英文邀请信函（精选8篇）
邀请信包括宴会、舞会、晚餐、聚会、婚礼等各种邀请信件，形式上大体分为两种：一种为正规的格式(formal correspondence)，亦称请柬；一种是非正式格式(informal cor respondence), 即一般的邀请信。邀请信是在形式上不如请柬那样正规，但也是很考究。书写时应注意：
邀请信一定要将邀请的时间（年、月、日、钟点）、地点、场合写清楚，不能使接信人存在任何疑虑。例如：“I’d like you and Bob to come to Luncheon next Friday.”这句话中所指的是哪个星期五并不明确，所以应加上具体日期, “I’d like you and Bob to come to luncheon next Friday, May the fifth.” 1.邀请朋友共进午餐 Inviting a friend to informal luncheon Dear [Zhang Ying]: Will you come to luncheon on[Friday, May the fifth], at [twelve o’clock]? My niece [Mary] is visiting us and I think you will enjoy meeting her.She is a charming, very pretty girl „ and very good company![John and Jane] will be here, and perhaps we can [give a dance] after luncheon.Do say you’ll come!Affectionately yours, Li Ming 亲爱的[张营]：
您能在[5月5日星期五中午 12点钟] 来吃午饭吗？
我侄女[玛丽]正在我们家中作客，我想您会乐于见到她的。她是个漂亮而聪明的女孩子，„„同她在一起是很使人高兴的！[约翰和简]也到这里来，也许在饭后我们能 [开个舞会]，说好，一定得来呀！2.邀请朋友同他们不认识的人一起共进晚餐 Inviting friends to supper with the st rangers Dear [Susan]:
I know you are interested in [oil painting], so I’m sure you’ll be interested in [Mr.and Mrs.Lin dun]!They are coming here to supper [next Sunday night, October the twelfth], and we’d like you and [Walter] to come, too.[Mr.and Mrs.Lin Dun] are that very charming couple we met in [London] last summer.They have a wonderful collection of [oil paintings of various stages];and I understand that Mr.Lin Dun is quite an authority on [oil painting].I’m sure you and Walter will thoroughly enjoy and evening in their company.We’re planning supper at six;that will give us a nice long evening to talk.If I don’t hear from you before then, I’ll be expecting you on the [twelfth]!Affectionately yours, Li Ming 亲爱的[苏珊]：
我知道您对[油画]是有兴趣的，所以我相信您对林顿夫妇也会感兴趣。他们将在[10月12日（下星期日）]来吃饭，我们很希望您和瓦尔特也能同来。
[林顿夫妇]是那么好的一对夫妻。我们是去年夏天在[伦敦]认识的。他们集有[各个不同时期精美的油画作品]。我知道，林顿先生在研究[油画]方面是颇有权威的。我深信，那天晚上您和瓦尔特同他们在一起，一定会很愉快。我们准备在6点钟吃晚饭，这样就能有较长的时间闲谈。如果事前接不到您的回信，我就指望你们那天到来。3.邀请参加新厂开工典礼 Invitation to opening ceremony of new factory Dear [Mr.Harrison]: Our new factory will be commencing production on [April 10] and we should like to invite [you and your wife] to be present at a celebration to mark the occa sion.As you will appreciate this is an important milestone for this organization, a d is the result of continued demand for our products, both at home and overse as.We are inviting all those individuals and trust that you will pay us the compliments of accepting.Please confirm that you will be able to attend by advising us of your time ——we can arrange for you to be met.All arrangements for your stay [overnight on April 10] will, of course, be made by us at our expense.Yours faithfully, 亲爱的[哈里森先生]：
本公司新厂将于[4月10日]开始投产，希望能邀请[贤伉俪]来参加新厂开工典礼。
如您所知，新厂的设立是本公司的一个里程碑，而这正是海内外对本公司产品不断需求的结果。我们邀请了所有对本公司的成功贡献一切力量的个人，我们相信，您一定会赏光。
如您确能参加，请来函告知您抵达的时间 —— 以便我们为您安排会晤。当然，所有安排您在[10日晚间]夜宿的费用，皆将由公司代您支付。
4.邀请来家中小住及周末聚会 An invitation for a house and weekend party Dear [Jane]: I hope [you and Fred] haven’t any plan for the weekend of [July twenty-fourth] as we’d like you to spend it with us at [Far Acres].It’s simply beautiful here now, with everything in bloom!
I think we can promise [Fred] some good fishing this year.The fish are biting better than ever!So bring your fishing clothes;and be sure to bring your te nnis things, too, because [the Owens] are coming and I’m sure you’ll want to get out on the courts with them.There’s a very good train [Friday night];I’ve marked it in red on the timet able.It gets you here about [seven-thirty] which is just in time for dinner.You can get a late train back [Sunday night], or there’s an early express tha t [Bob] usually takes on [Monday morning].We hope nothing will prevent you from coming, as we’re looking forward to you r visit „ and I know [the Owens] are looking forward to seeing you again, too.Be sure to let us know what train you are taking so that [Bob] can meet you at the station.Affectionately yours, 亲爱的[简]：
如果您[7月24日]没有什么活动安排，我希望[您和弗雷德]能同我们一起在[远庄园]共度周末，那里已经鲜花遍地，现正在最美丽的时节。
我想，今年我们能让[弗雷德]钓鱼钓得更快活。鱼儿比过去任何时候都爱上钓鱼。请把钓鱼的服装带来，也别忘记带上打网球的用具，因为我们还邀约了[欧文]夫妇，我想，你们是乐意同他们打网球的。
[星期五晚上]有一班舒适的火车，我已经在火车时刻表上做了红色记号，火车大约在[7点半钟]把你们送到这里，正是吃晚饭时间。[星期日晚上]你们可以乘晚车回来。或者，在[星期一早晨]也有一班快车，就是[鲍勃]常坐的那一班车。
我们希望没有什么事情会阻碍你们，我们在等待着你们光临„„我知道[欧文夫妇]好盼望再次见到你们。准备乘哪一班火车，请一定告诉我们，好让[鲍勃]到车站迎接你们。5.邀请参加招待会
An invitation for a reception Dear [Mr.Smith]: It would give [me/us] great pleasure to have your presence at a reception in h onor of the Chinese delegation.The reception will be held in the [the City Hall], on [Tuesday, October the fo urth].Cocktails will be served promptly at [six] to be followed b dinner at [eight].[I/We] sincerely hope you can attend.Let [me/us] know.Sincerely yours 亲爱的[史密斯先生]：
如您能够出席为[中国代表团]而举行的招待会，[我（们）]将感到十分荣幸。
招待会定于[10月4日（星期二）]在[市政厅]举行。[6点钟]准时举行[鸡犬不宁尾酒会]，随之在[8点钟]举行[正式的晚宴]。
[我（们）]期待着您的光临。请提前通知您能否出席。6.邀请演讲
Inviting someone to address a meeting Dear [Dr.Rodger]: [The English Department of Nankai University] would like to extend to you an invitation to be our guest speaker at the [annual conference] to be held at the[meeting room] at [eight] o’clock, [Saturday morning, December the thirtieth, 1993].As you know, the department is interested in [the 20th century English literat ure] Since you are familiar with the field, we know your views will be extremely interesting to us.You will receive further details later, but we would appreciate having your ac ceptance soon so we may complete our agenda.Cordially, 亲爱的[罗杰博士]：
[南开大学外文系]特邀请您出席[1993年12月30日（星期六）早八点在（系会议室）] 召开的 [学术年会]并作演讲。正如您所了解的，[南大外文系]对[20世纪的英国文学颇感兴趣]。您对此领域很熟悉，您的见解定会给我们带来很大的兴趣。
我们将随后把有关细节通知您，但恳请您尽快予以答复，以便作出安排。
学术邀请函
Dear Professor Wang, On behalf of the Ohio State University and the IEEE Computer Society, I would be very pleased to invite you to attend and chair a session of the forthcoming 2004 International Conference on Parallel Data Processing to be held in Bellaire, Michigan, from October 25 to October 28, 2004.You are an internationally acclaimed scholar and educator.Your participation will be among the highlights of the Conference.We sincerely hope that you could accept our invitation.As you know, this is the 10th anniversary of the Conference and we plan to make it a truly international meeting.We have accepted many papers from several foreign countries, including two from China.If you can come, please let us know as soon as possible, since we have to prepare the final program soon.We are looking forward to your acceptance.Sincerely yours, Peter White 邀请信是为了增进友谊，发展业务，邀请客人参加庆典、会议及各种活动的信函。邀请信分为两种：一种属于个人信函，例如邀请某人共进晚餐、参加宴会、观看电影、出席典礼等。另一种属于事物信函，一般是邀请参加会议、学术活动等等。
格式：
1、称谓；
2、开头：向被邀请人简单问候；
3、交代时间、地点和活动内容、邀请原因等；
4、参加活动的细节安排；
5、联系人、电话、地址、落款、日期。写作“三步走” 邀请对方参加的活动的内容、时间和地点→与该活动有关的注意事项→期待对方接受邀请，并可表示感谢。注意：语言上写给朋友，可选用活泼、真诚的言辞；写给长辈、上级、名人等，语言则应正式、礼貌。
Directions: The Dean of the English Department knows that Prof.Robin is a famous scholar in British literature.As his assistant, you are asked to write a formal letter to Prof.Robin, inviting him for a short-term visit and to give a lecture.Write the letter with no less than 100 words.Do not sign your own name at the end of the letter.Use “Wang Hua(Dean of the English Department)” instead.Do not write the address.Dear Prof.Robin, I am writing on behalf of the English Department to invite you to give a lecture in our college.We know that you are an expert on British literature.We would be very grateful if you could give a lecture on “Contemporary British Literature” to the English Department on Sunday, April 8.If this subject does not suit you, any other similar topic would be welcome as well.If it is convenient for you, would you please drop me a line to let me know whether you can come or not? We could be looking forward to the opportunity to benefit from your experience and wisdom.Sincerely yours, Wang Hua Dean of the English Department
常用句式
1、I am writing to invite you to„ 我写信是为了邀请您„„
2、I think it would be a great idea if you could participate in„ 如果您参加„„那就太好了。
3、I wonder if you can come„ 我想知道您是否能来„„
4、How would you like to join us in„? 您想不想来参加我们的„„？
5、Would you please drop me a line to let me know if you can come to„? 您可以写信告诉我您能否来„„吗？
6、My family and I would feel much honored if you could come.如果您能来，我们全家将不胜荣幸。
7、I really hope you can make it.我真心希望您能来。
8、We would be looking forward to your coming.我们期待着您的到来。
9、I would like to meet you there and please let me know your decision soon.我希望能在那里见到您，请早点告诉我您的决定。
What importance does this concept of a double messagehave upon our writing and translating?Considered in its most fundamental terms, a business letter may be defined as a message that attempts to influence its recipient to take some action or attitude desired by the sender.This desired result may be of immediate importance, such as the collecting of a bill, or just an intangible attitude like goodwill.Therefore, we must make sure that the business letter is usually more formal than the other social letters stylistically.Considerably, a translated business letter should first be clear, stating its purposes so directly that there is no possibility of its being misunderstood.Secondly, the translated version should be exact, containing every detail which is necessary for translating the business letters in hand.Thirdly, a translated business letter should be concise.And the finally, a well-translated business letter should be courtesy.Here are the details that how a qualified translator of business letters should abide by.
1 Clarity
Dear Ms.Rutt,
Mr.Liver yesterday called our agent David saying that the mistake was his.As a result, his insurance has acquiesced.Therefore, we shall be repaired the full amount of our subrogation interest in his matter.
If this is satisfactory to you, please sign the attached release and forward it along with the copy of our accident report.
Yours sincerely,
F.Middleman
Version One
Dear Ms.Rutt,
Mr.Liver yesterday admitted his blame for your accident on January12.As a result, his insurance company had agreed to repay us the full amount ($2, ooo) for your collision damage.We are quite pleased at their willingness to settle out of court.
If this offer sounds acceptable to you, please sign the enclosed release and return it to us, along with the copy of our accident report.
Yours sincerely,
F.Middleman
Version Two
A business letter, the original, is effective only when it communicates the necessary ideas to its reader with clarity, so is the translated version.This seems to be a simple quality, but it is often ignored in actual practice.Let’s take a look at the following sample rendered from the Chinese version, which are some sentences abstracting from the business letters. (Cao Ling, 2003:23)
(1) The statement in version one, “Mr.Liver yesterday called our agent David saying that the mistake was his.”who does this“his”refer to?Mr.Liver or David?Checking it again in the original, we find that rendering in version two“Mr.Liver yesterday admitted his blame for your accident on January 12.”is just the meaning.
(2) The last sentence is another example:“...and forward it along with the copy of our accident report.”But to whom?The insurance company or writer?So the first translated version is not clear at all.Then the second translated is much better.
(3) The most important event about how to compensate is left out in the first version, as we all know, if a writer or translator leaves out something the reader should know in doing something or forming certain opinion, the clarity of the business letter diminishes.In translated version one, Mr.Middleman did not mention the amount of money the insurance company will pay.So only the amount of compensation is laid out in version two, can Ms.Rutt accept it satisfactorily?
(4) Some others can also make the translated version not clear, just as quoting some jargon (e.g.subrogation interest) , which the reader may not understand easily;the irrelevant information (e.g.agent David) , which not only makes the letter less clear, also does the letter less concise.
2 Correctness
According to the characteristics of business letters (thesource text or language) , the diction must be neat, accurate and easily to read in order to attain success of business instead of some unnecessary frictions or lawsuits.The principle, correctness, is same as the criterion“faithfulness”for any other types of translation;i.e., “faithfulness”—to be faithful to the content of the original” (Liu Zhongde, 2003:24) , and it is the most important in the translation.So is for the translation of business letters.The ideas of the rendered version must be as exact as ones of the original, even more accurate than the latter.Let us see the examples:
(1) 相信阁下业已收到司徒先生的通知:须藤先生意同佐藤先生在原址组建东京商行, 并继续同类业务的合作。
译文1:You will probably have received a notification from Mr.Sudo, he will build a new company named Tokyo Shokai with Mr.Sato and continue in the same line of business in the old premises.
译文2:You will probably have received a notification from Mr.Sudo to the effect that he intends to continue in the same line of business in the old premises, forming a new partnership with Mr.Sato, under the title of the Tokyo Shokai. (qtd.Gong Xueping)
It is obviously to see that the first version can not express the exact ideas of“在原址组建”, the implied meaning which the formerly partnership has been dissolved;“并继续同类业务的合作”the partnership with Mr.Sato is under the title of the new company“东京商行”, not under the style of the other companies especially, the old company.
(2) 兹任命原大和商行的股东——山岛先生为该公司的帐务清算人, 他将负责清偿一切负债并收回该公司的所有欠款。
译文1:Mr.Yamagata, formerly a partner, who has been appointed the liquidator, will discharge all liabilities, and all accounts must be paid him.
译文2:Mr.Yamagata, formerly a partner, who has been appointed the liquidator of the late firm, will discharge all liabilities, and all accounts due to the late firm must be paid him. (qtd Gong Xueping)
A Chinese linguist points out“If you want to make the text concise, the pronouns can not be used any more;if you want to make the text accurate, the nouns should be repeated.”So the translator of the second version adding the phrases“of the late firm”and“due to the late firm”makes the idea more accurate closer to the original.Just as the mentioned above, the exactness is the most important criterion for the translation of business letters.Furthermore, using“big words” (archaism or the elegant and formal words) instead of the“small words”to limit the semantic meanings is still for the purpose of exactness. (Wang Zuoliang, 1987:290) “liquidator”, “liabilities”are more suitable than“receiver”and“debt”to express the business relationships, also prove the view.
3 Conciseness
To be conciseness is to express a message completely in as few words as possible.In business correspondence, this means increased effectiveness and decreased costs.Wordy expressions and redundancies are the major blunders to overcome to communicate concisely.Because English and Chinese are the two different languages, the former is hypotactic, like a tall tree with lots of branches and leaves;but the latter is paratactic, like a flourished flower with many petals.Thus, getting the conciseness, the translators should endeavor to convert the structure from a“flourished flower”into a“tall tree”during the translating of business letters by the means of avoiding wordiness and redundancies (except the repetition used for emphasize, redundancy should be avoided in business letters.
1. 他重复强调, 我们应该遵守规定。
译文1:He repeated again that we should follow the rules.
译文2:He repeated that we should follow the rules. (Sue Kay, 2003:65)
2. 请问误期会有什么后果。
译文1:Please be kind enough to advise us what will happen in the event of a delay?
译文2: (Could you) Please tell me what will happen if there is a delay. (Sue Kay, 2003:66)
3.我公司已召开了关于销售指数的会议。
译文1:Our company has called a meeting to hold a discussion about the sales figures.
译文2:We have called a meeting to discuss the sales figures.
(3) :兹通知阁下:经双方一致同意, 即日解散与贵公司合伙组织的大和商行。 (qtd.Gong Xueping)
译文1:After reaching the mutual agreement, we inform you that the partnership existed between us under the style of the Yamato Shokai has been dissolved.
译文2:We inform you that the partnership hitherto existed between us under the style of the Yamato Shokai has this day been dissolved by mutual consent.
Comparing the each two versions, we can be certain of that the second one is much better in keeping the characteristic of conciseness on the condition that the meaning must be accurate Because, particularly in business, people do not have the time to spend reading long, rambling letters or trying to decipher difficult writing (translated business letters) .And it is worthy to mention that it is better to use one sentence for each paragraph to lay out one subject although the original (Chinese) is full of short sentences of phrases to correct and concise information. (see the example3)
In one word, the principles for Chinese-English translation of business letters are the same as the ones for the other types:faithfulness and closeness, as well as more concise, correct and clearer in order to correspond to the features of the original.Of course, there still existed the other principles, like courtesy, consideration, and completeness, etc, for the translation of business letters.But the three discussed in the essay are basic principles.Only a translator does these well, can he reach the aim of helping people to communicating each other efficiently in the era of business transaction by the means of business letters.
4 Courtesy
To be polite is a basic principle for business letter, so is one of its translation principles.Wherever necessary, do not forget to say“thank you, ”“would you please...”, “we would appreciate it...”etc.however, courtesy in business translation is more than just a well-timed“thank you”or“would you please...”A welltranslated courteous letter should be polite, considerate and tactful.To accomplish this goal, several blunders during the translation should be avoided.
1.Avoid suspicion (避免怀疑)
Phrases like“if what you said is true...”, if...as you allege...”may result in the impression that you seem suspicious of reader’s integrity.This is no good to evoke a favorable reaction.Compare the following examples:
Version A:We received the letter in which you claimed that the timer was defective at the time of purchase. (poor)
Version B:We have noticed in your letter that the timer was defective at the time of purchase. (better)
Version A:If the goods were damage in shipment, as you allege, we... (poor)
Version B:As you mentioned the goods were damaged in shipment, we... (better)
2. Avoid accusation (避免指责)
Whenever you wish to evoke a favorable reaction from the reader, do not accuse or reprimand him or her.Phrases like“you neglected”, “you forgot”, “you omitted”may risk offending your reader with accusation.Try to compare the following pairs of examples and think about your possible reaction if you are the reader.
Version A:You obviously ignored our request that you return the report by registered mail. (Poor)
Version B:We did request that you return the report by registered mail. (Better)
Version A:You did not read the operating instruction for the machine carefully. (Poor)
Version B:To enjoy the full benefits of the new machine you should follow the operation instruction carefully. (Better)
3. Avoid talking down (避免居高临下)
In the translation of business letters, the tone of superiority usually has destructive effects, if the writer and the reader aim to cooperate on an equal basis.Please compare the following pair examples:
Version A:In an establishment as large as ours, we seldom.. (Poor)
Version B:Please notice that it is not our common practice to... (Better)
Version A:We shall allow you to... (poor)
Version B:We shall be glad to have you... (better)
Version A:You may call me at... (poor)
Version B:Please call me at...
摘要：加入世界贸易组织极大地刺激了我国与世界其他国家商务交易的一致性。因而, 商务信函的翻译越来越体现出它的重要性。商务信函的翻译也是一种语言转换, 要求翻译工作者不但要遵循其他文本翻译的标准, 而且更要注重精确、精练、清晰和礼貌等原则。该文作者试图探讨上述原则在商务信函汉英翻译中运用。
关键词：商务信函,翻译,原则
参考文献
[1] Cao Ling.English Business Letters[M].Beijing:Foreign Lan guage and Research Press, 2003.
[2] Chen Zhongcheng.Conciseness for Translation of Legislation [C]//Fang Mengzhi, Ma Bingyi.Chinese- English Translation. Tourism Education Press of Bejing, 1996.
[3] Gong Xueping.Translation of Business English[Z].Lecture handout.Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 7 September, 2012.
[4] Sue Kay.Practical Business writing: A Guide to Improving Writing in English[M].translated by Wang Xiaoming.Beijing: Beijing Institute of Technology Press, 2003.
商务信函是一种“推销”函，可以说，你的“推销”是否成功，关键取决于你信函中信息的表达方式和内容。信函写得好，就可能为你赢利新的业务，有助于促进和发展你同客户的关系，也能够消除彼此间的误会，缩小分歧；反之，你也可能因此招致新的矛盾，失去原有客户。因此，我们可以这样说，良好的商业往来，从一封好的商务信函开始的。
一、英文商务信函的构成要素
英文商务信函的构成大体上可分为两个部分：必需部分和增加部分。必需部分指在一般情况下不可缺少的部分；增加部分指根据对象、内容的实际需要而增加的部分。在下面表格中带“*”号的为必要部分，其余为可增加部分。
1.信头（Letterhead）*
2.发信日期（Date）*
3.编号 （Serial Number; Reference Number ）
4.封内收信人地址（Inside Address）*
5.指定收信人姓名（Attention Line）
6.称呼（Salutation）*
7.事由（Subject Line or Heading）
8.开头语（Opening Sentence）
9.正文（Body）*
10.结尾语（Closing Sentence）
11.客套结束语（Complimentary Close） *
12.签名（Signature）*
13.主办人代号（Identification Mark）
14.附件注明（Enclosure Notation）
15.附笔（Postscript）
16.复本注明（Carbon Copy Notation）
二、各构成要素的写作技法
1.信头（Letterhead）
信头又信端，一般包括公司名称、地址，也可含电报挂号、电传挂号、传真号码、电话号码、网址（Web Site）、电子邮件地址（E-mailAddress）等内容。通常采取印刷方式或打字方式。如：
2.发信日期（Date）
有英美之分。英式的写法常把日期写在月份的前面，而美式的写法常把月份写在日期的前面，是期常用基数词，也可用序数词。年份之前的逗号可省略。如:３rd April,1999或３April199（英式）；May24th，1999或May24 1999美式）。
3.封内收信人地址（Inside Address）
一般在信箋的左面，沿左面边线写起。书写时要注意语序与中文恰好相反：小的单位放前，大的单位放在后，如：
Mr. Robert Keats
Director of Personnel
Windsor Knitting Mills Inc.
295 Magnolia Avenue
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301
The United States of America
4.称呼（Salutation）
称呼是写信人对收信人的称呼，其位置在封内地址下两至三行。称呼后英式写法常用逗号，美式多用冒号。特别应该注意的是“Gentlemen”这一称呼用于泛称已多年，但今天已被认为有性别歧视，用“Ladies and Gentlemen”代之已呈趋势。
5.正文（Body）
正文是信函的主体，表达写信人的具体愿望、要求、看法等，最好一段表达一个意思。需两页或更多信纸时，应在续页上注明收集人名称、页数、日期。
6.客套结束语（Complimentary Close）
客套语是写信人对收信人的一种谦称，写法很多，写信人可根据与收信人的关系来选用不同的说法。如：
(1)亲密式:Cordially,Cordially Yours,Intimately Yours,
(2)普通式:Sincerely, Sincerely Yours,Yours Sincerely,
Very Sincerely Yours,
(3)正式:Your truly,Very truly yours,yours Very truly,
yours faithfully, Faithfully yours
(4)(最正式:Respectfully,Respectfully yours,Yours respectfully,
Very respectfully
(5)随意式:Love,Cheers! With love, Best wishes, Best regards,
Warmest regards,Your devoted friend, See you in Phoenix!等
6.签名（Signature）
签名要在结束语下面签，这样能使人感到对方重视此事，严肃认真，也能使对方感到亲切。
总之，商务信函作为一种“推销”函，在商务活动中有着举足轻重的地位。可以说，良好的商业往来，是从一封好的商务信函开始的。要想撰写出一封好得商务信函，除了我们上述介绍的一些写作手法以外，还需要我们具备相关的业务知识，掌握好法规和条款，具备扎实的语言基础。
Dear Sirs，I thank you for your kind invitation on the occasion of your opening celebrations to be held on the 1st of January.My wife and I are pleased to accept，and will travel by flight AFL 218 arriving at New York at 6.00 P.M.We are both looking this opportunity to wish your organization continued success.Yours faithfully，中文对照敬启者：非常感谢阁下邀请参加贵公司1月1日举行的开业典礼。我和夫人乐意接受贵方邀请，将搭乘 AFL 航空公司218号班机预计在当天下午6时抵达纽约。借此机会祝福贵公司继续成功。敬上
1、信头（heading）——写信人地址和写信日期位于信纸右上角，从靠近信纸的中央写起，先地址后日期（地址可以写1—3行，日期写在地址的下面）。地址顺序由小到大：门牌号码——街名或路号——城名或县、市名——省名或州名——国名（邮编通常写在城市名之后）；日期顺序是月——日——年或日——月——年，如：July1,1979=1 July，1979。
2、信内地址（inside address）——收信人姓名和地址写在信头下面，空一行，左起顶格，先姓名后地址。信内地址多用于正式商业信函，一般社交信函常省略。
3、称呼（salutation）——写信人对收信人的称呼：
左起顶格写，后用逗号，常以“Dear…”或“My dear…”开头。写给亲属通常用“Dear+称呼”，如：“Dear Mum,”;写给平辈或晚辈可直呼其名，如：“Dear Tim,”;写给不熟悉者用“Dear Mr+姓,”或“Dear Mrs+其夫,”.4、正文（Body）——信函的主体部分：从称呼的下一行写起，每段开头均留四、五个字母的空白。
5、结束语——（complimentary close）结束客套语在正文下只占一行，从靠近信纸的中央写起。首字母大写，其后用逗号。对上级或长辈可用“Yours trulysincerely,”“ Trulysincerely Yours,”等，对朋友或其它亲密者可用“Yours(ever),”“Ever yours,”等。
6、签名（signature）位于结束语下，稍偏右。
7、信封的写法：
寄信人的地址、姓名写在信封的左上角，也可写在信封的背后。
teacher, hello:
I am your student, DAISY. you have now returned to Spain? This is my mailbox: *hoped that you later will again come China to play. you should see Olympic Games, also hoped that your motherland made the progress. is good, this time speaks of here. Simultaneously anticipates your reply. wishes your good luck.
your student: DAISY
1 模糊语言的相关概念
模糊语言在人类言语交际活动中的频繁使用引起了国内外学者对语言中模糊现象的日益关注及深刻探讨。有关模糊语言的研究有很多, 最早在1902年, 美国语义哲学的奠基人皮尔斯 (Peirce) 就对语言的模糊性给予了关注, 他指出了部分词语客观存在的模糊性;随后, 于1965年美国加利福尼亚大学控制论专家札德 (Zadeh) 教授在《信息与控制》杂志上发表了第一篇关于“模糊集”的论文并提出了模糊集合论的概念, 这为模糊语言学成为了一门新的学科奠定了基础。[]国内许多语言学界的学者也主要从语用学视角对模糊语言进行了研究, 1979年北京师范大学伍铁平教授阐释了语言模糊性产生阶段的原理, 提出模糊语言的存在是人类认知“经济性”的体现;2002年上海师范大学蔡龙权教授和上海外国语大学戴炜栋教授用言语行为理论分析了模糊限制语的语用交际功能, 指出模糊语的使用具有信息精确性的特征。[1]
2 关联理论概述
关联理论是丹·斯珀伯 (Dan Sperber) 与迪尔德丽·威尔逊 (Deirdre Wilson) 于1986年在格拉斯 (H·P·Grice) 提出的语用学相关原则基础上发展而来的。[2]关联理论从认知的角度解释了交际的性质, 指出交际是明示-推理行为。斯珀伯和威尔逊的关联理论认为, 话语的关联程度依赖于语境效果和处理努力, 语境效果与关联成正比, 而处理能力与关联成反比。人们的认知倾向于同最大关联相吻合, 即认知关联;交际行为都应该设想为它本身具有最佳关联, 即交际关联。也就是说, 人类的认知以最大关联为取向;语言交际以最佳关联为取向。这两个原则都突显出了语境的重要性, 即说话者付出有效的努力后创造足够的语境, 而听者能够实现以最小的处理代价获得最大的语境效果。
3 关联理论视角下英文商务信函中模糊语及人际功能分析
在国际贸易往来中, 英文商务信函的应用十分广泛, 它是促进贸易双方信息交流的重要途径。商务信函作为一种正式的书面文体, 写作时通常要求七个“C”原则, 即completeness (完整) 、concreteness (具体) 、clearness (清楚) 、conciseness (简明) 、courtesy (礼貌) 、consideration (体谅) 和correctness (正确) ;但在一些业务信函往来中, 有时需要使用模糊语言来表达发信人所传递的潜在含义, 模糊语言看似模糊, 实则增强了话语的严谨性和客观性, 通过其语用功能以实现特定的交际功能。[3]本文将发信人使用模糊语向收信人明示信息的方式分为以下三个方面进行讨论:
1) 明示信息意图
在英文商务信函中, 为了避免收信人因对内容的误解或歧义而导致双方产生矛盾, 发信人常常通过模糊语的使用来使信息得以完整准确的传达。这样收信人无需花费多余的努力就能得到足够的语境效果, 从而理解发信人明示的信息意图。譬如在价格谈判和订货函及货物装运函中, 有时需要对价格数字、日期等作出范围限定, 进行模糊处理, 收信人能够通过关联性推理出发信者的意图和需求。如:
(1) In respect to the price of hand tools we quoted last week, if you can improve the quantity to a much bigger one, say several thousand sets for each item, we are glad to give you some discount. (关于上周我方手动工具的报价, 如若贵公司能大幅提高订单量, 如每种型号数千套, 我方乐意予以更多折扣。)
句中使用了“much”、“some”程度变动型模糊语, 给收信人提供了最佳关联的明示。“much bigger (订单更大) ”、“some discount (一些折扣) ”并未具体说明订单量提高到什么程度, 给多少的折扣, 但却对其订购数量和折扣程度进行了模糊限定, 向买方传递出暗含信息。买方很容易通过关联性推理出卖方在劝导其增加订货数量以享受更大的折扣。
(2) We would try our best to dispatch the goods at the end of July. (我们会尽最大努力在七月底发货。)
(3) We will do all we can to fill your order so that the goods will be shipped before October 15. (我方将尽全力履行此订单并于10月15日前安排这些货物装船。)
句中“at the end of July (在七月底) ”“before October 15 (于10月15日前) ”都属于变动型模糊限制语中的范围变动语, 表明卖方需要在七月底前把货物运输到并于10月15日前安排货物装船。通过对时间范围的模糊限定, 不仅间接地保护了卖方的利益, 同时向买方明示信息意图——卖方将尽全力履行合同义务保证货物的及时装船, 但不排除意外情况造成的延期发货, 最大程度上规避了商业活动中潜在的风险。
2) 提出建议请求
在外贸信函往来中, 常常会涉及到向对方提建议或请求, 发信者一般会采用语气较为礼貌和委婉的模糊限定语以达到缓和氛围、和平协商的目的, 避免因语气强硬或话语直接导致双方贸易交流的阻碍和中断。如在索赔函和资信调查函中, 发信人常使用类似于“could you”疑问句“please”敬词“if”等条件从句来向对方提出相关建议请求, 促成进一步交流的可能。如:
(4) We would like you to refund the money we have paid you for these machines. (希望贵公司能退还我方所购设备的款额。)
句中“would like (希望、想要) ”属于直接缓和限制模糊语, “Would”多出现在向收信人“求取服务”部分, 向对方提出要求, 希望对方马上行动。“would like”这种过去时形式的情态动词表达的是一种假设意义, 与现实有很大“距离”, 语气间接柔和, 试探性强。发信者采用这种方式向收信人表达的请求模糊化, 委婉表明希望对方退还款额的意图, 避免因语气强硬而产生矛盾。在这种情况下, 收信人更容易接受对方提出的要求。
(5) In order that we may evaluate your company, could you please furnish us with the following information? (为能进一步了解贵公司情况, 以便开展贸易, 恳请告知以下事项。)
(6) Would you agree to our suggesting that future clients should call you? (不知可否让其他客户来电垂询?)
上述两句中, 发信人分别使用了“could you please (恳请) ”和“would”直接缓和限制模糊语向对方提出请求, “could you”和“would you”两个疑问的语气表现出礼貌客气, 传达出发信人请求老客户作为资信证人以及请求对方提供资信资料的诚恳, 给收信人发出希望得到其同意及征求意见的最佳关联的明示, 以便收信人接受自己的请求。
3) 表明立场态度
在信函往来中, 如若发信人希望表明愿意继续合作或搁置分歧、共同协商的态度和立场, 往往采用模糊语来对即将展开的合作表示一种愿景和期待。譬如在建立商业关系的信函和付款函中, 发信人一般以第一人称为主语, 采用类似于“I believe”“I hope/wish”等表示“希望”的模糊语言陈述, 收信人能够通过最佳关联推论出对方愿为其考虑, 尊重其观点的交际信号。
(7) I sincerely hope we could have more exchanges like this one, then we would be able to continue our interesting discussion to expand our bilateral economic and trade relations. (我方衷心希望与贵公司能有更多交流, 就双方扩展双边经贸关系进行愉悦的探讨。)
句中“I sincerely hope (衷心希望) ”属于缓和型模糊限制语, 语气缓和, 表达了发信人一种诚恳礼貌的态度, 传达出愿与对方建立更长远合作关系的最佳关联明示, 这使得双方建立友好商业关系的可能性大大提高。
(8) There are some discrepancies existing between the L/C stipulations and the terms of contract.For smooth effectuation of shipment, we shall appreciate your amending the L/C as follows. (信用证的规定和合同条款之间有些出入。为顺利办理装运, 望贵方能如下修改信用证, 我方将十分感谢。)
句中“some discrepancies (一些出入) ”使对方观点的表达方法更为恰当。此句发信人采用“some”变动型模糊语和“we shall”缓和型模糊语表明我方已考虑了买方的的利益和困难, 提出解决问题的建议, 为收信人提供了尊重对方观点的同时愿共同解决问题的最佳关联明示, 在一定程度上缓和了发信方陈述事实的口气, 表达了愿与对方更好地合作的意愿。
4 结束语
本文在关联理论的基础上, 通过选取六类商务信函中典型的语句为例, 对其中的模糊语及其人际功能进行了分析。上述例证表明, 在英文商务信函中模糊语言的使用能够使信函中的信息表达更加精准、严谨。通过恰当使用模糊语, 发信人能够在付出有效的努力后向收信人提供最佳关联的明示, 从而使收信人在语境条件下推理出隐藏信息和发信者意图, 以实现商务交际的准确、灵活及高效。因此, 模糊语及其功能有广泛的研究空间。
摘要：语言的模糊性是自然语言的基本属性之一。随着国际贸易的发展, 模糊语言也在英文商务信函中扮演了不可或缺的角色, 其人际功能对于商务人士成功实现商务交际目的具有重要意义。该文主要以《国际商贸书信大全》、国内外相关商务网站收集的英文商务信函为语料, 运用关联理论分析发信人如何顺应不同的语境因素, 灵活选用模糊语使信函达到最佳关联的明示, 从而最终实现特定的交际功能。
关键词：模糊语言,英文商务信函,关联理论,人际功能
参考文献
[1]崔传明.浅议模糊语言的修辞功能[J].时代文学:下半月, 2010 (11) .
[2]伍铁平.模糊语言学[M].上海:上海外语教育出版社, 1999.
[3]蔡龙权, 戴炜栋.关于模糊限制语精确话语信息的可能性研究[J].外语与外语教学, 2002 (8) .
[4]林克难.关联翻译理论简介[J].中国翻译, 1994 (4) .
【关键词】情态 人际功能 商务信函
【中图分类号】G71【文献标识码】A 【文章编号】2095-3089（2016）04-0095-02
引言
人际意义的重要构成部分之一是发话者对本人讲的命题的成功性和有效性所作的判断，或在命令中要求对方承担的义务，或在提议中要表达的个人意愿。人际意义的这一部分是由语法的情态系统来实现（胡壮麟，朱永生等，P145）。情态是语言人际功能的重要手段之一，它在人们日常生活中各方面都有着十分重要的意义。在商务活动的各个范畴以及业务过程中的各个环节，也普遍使用了情态表达法。英语商务信函是对外贸易交流的重要工具，措辞得当的商务信函在客户和商务活动的发展中起到积极的作用。本文通过对真实的英文商务信函中的情态表达作功能语法分析， 并侧重研究商务信函中情态表达及其体现的人际功能。
1.情态的含义
功能性语言学派代表人物韩礼德把语言的纯理论功能分为：概念功能、人际功能和语篇功能。这里所讲的人际功能是指能体现各种人际关系的语言，主要通过语气系统和情态系统表达。然而情态却是语法中的一个重要概念，也是一个复杂的功能领域，以其独特的方式挑战功能主义理论。发话者对事物的看法或态度主要是通过情态来表达，即发话者对自己所讲命题的有效性和成功性做出的判断，要么是将要求对方承当的义务表达在命令中，要么是将个人意愿在提议中表达出来。广义的情态还包括意态，表达提议的情态为意态，而狭义的情态则指表达命题的情态。情态具有“归一性”（polarity ），也就相当于它所涵盖的意义领域是在“是”与“不是”两极之间。情态或狭义的情态是指命题的归一性之间存在不同值的概率和频率。
2.情态在商务信函中的表达
国际商务活动中存在着口头和书面等多种交流方式。其中，以商务信函（包括电子邮件）为主的书面交流是最主要的方式。商务信函是商家、厂家与客户之间用于联系业务、沟通商情、咨询答复的主要沟通方式。商务信函写作过程中如果不能做到合理应用礼貌、体谅和委婉的原则，那么这样的信函就很可能会伤害，乃至破坏业已建立的友好合作关系。然而恰当地使用英语情态却能更加委婉的呈现信函所要表达的内容，这样即使是坏消息对方也会欣然接受。
2.1 情态助动词
在丰富的英语词中， 表达情态意义的动词却只有这十几个（may， can， must， shall， will， could， might， should， would， need， dare， ought to， used to），但是使用频率却很高。情态助动词是英文商务信函表达情感意义的主要方式。我们在商务信函中使用情态助动词显得更为礼貌和委婉，这样有助于商务活动目的的实现。如：
例1： We should be happy to replace the slippers if he finds that our selection is faulty. （意愿/可能性）.
译文：如果他发现我方在货物选取上确有疏忽，我方对换货毫无怨言。
例2：As we need the articles we ordered to complete deliveries to our new customers， we must ask you to arrange for the dispatch of replacement.（义务）
译文：由于我们急需用所定货物完成向新客户交货，故我们不得不要求贵方立即安排换货。
从上面的例子可以看出，如果我们要想搞清楚情态助动词在句子中所表达的情态意义，那么就必须将句子放到具体的信函中去分析情态助动词。
2.2 情态附加成分
除了情态助动词可以用来表达情态意义以外， 我们还可以用情态附加成分来表达。情态附加语，根据其语义的不同，又可分为两组：语气附加语（mood adjunct）和评论附加语（comment adjunct）。如：
例3. Frankly， the price you quote is still too high to be competitive.
译文：坦白说，我认为贵方的价格太高而没有竞争力。
在交际中，上例子中的“frankly” 传递了与交际情景有关的信息，同时很明确的表明说话者的态度。像这类词、短语和句子都属于情态附加成分。
2.3 情态隐喻
情态隐喻是指由小句来表达的情态意义，可从主观和客观两个角度来表达。韩礼德称之为“取向”（orientation）明确的主观取向和明确的客观取向都是隐喻性的，即由小句来表达的。与其相对应的为非隐喻情态，即由情态动词或情态副词表达的情态。例如，例3就是非隐喻，却与其隐喻变体“I think the price you quote is still too high to be competitive.”的意义是一致的。隐喻性情态表达讲话者对断言的有效性，或者是对提议的正误的意见，其适当的形式应是命题的附加语，而不是命题的本身。“the price you quote is still too high to be competitive.” 这个不含情态成分的小句是由原来含情态成分的小句变化而来的。此句中“I think”是情态成分，而不是命题本身。“the price you quote is still too high to be competitive.”在语义上起支配作用。语法层上的隐喻结构是由相当于语气状语的情态意义小句，用不同的方式表达相同的情态意义。这种情态隐喻的表达方式， 在英文商务信函中非常常见。
3.英文商务信函中情态表达的人际功能
商务信函除格式要规范之外，其信函正文写作也具有显著的特点。一般商务信函要遵循 “7C”原则：礼貌、体谅、完整、清楚、简洁、明确和正确的原则。商务信函一定要以礼貌的语气和体谅的态度来展现。在英文商务信函中恰当地使用情态表达，不仅可表明自身观点，而且可以使表达更加委婉。从而使对方感到真诚和友好，更有利于交际目的的达成，同时为建立持久良好的合作关系奠定基础。下文将利用具体的商务信函中的句子来分析情态表达在信函中的具体运用及其人际功能。
3.1 主观性情态取向的情态表达： 强化责任，委婉礼貌
英文商务信函的写作必须遵循 “7C 原则”，其中第一个 C原则即courtesy（礼貌），也是商务信函语言与表达方式的根本性原则。可见，在商务信函中要达到这个目的，写信人通常采用表明主观取向的情态来表达。情态表达在使用的过程中还存在情态价值高低的问题，情态价值越高表达的观点越肯定。如果写信人用情态价值高的情态表达，这样不仅能清楚地表明自己的观点，同时还能可强化自身责任，同时给收信人留下诚实可信的好印象；相反，写信人如选择情态价值较弱的情态表达，那么写信人是用委婉的语气表明观点，给对方留有足够的考虑空间，从而使对方更易接受。
例4：In order to enable us to capture a part of the market for you， we sincerely hope that you are able to provide us with a further concession.
译文：为使我方能替你方打开一片市场，真诚希望你方能给予我方更多优惠。
该信函是买家向卖家还盘，解释需要给优惠的原因。写信人用的是主观性情态隐喻表达中情态价值最弱的“hope”。从例4中可见，买家无法接受卖家的报价，但买家并未直接回绝，而采用委婉的表达“hope”，一方面直接表明所给优惠不合理； 另一方面，委婉提议卖家再三考虑，最终接受还盘。
3.2 客观性情态取向的情态表达： 婉转含蓄，维护自身利益
说话人通常采取模糊的策略，来避免绝对化和极端化。因为这样可以减弱言语行为的力度，进而不易被否决。商务信函涉及到许多丰富复杂的情感，一般都通过比较委婉、含蓄的方式表达出来。这些情感态度大多数情况下用隐喻形式来表达，客观隐喻通常表达高值概率或义务，因为它把个人观点装扮成客观肯定性和必要性，从而将真正的情态来源隐藏起来。
例5： As a matter of fact， we shall have to increase it by another ￡0.30 very shortly.
译文：事实上，我们不久还会再涨0.30英镑。
这是一封议价信函的回复函，在谈到不能降低商品价格的原因时，写信人用了表客观性主观取向的“情态明物化结构”——As a matter of fact来强调我们不能降价的主要原因运价上涨，事实上我们的报价不久还会上涨。这样买家更容易接受其看法，同时还达到卖家自我保护的目的。
4.结语
从以上分析可见，各种英文商务信函中都广泛地应用着情态表达，并且不同的情态表达有着不同的人际功能作用。情态价值较高的情态表达可以强化写信人的责任，同时写信人的观点也表达得更加明确；而情态价值较弱的情态隐喻除了能表明观点外，同时还可达到婉转、礼貌的交际目的。表客观取向的情态表达可将写信人个人的观点装扮成客观性，从而维护写信人自身的利益。因此，商务英语的使用者们应该熟练掌握这些表达并达到合理运用的程度，使英文商务信函这种常用的国际交流工具能更好的服务于国际贸易，同时商务交际活动能取得更大的成功。
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