Abstract:With the integral development of the global economy and trade, China’s foreign trade and cooperation is developing more and more rapidly. As a language communication tool of international economy and trade activities, business English plays an important role in international trade. It is commonly believed that people should use more precise language in business communication for avoiding causing troubles. But the vagueness of language is one of the natural attribute, which can’t be ignored. Sometimes the application of vague language especially hedges in business English can even come into unexpected play.

This paper mainly explores the politeness functions of hedges in business English from politeness principle and face theory. From that, it concludes that proper application of hedges in business English can make language more tactful, modest, euphemistic and polite etc., and thus will promote business development. It is hoped that the study of this paper will have some help to the study of pragmatic functions of hedges in business English.

 This paper consists of five chapters. Chapter one serves as a brief introduction, including the background of this paper, the definition and features of business English. Chapter two is a literature review which contains general statement, the present study of vague language and hedges abroad and the present study of application of hedges in business English at home. Chapter three is a theory introduction. It contains definition and classification of vague language and hedges. Chapter four is the most important part of this paper. It firstly introduces politeness principle and face theory and then studies the politeness functions of approximator and shield in business English from politeness principle and face theory perspectives. Chapter five is a conclusion including major findings and shortcomings.

Keywords: approximator  shield  business English   politeness functions

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

  1.1 The Background of This Paper-1

  1.2 Business English.-1

   1.2.1 Definition of Business English-1

   1.2.2 Features of Business English-1

   1.3 The Structure of This Paper-2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

  2.1 General Statement-3

  2.2 The Present Study on Vague Language and Hedges Abroad-3

  2.3 The Present Study on Hedges in Business English at Home-4

Chapter Three Vague Language and Hedges-5

  3.1 Review of Vague Language-5

  3.2 Introduction of Hedges-5

   3.2.1 Definition of Hedges-5

   3.2.2 Classification of Hedges-6

Chapter Four Politeness Functions of Hedges in Business English-8

  4.1 Politeness Principle-8

  4.2 Face Theory-9

  4.3 Politeness Functions of Approximator from Politeness Principle and Face Theory Perspectives-9

   4.3.1 Tact Politeness Function of Approximator-9

   4.3.2 Approbation Politeness Function of Approximator-10

   4.3.3 Agreement Politeness Function of Approximator-10

  4.4 Politeness Functions of Shield from Politeness Principle and Face Theory Perspectives-11

   4.4.1 Generosity Politeness Function of Shield-11

   4.4.2 Modesty Politeness Function of Shield-11

   4.4.3 Sympathy Politeness Function of Shield-12

Chapter Five Conclusion-13

  5.1 Major Findings of This Paper-13

  5.2 Shortcomings of This Paper-13

References-14