II. Language Features of the Business English Correspondence

  Owing to the frequent use in international business activities, the business English  correspondence has formed more features on their language and grammar. What should be mentioned is that the business English lexical features have been researched by many learners of English, and great achievements have been made, which form a holonomic system. One of the most famous and authentic theories is the writing principles of practical English writing, namely 7C principles: concreteness, courtesy, conciseness, correctness, completeness, consideration and clearness, in a comprehensive way to express the language characteristics. Generally speaking, English writing does not need to gorgeous language because it is not literary works, but it needs to accurately express our own thoughts in a very clear and easy to understand common language, and to attract the attention of readers, so that readers are convinced that what we said. In order to achieve the purpose of practical English, the writers must have a good standard of modern English, a variety of social knowledge, knowledge in terms of technology, social psychology and all kinds of professional, such as management, secretary, practice and business theory, etc.

  Thus, having a good knowledge of business English writing is essential for businessmen to trade with people from all over the world, meanwhile, proficient in foreign trade English, familiar with foreign trade business knowledge and master the principles of 7C writing, can reduce the friction and even reduce conflict in the process of foreign trade. The unique features of the standard trade terms, big words and the polite expressions used in Business English letters are introduced in details in the following paragraphs.

2.1 Frequent Use of Standard Trade Terms  

The most typical feature of business English letters is that the standard trade terms are often used. The standard trade terms is a fixed vocabulary in foreign trade English, which usually appear in the form of phrases, abbreviations, technical terms or jargon. The standard trade terms have a fixed meaning without other explanation, so without limitation of the context, the meanings can be correctly understood. Therefore, the standard trade terms are widely used. In particular, to describe the business activities of the links, and to accurately express a variety of documents, the agreement also requires the appropriate use of the standard terms of trade. The terms of trade are related to commercial law, finance, insurance, customs, transportation and other fields.

For example, to make an offer (发盘), trade balance (贸易差额), counter offer (还盘), proforma invoice (形式发票), the timer limit for claim (索赔期限), issuing bank (开户行), insurance policy (保险单), packing list (装箱单), negotiating bank (议付行)and so on. These standards are clearly expressed in terms of trade terms, which are often used in correspondence, insurance, price terms, and payment methods. Therefore, the correct use of the standard terms of trade is the most important ways to accurately express their suggestions and views when the two parts of trading partners are establish business relations. Thus, people who do the translation of the business English should keep the standard trade terms meanings in mind to make the translation conform to industry standard.

At the same time, the abbreviation are often used in the business English letters, which is one of important components of the standard trade terms. As the global market competition becomes more fierce, businessmen are trying every means to improve their productiveness. Foreign trade English also need to be conciseness, in which the prominent characteristic is to employ the abbreviations in a great quantity. The common trade terms have been accepted universally through long time use by businessmen with different languages. The abbreviations can be expressed in a short way, mostly used to express the company names, price clauses, organizations and other technical names. The abbreviations are accurate and concise, which are frequently used to ensure the smooth development of the relations and trade. The abbreviations have their fixed meanings, so the English translators should know their full names to translate exactly. Abbreviations commonly used in dictionaries, which can not be found in dictionaries, can be used in transliteration or free translation. The following abbreviations are commonly used in foreign trade: