ” requests the amount is neither more nor
42、less and meet the need for language communication. One of the requirements of business letter writing is conciseness. Vagueness sometimes expresses a kind of uncertainty which will improve the expression efficiency and make the statement concise. Especially for business people, time is precious, mor
43、e information that accurate language conveys will lower efficiency of their reading. Example5: We have made selections and have the pleasure of giving you the following order on usual terms for shipment to Sydney(Zadeh,1965:338-353). “Usual terms” is a vague implication. Here doesnt involve any of t
44、he shipping terms, because cooperation between the two sides has been a long time, both sides have reached a consensus for terms related to shipping, so they dont need to repeat the detail clauses. “Usual terms” makes the statement clear and concise and saves time of both sides. Not wanting to provi
45、de details. In business letters writing, one of purposes of intentional use of vagueness by writer is not to want to provide details. They may be for the consideration of the need for the protection of commercial secrets or for giving the other a space for imagination to arouse his interests. Thus t
46、heir business relations can be steady and the purpose of one step back today for the two steps forward tomorrow can be reached. Example6: We are very well connected with all the major dealers here of industrial products(Li Li, 2008:231-233).Additional vague word “major” covers the information of sup
47、pliers with which the writer has established good relationships. To the reader, no matter how large his scale is, the other may include himself into the main supplier of the column. This offers a good start for cooperation of both sides.Chapter Two Introduction of Relevance Theory In this chapter, t
48、he author will introduce relevance theory from the perspective of overview and its principles.2.1 Overview of relevance theory Sperber&Wilson put forward two important concepts in Relevance: Communication and Cognition(Sperber&Wilson, 1986:40): Cognitive Relevance and Communicative Association, they
49、 are collectively called Relevance Theory, which brings new research points of view to Pragmatics. According to Relevance Theory, human cognition coincides with maximal relevance, which is Cognition Relevance. And each overt communicative behavior should be conceived that this communicative act itself has the optimal rel
