商务英语中礼貌原则的运用

商务英语中礼貌原则的运用（精选8篇）

商务英语中礼貌原则的运用 篇1

[关键词]商务英语信函写作；礼貌原则；委婉语气；突出对方本位；避免不和 随着社会经济的迅猛发展，商业信函逐渐成为人们在经济领域内的一种重要的交际手段，通过它人们可以交流信息、联系业务、商谈贸易、磋商、处理问题、传递友谊等，其撰写的成功与否对企业的业务有着极其重要的影响。一般地，商务信函有以下几方面的写作原则，也被称为”7Cs”原则，即礼貌原则(courtesy)、体谅原则(consideration)、完整原则(completeness)、清楚原则(clarity)、简洁原则(conciseness)、具体原则(concreteness)、正确原则(correctness)。“礼貌原则”[1]是首先必须注意的，因为这直接关系到你写的信是否有正面效应。“一封彬彬有礼的书信，得体脱俗的谈吐，能使我方在对方的心目中树立起一种正直、热情、有良好文化修养和职业道德的形象，从而乐意与我方合作，带来无限的商机。”[2]反之，一封礼貌欠佳、用语不当的信函则会给一个公司带来负面的评价，使之弄砸了生意不说，还有可能毁了公司苦心经营的形象。因此，在日常的商务活动中，我们应注意商务信函中礼貌用语的使用。笔者将礼貌准则在商务英语信函写作中的应用归纳为以下三点： 1 使用委婉的语气

语言是信息的载体和表情达意的工具，为了在听话者和说话者之间建立起一座更顺畅的交流的桥梁，人们要使用礼貌用语。商务英语信函也是如此。热情友好的礼遇、委婉客气的话语、措辞得当的函电或谨慎严密的条款形成了商贸英语的一个鲜明特色，例如：

(1)We are pleased to make the following offer subject to your reply reaching US by May 20． 我方十分乐意报盘如下，此报盘以5 月20 日前收到对方复函为准。

(2)We shall appreciate it if you will endeavor to ship the consignment as the following． 如贵方能按如下要求装运货物，我们将不胜感激。

如上述例句所示“be pleased to, appreciate? if?”等这些礼貌语言的使用，不仅能传递给对方高兴、感激、悦等积极情感，还可以委婉的提出进一步的要求，这样可以对商务合作的成功起到积极的推动作用。突出对方本位(You attitude)许多商务写作者的目的就是让对方合作并采取行动，所以，一个重要的原则就是暂时忘记自己，而想想收信人，向他们显示出引起他们注意的事情。采取从对方角度着想的办法来达到这一目的，这就是商务写作中为对方着想的“突出对方本位”（You attitude）或称“你式写法”，而不是“为自己着想”（I-attitude）。充分考虑对方的利益、需求、愿望，从对方的观点看问题了解对方的困难、处境，这样可以使自己的要求更加切合实际，从而为双方的合作奠定更加良好的基础。

为了体现礼貌原则，在商务英语信函写作中，人称尽量不使用I或we 开头而应采用用第二人称you 或其物主代词或者your，以突出You attitude。例如：

To meet your requirement, we are willing to make some concessions to cut 3％of our price if the quantity of your individual purchase is not less than 50 tons.为满足贵方要求，如果贵方每次购买不少于50 吨的话，我方愿意做出一些让步．降价30％。从以上例子我们不难看出，不管你的目的是提供信息，说服别人还是增进友谊，最打动人的词就是you 和your。这是因为，第二人称的使用可以产生注意对方、以对方为中心的效果。同时，还可以使对方认识到作者在为自己着想，因而是礼貌的。3 避免不和

在商务交流中，双方难免会有分歧。为了不因直接话语而冒犯他人，建议在商务英文信函写作中尽量使用温和的语气。要想表达否定的意思在商务英文信函写作中可以适当的使用语义模糊的词汇如“I’ m afraid, I think, I believe”或运用疑问句等形式。例如：

(1)I’m afraid we can’t accept “Cash Against Document on arrival of goods at destination”． 我方恐怕不能接受货到目的港后凭单付款的支付方式。(2)Could you make payment by irrevocable L ／ C？ 贵方可否用不可撤消信用证付款? 除了以上几种表达方式以外，情态动词、条件句、被动语态、过去时的使用也可以起到缓和语气、显示礼貌的作用。商业信函的特点和功能决定了商业信函中必须注重礼貌原则。在日常的商务活动中，我们应注意商务信函中礼貌用语的使用，注意委婉语气、突出对方本位、避免不和等原则的应用，商业信函才会起它应有的作用——通过语言的媒介作用起到发展贸易、增进友谊的作用。参考文献

商务英语中礼貌原则的运用 篇2

一、关于礼貌原则的理论概述

20世纪50年代,美国著名社会学家尔文·戈夫曼(Erving Goffman)从人类学角度提出了“面子行为理论”,认为面子深刻渗透于人类行为中,时刻影响着人际交往。后来,英国学者布朗(Brown)和列文森(Levinson)在继承戈夫曼观点的基础上,提出了影响更为深远的面子观,建立了礼貌语言的等级模式。他们将面子分为积极面子(positive face)与消极面子(negative face),并认为生活中存在很多威胁面子的行为,但是人们可以根据威胁程度采取五种不同等级的礼貌语言进行补救。不过,在关于礼貌的理论研究中,最为突出的是英国语言学家利奇(Geoffrey Leech)提出的礼貌原则。因此,本文主要阐述利奇的礼貌原则及其运用。

利奇从语用学的角度对礼貌原则进行了新的总结和归纳,其核心观点是,在语言交际中,应尽量多地使用礼貌的表达方式,而尽量少地使用不礼貌的表达方式。对于礼貌与不礼貌的语言标准,利奇进行了对立式的划分,给出了礼貌原则的六条次准则,分别是:

I.得体准则(Tact Maxim)

a.尽量减少他人的损失(minimize the cost to others);b.尽量扩大他人的利益(maximize the benefit to others)。

II.慷慨准则(Generosity Maxim)

a.尽量减少自身的利益(minimize the benefit to self);b.尽量扩大自身的损失(maximize the cost to self)。

III.赞扬准则(Approbation Maxim)

a.尽量减少对他人的贬损(minimize dispraise of others);b.尽量增加对他人的赞扬(maximize praise of others)。

IV.谦虚准则(Modesty Maxim)

a.尽量减少对自身的赞扬(minimize praise of self);b.尽量增加对自身的贬损(maximize dispraise of self)。

V.赞同准则(Agreement Maxim)

a.尽量缩小与他人的不同意见(minimize disagreement with others);b.尽量扩大与他人的相同意见(maximize agreement with others)。

VI.同情准则(Sympathy Maxim)

a.尽量减少对他人的厌恶(minimize antipathy towards others);b.尽量增加对他人的同情(maximize sympathy towards others)。

可以看出,得体准则与慷慨准是关于交际双方利益分配的两个方面;赞扬准则与谦虚准则是关于情感评价的两个方面;赞同准则与同情准则是关于求同存异的两个方面。

二、礼貌原则在商务英语信函中的运用

1. 词汇层面。

(1)合理使用积极词汇。在商务英语信函中,应尽可能多地合理使用积极词汇。根据赞扬准则,积极词汇能较好地传达对对方的认可与赞美,有助于拉近双方的距离;同时,根据赞同准则,积极词汇能有效地缩小与对方的分歧,有助于建立一个融洽的交易氛围。此外,当交易中出现一些突发问题时,合理使用积极词汇能反映交易一方积极解决问题、减少对方损失的态度,这也符合得体准则的要求。

例1:In light of our steady,cordial commercial relationship,we are pleased to make the following offer.该句使用了steady,cordial,pleased等积极词汇,一方面突出了对方的主体位置,另一方面肯定了双方的利益一致性,更容易让对方接受我方的报盘。

例2:We appreciate the opportunity to do business with a reputed company like you,but could you please offer a lower price?该句采用赞扬准则,而且“appreciate”、“reputed”等词能让对方更容易接受我方在交易价格上的不同意见,避免分歧扩大。

(2)灵活运用模糊语。在商务信函中,关于交易条款的信息应该清楚、具体,但在拒绝对方条件或表示不同意见时,不宜直截了当地告诉对方,而应采用语气比较缓和的模糊词进行表达,照顾对方的面子,避免陷入僵局。常用的模糊词有I’m afraid,perhaps,probably,some,as if,seem,appear等。当然,在具体的语境中,还可以灵活使用其他很多模糊语。

例3:All terms seem to be favorable except for the delivery date.I’m afraid it can’t be done until May 10.该句中的模糊语“seem”含蓄地表达了对交付日期的不同意见,而“I’m afraid”就间接地提出了我方认为合适的交付日期,避免了生硬的语气对对方面子的损害。

例4:I’m grateful for your price reduction of 1%,but I had expected something better.此句用“something better”对我方期待的价格调整幅度进行了模糊处理,给对方保留了价格调整的自主权,体现了对对方的尊重,符合得体准则的要求。

(3)恰当使用情态动词。情态动词体现了说话者的态度与意愿,能较好地传达情感。在商务英语信函中,经常使用could,should,may,might,would等情态动词,一方面可以弱化命令、指责的语气,保全对方的面子,另一方面也符合得体准则与谦虚准则的要求,降低自己身份,突出对方主体地位,减少对对方的贬损。

例5:We would be very pleased and thankful if you could effect delivery before August 20.该句较委婉地传达了一个命令,使对方更容易接受。

2. 句法层面。

(1)正确使用“you-attitude”。根据得体准则和慷慨准则,在商务信函中正确使用“you-attitude”能有效突出对方的主体地位,体现从对方的利益出发,尊重对方的立场和态度。但应注意,在传递消极信息时,不宜过多地使用“youattitude”,否则会使对方处于不利地位,并扩大对方的损失或对对方的贬损。

例6:Your order will be given prompt and best attention to and you can depend on us to fulfill the shipment as you required.

例7:We will give prompt and best attention to your order and fulfill the shipment as you required.

显然,例6比例7更凸显了对对方的尊重与重视,更有助于建立长期稳定的合作关系。

例8:Your improper packing has caused great damage to the goods.该句使用“you-attitude”无疑加重了指责力度,置对方于尴尬境地,不利于解决问题。

(2)充分运用肯定句。在商务信函中,应尽量多地使用肯定句,尽可能避免消极否定的语气。依据赞扬准则与赞同准则,使用肯定句有助于构建愉悦、和谐的交易氛围,减少双方在情感上的对立,避免直接贬损对方。该策略与上述关于积极词汇的使用很相似。

例9:Your order hasn’t specified the size of the clothes you require.

例10:Please let me know the specific size of the clothes you require in your order.

例9与例10分别用否定语气和肯定语气表达了同一意思,但显而易见,例10比例9显得更加真诚、更加有礼貌。

(3)巧妙运用被动语态。被动语态具有隐去动作实施者、强调动作客观结果的特点,因此,根据同情准则,在商务信函中可以巧妙地运用被动语态,表达一些负面或消极信息,诸如拒绝、抱怨、投诉、指责等,达到客观地“就事论事”的目的,减少对对方的厌恶或反感,避免咄咄逼人地表达不满。

例11:As stipulated in the contract,the goods should be delivered before April 12.However,we were notified that the delivery was done just yesterday,which has caused great inconvenience to us.

例12:As stipulated in the contract,you should deliver the goods before April 12.However,we were notified that you delivered the goods just yesterday,which has caused great inconvenience to us.

例11运用被动语态主要表达的是“没有按规定时间发货”这个事实,而例12运用主动语态传达出的突出信息是“你没有按规定时间发货”,有责备之嫌,会让对方面子受损。

(4)灵活使用虚拟语气。虚拟语气的句子语气委婉、客气,因此,在商务信函中,可以根据实际情况采用虚拟语气的表达方式,做到“有礼有节”。在提出请求或建议时,使用虚拟语气能有效避免陷入命令的误区,让对方心理上更容易接受;在提出问题或表示拒绝、不满时,使用虚拟语气能减轻对方的心理抵触程度,避免赤裸裸地抱怨或指责。下面的两个例子可以明显看出虚拟语气句的“神奇”作用。

例13:1)We cannot offer a lower price.

2)We wish we were able to offer a lower price.

例14:1)We want you to offer a lower price so that we can make a larger order.

2)We would like to suggest that you offer a lower price so as to enable us to make a larger order.

(5)恰当运用复合句。在商务信函中,复合句不仅使得行文更加严谨正式,还具有以下功能:第一,复合句的信息焦点通常在主句上,因此,在表达消极信息时可以使用复合句,将消极信息置于从句中,以淡化消极信息对对方带来的负面影响;第二,一些复合句(如条件状语从句、让步状语从句)可以较委婉地提出建议或不同意见。

例15:I’d like to remind you that the goods must be delivered immediately,or we’ll be obliged to ask for a refund.该句使用复合句减轻了消极信息的冲击力。

例16:It would be appreciated if you could quote your price of CIF Guangzhou.该句使用条件状语从句委婉地提出了我方的要求。

三、结语

综上所述,在商务英语信函写作中,灵活运用Leech的礼貌原则具有很重要的现实意义,不仅能增强信息传递的有效性,还有助于消除影响交易的负面因素,促进交易的顺利进行。因此,在商务信函写作中,应加强对礼貌原则的理解,掌握礼貌原则的运用策略,真正做到礼貌得体。

参考文献

[1]陈曦蓉.论报忧类英语商务信函中情态动词的人际功能[J].集美大学学报(哲学社会科学版),2013(3):106-111.

[2]刘刚.礼貌原则的普遍性和特殊性[D].长沙:湖南大学,2001.

[3]刘润清.关于Leech的“礼貌原则”[J].外语教学与研究,1987(2):42-46.

礼貌原则在商务英语信函中的运用 篇3

【关键词】礼貌原则 商务英语信函

在经济全球化和一体化背景下，各国经贸往来活动日益增加。作为商务活动的重要沟通工具，商务英语信函的使用频率越来越高，其作用也越来越受到重视。一封规范得体的商务信函不仅可以传递交易信息，还有助于建立友好紧密的贸易关系，达成交易目的。因此，在商务英语信函写作中，应遵循一定的原则，力求有效地发挥商务英语信函的作用。一般来说，在商务英语信函写作中，应遵循7个C原则，即clarity（清楚），conciseness（简洁），correctness（正确），concreteness（具体），consideration（体谅），completeness（完整），courtesy（礼貌）。本文拟重点介绍礼貌原则相关理论及其在商务英语信函中的运用。

一、关于礼貌原则的理论概述

20世纪50年代，美国著名社会学家尔文·戈夫曼（Erving Goffman）从人类学角度提出了“面子行为理论”，认为面子深刻渗透于人类行为中，时刻影响着人际交往。后来，英国学者布朗（Brown）和列文森（Levinson）在继承戈夫曼观点的基础上，提出了影响更为深远的面子观，建立了礼貌语言的等级模式。他们将面子分为积极面子（positive face）与消极面子（negative face），并认为生活中存在很多威胁面子的行为，但是人们可以根据威胁程度采取五种不同等级的礼貌语言进行补救。不过，在关于礼貌的理论研究中，最为突出的是英国语言学家利奇（Geoffrey Leech）提出的礼貌原则。因此，本文主要阐述利奇的礼貌原则及其运用。

利奇从语用学的角度对礼貌原则进行了新的总结和归纳，其核心观点是，在语言交际中，应尽量多地使用礼貌的表达方式，而尽量少地使用不礼貌的表达方式。对于礼貌与不礼貌的语言标准，利奇进行了对立式的划分，给出了礼貌原则的六条次准则，分别是：

I.得体准则（Tact Maxim）

a.尽量减少他人的损失（minimize the cost to others）；b.尽量扩大他人的利益（maximize the benefit to others）。

II.慷慨准则（Generosity Maxim）

a.尽量减少自身的利益（minimize the benefit to self）；b.尽量扩大自身的损失（maximize the cost to self）。

III.赞扬准则（Approbation Maxim）

a.尽量减少对他人的贬损（minimize dispraise of others）；b.尽量增加对他人的赞扬（maximize praise of others）。

IV.谦虚准则（Modesty Maxim）

a.尽量减少对自身的赞扬（minimize praise of self）；b.尽量增加对自身的贬损（maximize dispraise of self）。

V.赞同准则（Agreement Maxim）

a.尽量缩小与他人的不同意见（minimize disagreement with others）；b.尽量扩大与他人的相同意见（maximize agreement with others）。

VI.同情准则（Sympathy Maxim）

a.尽量减少对他人的厌恶（minimize antipathy towards others）；b.尽量增加对他人的同情（maximize sympathy towards others）。

可以看出，得体准则与慷慨准是关于交际双方利益分配的两个方面；赞扬准则与谦虚准则是关于情感评价的两个方面；赞同准则与同情准则是关于求同存异的两个方面。

二、礼貌原则在商务英语信函中的运用

1.词汇层面。

（1）合理使用积极词汇。在商务英语信函中，应尽可能多地合理使用积极词汇。根据赞扬准则，积极词汇能较好地传达对对方的认可与赞美，有助于拉近双方的距离；同时，根据赞同准则，积极词汇能有效地缩小与对方的分歧，有助于建立一个融洽的交易氛围。此外，当交易中出现一些突发问题时，合理使用积极词汇能反映交易一方积极解决问题、减少对方损失的态度，这也符合得体准则的要求。

例1：In light of our steady， cordial commercial relationship， we are pleased to make the following offer. 该句使用了steady， cordial， pleased等积极词汇，一方面突出了对方的主体位置，另一方面肯定了双方的利益一致性，更容易让对方接受我方的报盘。

例2：We appreciate the opportunity to do business with a reputed company like you， but could you please offer a lower price？ 该句采用赞扬准则，而且“appreciate”、“reputed”等词能让对方更容易接受我方在交易价格上的不同意见，避免分歧扩大。

（2）灵活运用模糊语。在商务信函中，关于交易条款的信息应该清楚、具体，但在拒绝对方条件或表示不同意见时，不宜直截了当地告诉对方，而应采用语气比较缓和的模糊词进行表达，照顾对方的面子，避免陷入僵局。常用的模糊词有Im afraid， perhaps， probably， some， as if， seem， appear等。当然，在具体的语境中，还可以灵活使用其他很多模糊语。

例3：All terms seem to be favorable except for the delivery date. Im afraid it cant be done until May 10. 该句中的模糊语“seem”含蓄地表达了对交付日期的不同意见，而“Im afraid”就间接地提出了我方认为合适的交付日期，避免了生硬的语气对对方面子的损害。

例4：Im grateful for your price reduction of 1%， but I had expected something better. 此句用“something better”对我方期待的价格调整幅度进行了模糊处理，给对方保留了价格调整的自主权，体现了对对方的尊重，符合得体准则的要求。

（3）恰当使用情态动词。情态动词体现了说话者的态度与意愿，能较好地传达情感。在商务英语信函中，经常使用could， should， may， might， would等情态动词，一方面可以弱化命令、指责的语气，保全对方的面子，另一方面也符合得体准则与谦虚准则的要求，降低自己身份，突出对方主体地位，减少对对方的贬损。

例5：We would be very pleased and thankful if you could effect delivery before August 20. 该句较委婉地传达了一个命令，使对方更容易接受。

2.句法层面。

（1）正确使用“you-attitude”。根据得体准则和慷慨准则，在商务信函中正确使用“you-attitude”能有效突出对方的主体地位，体现从对方的利益出发，尊重对方的立场和态度。但应注意，在传递消极信息时，不宜过多地使用“you-attitude”，否则会使对方处于不利地位，并扩大对方的损失或对对方的贬损。

例6：Your order will be given prompt and best attention to and you can depend on us to fulfill the shipment as you required.

例7：We will give prompt and best attention to your order and fulfill the shipment as you required.

显然，例6比例7更凸显了对对方的尊重与重视，更有助于建立长期稳定的合作关系。

例8：Your improper packing has caused great damage to the goods. 该句使用“you-attitude”无疑加重了指责力度，置对方于尴尬境地，不利于解决问题。

（2）充分运用肯定句。在商务信函中，应尽量多地使用肯定句，尽可能避免消极否定的语气。依据赞扬准则与赞同准则，使用肯定句有助于构建愉悦、和谐的交易氛围，减少双方在情感上的对立，避免直接贬损对方。该策略与上述关于积极词汇的使用很相似。

例9：Your order hasnt specified the size of the clothes you require.

例10：Please let me know the specific size of the clothes you require in your order.

例9与例10分别用否定语气和肯定语气表达了同一意思，但显而易见，例10比例9显得更加真诚、更加有礼貌。

（3）巧妙运用被动语态。被动语态具有隐去动作实施者、强调动作客观结果的特点，因此，根据同情准则，在商务信函中可以巧妙地运用被动语态，表达一些负面或消极信息，诸如拒绝、抱怨、投诉、指责等，达到客观地“就事论事”的目的，减少对对方的厌恶或反感，避免咄咄逼人地表达不满。

例11：As stipulated in the contract， the goods should be delivered before April 12. However， we were notified that the delivery was done just yesterday， which has caused great inconvenience to us.

例12：As stipulated in the contract， you should deliver the goods before April 12. However， we were notified that you delivered the goods just yesterday， which has caused great inconvenience to us.

例11运用被动语态主要表达的是“没有按规定时间发货”这个事实，而例12运用主动语态传达出的突出信息是“你没有按规定时间发货”，有责备之嫌，会让对方面子受损。

（4）灵活使用虚拟语气。虚拟语气的句子语气委婉、客气，因此，在商务信函中，可以根据实际情况采用虚拟语气的表达方式，做到“有礼有节”。在提出请求或建议时，使用虚拟语气能有效避免陷入命令的误区，让对方心理上更容易接受；在提出问题或表示拒绝、不满时，使用虚拟语气能减轻对方的心理抵触程度，避免赤裸裸地抱怨或指责。下面的两个例子可以明显看出虚拟语气句的“神奇”作用。

例13：1） We cannot offer a lower price.

2） We wish we were able to offer a lower price.

例14：1） We want you to offer a lower price so that we can make a larger order.

2） We would like to suggest that you offer a lower price so as to enable us to make a larger order.

（5）恰当运用复合句。在商务信函中，复合句不仅使得行文更加严谨正式，还具有以下功能：第一，复合句的信息焦点通常在主句上，因此，在表达消极信息时可以使用复合句，将消极信息置于从句中，以淡化消极信息对对方带来的负面影响；第二，一些复合句（如条件状语从句、让步状语从句）可以较委婉地提出建议或不同意见。

例15：Id like to remind you that the goods must be delivered immediately， or well be obliged to ask for a refund. 该句使用复合句减轻了消极信息的冲击力。

例16： It would be appreciated if you could quote your price of CIF Guangzhou.该句使用条件状语从句委婉地提出了我方的要求。

三、结语

综上所述，在商务英语信函写作中，灵活运用Leech的礼貌原则具有很重要的现实意义，不仅能增强信息传递的有效性，还有助于消除影响交易的负面因素，促进交易的顺利进行。因此，在商务信函写作中，应加强对礼貌原则的理解，掌握礼貌原则的运用策略，真正做到礼貌得体。

参考文献：

[1]陈曦蓉.论报忧类英语商务信函中情态动词的人际功能[J].集美大学学报（哲学社会科学版），2013（3）：106-111.

[2]刘刚.礼貌原则的普遍性和特殊性[D].长沙：湖南大学，2001.

[3]刘润清.关于Leech的“礼貌原则”[J].外语教学与研究，1987（2）：42-46.

[4]吴银玲子.英语商务信函中模糊语言的语用研究[D].成都：西南财经大学，2014.

英语商务谈判中礼貌策略的运用 篇4

英语商务谈判中礼貌策略的运用

在商务谈判中,礼貌策略对平衡谈判中的竞争和合作起着非常重要的作用.从Brown & Levinson的面子理论出发,探讨并总结了礼貌语言的.特点和礼貌策略.熟悉该策略,有助于商务谈判的顺利进展,产生双赢的结果.

作 者：彭倩倩 Peng Qianqian 作者单位：江苏工业学院外国语学院,江苏常州,213164刊 名：中国电力教育英文刊名：CHINA ELECTRIC POWER EDUCATION年，卷(期)：“”(24)分类号：H3关键词：商务谈判 面子理论 礼貌策略

礼貌原则在口译中的应用 篇5

Along with the trend of economic globalization and cultural diversification, communication among people from different countries and different cultures is more frequent and important.Interpreters are enjoying a constantly improved position in international communication, acting as the bridge which make people of different languages and backgrounds connected.Gradually, more elements should be considered in interpretation, especially keeping the communications smooth by using polite expression.In this case, the study of application of politeness communicative principle in interpretation will bring enlightenment to the future work.As we all know, interpretation is a kind of hard and complex job.Politeness communicative principle is used to research communicative conversation, so it also can be applied into interpretation which can be seen as a special conversation.However, interpretation is a study with a short history, which needs more help from other fields.Nowadays, the study of interpretation is concentrated on language training, interpreting skills, exams and so on.Few people pay attention to the application of politeness communicative principle in interpretation.Thus, politeness communicative principle in interpretation is so important and deserves more attention.Except for the introduction and conclusion, this thesis is composed of three parts.Part one gives a view of related theories;Part two is main part of the paper, which includes preconditions for using politeness communicative principle and feasibility of the adoption of politeness communicative principle;Part three is the enlightenment to interpretation after the research, including strategies for applying politeness 1

communicative principle in interpretation.2

1.Literature review of interpretation and politeness communicative principle In 1978, English scholars Brown & Levinson wrote an article “Universals in Language Usage: Politeness Phenomena”.Soon after that, Leech delivered his six criteria of politeness in 1983.Since then, there are some researches about the two fields of politeness communicative principle and interpretation respectively.1.1 General review of interpretation In order to identify the relationship between interpretation and politeness communicative principle, it is necessary to review related interpretation theory at home and abroad.1.1.1 Definition of interpretation Interpretation is a form of translation, converting one language to anther so that the target language could convey the intended message in source language.Interpretation essentially is “an oral translation of oral discourse”(Gile, 1995: 1)and “ an extempore oral reproduction, in one language of what is said in another language ”(Zhong, 1999: 1).Interpretation is a form of translation in which a first and final rendition in another language is produced on the basis of a one-time presentation of an utterance in a source language(Pochhacker 2004: 11).Compared to translation which is used when the immediate result of the work is a written text, interpretation has its outstanding characteristics as being used when the immediate result is a speech reproduced orally in a language other than that spoken by the original speaker.That is to say, interpretation is a communicative process which faithfully and orally transfer the information from one language to another.3

1.1.2 Type and development of interpretation Interpretation consists of consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation and whispering interpretation, among which consecutive interpretation is the most popular and widely used.In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens to a speech segment and then delivers the whole segment in the target language.While in simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter conveys the meaning to the listeners while listening.In whispering interpretation, the interpreter is for speeches with one to two foreign listeners or as accompanying interpreter for your international guests outside the actual event programme.Lacking of historical record makes it difficult to find the exact date when interpretation got into shape.And interpretation came into being and developed gradually when people speaking different languages started to communicate with each other.In the past, there were middlemen, who helped people speaking different languages communicate with each other.They were usually immigrants who knew two or more languages and also called dragoman, but these people were not trained professionally.When people speaking different languages started to communicate with each other more frequently, quick and effective interpretation was in urgent.Interpreter becomes an international profession in the First World War.It is in the Paris Peace Conference interpreters who have been trained professionally to meet the requirements of the conference.After that, interpretation has become a popular profession in the world.4

1.2 An overview of politeness communicative principle theories Politeness as a social phenomenon can be observed in all languages and cultures, and it has long been an important object of study in linguistics.As a common social phenomenon, politeness is not only an universal virtue but also a popular way to realize effective communication.1.2.1 A general view of politeness communicative principle Politeness is an universal phenomenon in society.However, different linguists and scholars give different explanations of politeness.In western countries, Leech says that there exists a set of maxims that guide and constrain the conversation between people, he suggests that cooperative principle should be expanded because Gricean’s cooperative principle can not sufficiently explain why people so often convey meaning indirectly.It is for this reason that politeness principle can be seen not just as another principle to be added to cooperative principle, but as its necessary complement.Leech introduces the politeness principle which runs as follows: Minimize the expression of impolite beliefs, Maximize the expression of polite belief.1.2.2 Politeness theories at home and abroad

Many scholars have made great contribution to the study of politeness theories.Among them, Leech and Gu Yueguo play a significant role, which serves as the foundation of the politeness research for other scholars.Politeness communicative principle is proposed to explain how politeness operates in conversational exchange, which has a series of maxims.Leech defines politeness as forms of behavior that establish and maintain comity.That is the ability of participants in a social interaction 5

to engage in interaction in an atmosphere of relative harmony.Leech specifies degree of politeness principle which are the means required in a certain situation.(1)The Tact Maxim Minimize the expression of beliefs which imply cost to other, maximize the expression of beliefs which imply benefit to other.(2)The Approbation Maxim Minimize the expression of beliefs which express dispraise of other;Maximize the expression of beliefs which express approval of other.(3)The Generosity Maxim

Minimize the expression of benefit to itself;Maximize the expression of cost to itself.(4)The Modesty Maxim

Minimize the expression of praise of self;Maximize the expression of dispraise of self.(5)The Agreement Maxim

Minimize the expression of disagreement between self and other;Maximize the expression of agreement between self and other.(Leech, 1999:20-21)While in China, the real study of politeness principle only began in the 1980s when pragmatics was introduced into China.The most influential figure in this area is Gu Yueguo.He puts forward his own set of politeness maxims in two thesis “Politeness Pragmatics and Culture” and “Politeness phenomena in modern China”.His theory has distinctive characteristics of Chinese culture.He proposed four basic 6

notions: respectfulness, modesty, attitudinal warmth and refinement.According to Gu, politeness principle includes five maxims:“Self-denigration and Respecting Maxim, Addressing Maxim, Elegancy Maxim, Conforming Maxim, Virtue, Words and Behavior Maxim.”(Gu, 2005: 10)

1.3 The relationship between politeness communicative principle and interpretation

Interpretation is understood as the mental process and communicative act of reproducing orally in a target language what a speaker is expressing in a source language.(Zhong, 1999: 1)

From the above explanation, it is easy to find that interpretation is a kind of special conversation.The success of this conversation needs a media of interpreter.During interpretation, interpreters need to cooperate both with the speakers and the listeners, and they also need to control the atmosphere of this conversation and keep the conversation polite.Besides, politeness communicative principle is used to research communicative conversation, so it can be applied into interpretation.So far, there have been some studies related to relationship between politeness communicative principle and interpretation, especially in recent years.For instance, Guo Yingzhen has published the issue of “Politeness Principle and Interpreting” by analyzing politeness principle and nine types of politeness in interpretation.She says, “ Based on the politeness principle and the experience of the author’s practice during past years, the honorific expressions in the process of interpreting can be divided into and applied to in nine different situations, namely, greetings, request, inquiry, 7

complaint and regret, advice, apology, imperative, and agreement”(Guo, 2004: 15).She tries to encourage readers to use honorific expressions in interpretation so that his or her own interpreting ability could be reflected.Wang Xiaowen discusses the complementarily and contradiction between cooperative principle and politeness principle, she mentions about the importance of politeness communicative principle in interpretation, “As two important theories in the field of pragmatics, Grice’s cooperative principle and Leech’s politeness principle both have great insights on interpreting with latter complimentary to the former.The approbation of the two principles to interpreting can effectively promote the successful cooperation between the two parties of communication.”(Wang, 2006: 18)1.4 Previous studies on interpreter’s subjectivity

With the increasing attention paid on the role of interpreters, the subjectivity of which arouse interest of scholars.Qiu Jixin observes the translator’s subjectivity and its restrictions by introducing thought of foreign scholars and analysis of translation.He says, “As a subject, translators can carry out their subjectivity during the translating process.Yet, the subjectivity must be restricted by certain factors.The two are combined closely with each other.”(Qiu, 2004: 12)Later, Hon Linping and Jiang Siping write complete conclusion on the study of the issue, on the subjectivity studies over the past ten years.They talk about the root, developing stages, some limitations and problems of all the previous researches.In general, just as what they state in the review,“the concept of interpreter’s subjectivity has gained more and more attention in China’s translation 8

study over the last decades.Analyzing the studies of the translator’s subjectivity in China from 1996 to 2005, the scholars explore the positive roles and limitations that the new trend could play in translation, the authors maintain that the translator’s turn will prevail in the 21 century.”(Hon & Jiang, 2006)These people do some research on the interpreter’s subjectivity and leave some evidence for others.Lv Binghua, from the perspective of subjectivity, proposed three norms, self-restriction on expressions and arrangement of message.It is a generalization of the forms of interpreter’s subjectivity from a rather macro perspective.Few scholars concern about the subjectivity of interpreters although the issue of interpreter’s subjectivity has been studied for years.That’s the greatest regret in the study of the issue.2.Feasibility and strategies for interpreters to apply politeness communicative principle in interpreting

From the above analysis of the research conducted by many linguists and interpretation theorists, it is easy to find that politeness communicative principle plays an important role in interpretation.No matter whether politeness communicative principle in western countries or in China, the essence is similar only with different emphasis.This chapter, which is based on the analysis of politeness communicative principle, explains the feasibility for interpreters and explores the instructive function of the politeness communicative principle in interpretation.2.1 Possible steps to deal with subjectivity

When politeness communicative principle is used in interpretation, at least two 9

things should be noticed.Firstly, it is possible to deal with subjectivity when interpret.Secondly, it is possible to apply politeness communicative principle in interpretation.Actually the process of interpreting can be divided into two parts: preparation before real interpretation and the actual interpretation process.“Translation procedure involves far more than step-by-step procedures for producing a translation from a source text.”(Nida, 2004: 131)In the following part, the author will discuss when and how interpreters can manipulate with subjectivity.2.1.1 Preparation before interpreting

It is well-known that enough preparation work is a key factor of a successful interpretation.Many things can be done before interpretation and will be later used.Generally speaking, prepared knowledge includes the glossary items, background knowledge of a certain field, understanding of the speaker’s culture and so on.In order to specify the above statement and make it clear and easy to be understood, the author sets an example in the following part.For example, There is going to be an English speaker talking about technology in clone.Preparation work will be done differently.Interpreter A may know well about clone, he masters all the background information and latest researches in the field.But he has no idea about the speaker except that the speaker is from England.In this situation, interpreter A may prepare in following steps.Firstly, since he knows well about the issue, the preparation of background knowledge may be very simple.Secondly, since the speaker comes from England, which needs to know more 10

about clone in England.Therefore, A should review the clone in England.Thirdly, given that A knows nothing about the speaker, he should seek a way to get familiar with culture and courtesy in England.Last but not least, A should know more about the situation whether in a conference or casual dialogue.Imagine another quite different situation: If interpreter B knows the English speaker very well.However, he knows little about clone, let alone clone in England.In this case, B would seek for different methods to deal with, which is quite different from A.Instead of paying much attention to the background of the speaker, B has to spend much time learning about clone, especially in England.Therefore, he had better read some scientific books and surf the Internet to gain more information about clone.Above all, it is easy to find that different interpreters choose different ways to prepare based on their own conditions though given the same situation.That leads to the possibility of choosing for interpreters in this process.2.1.2 Understanding of original speech Understanding of Original Speech is a vital process during the interpretation.If one can’t grasp the original meaning, he may mislead the intention of the speaker, even worse, spoil the whole conversation.Basil Hatim and Ian Mason once wrote in their book Discourse and the Translator, “The less evaluative the text is, the less need there will be for its structure to be modified;Conversely, the more culture-bound a text is, the more scope there may be for modification.The less culture-bound a text is, the less need there will be for its structure to be modified;Conversely, the more culture-bound a text is, the more 11

space there may be for modification.”(Hatim & Mason,1999: 3)In China, Qi Weiyan stated in her paper, “Translator’s understandings and opinions are always influenced by times, nation, language, history, custom, culture and so on.Thus, the subjectivity of translators is strongly needed because of the differences in these factors in source text, the disparity between source and target language, and the strong demonstration of times, national feature and culture capital in the source text”.(Qi, 2003)In the following, the author would show that interpreters may have different understandings towards the same original sentence.For example, It’s my great honor to be invited as your friend.Interpreter1: 作为朋友收到邀请，我十分荣幸。Interpreter2: 我十分荣幸以朋友的身份收到邀请。

In this case, the emphasis of the interpreter is different.Interpreter 1 strengthens the meaning of “great honor to be invited” with thanks.While interpreter 2 highlights the words “as your friend” to focus on the true friendship.Therefore, the hidden meaning of the sentence is “The friendship between us is precious to me and I really appreciate it”.Both of the understandings are right if the speaker expresses the sentence without the paragraph.Still, differences between two interpreters don’t influence the quality of interpretation.It can be concluded from the above example that one sentence may lead to different understandings and the interpreters can choose their own understanding according to the atmosphere of situation, the context or the relevant information.This clearly proves that interpreters are able to manipulate during the understanding 12

process and sometimes the subjective choosing may even be of great significance.2.1.3 Production of the interpreted version

As Qi Weiyan stated in her paper, “Translator’s subjectivity can be reflected not only from the comprehension of the source language, but also from the choosing ways of expressions.If we put it in another way, production of the translators gradually form their own translation styles, characteristics and features.There is a close relation between them.In a certain period and under certain historical and cultural background, translators form their own thoughts and senses of values, tastes and interests, as well as translation abilities, which are shown in his translation version.”(Qi, 2003)From the translation theory above, it is aware that translator’s subjectivity is what she talks about.It is the same with interpreters,too.Being an excellent interpreter requires abundant interpreting experiences, careful observation and daily practices.The author will give an example to illustrate this point.For example, Shenzhen today is quite different from what she looked like twenty years ago.Version1: 今日的深圳不同于20年前的深圳。

Version2: 今日的深圳比20年前不可同日而语。

When you talk about Shenzhen’s development and her achievement with a foreigner, such a sentence can be seen very often.In a real interpreting case, it is common that both of the translation versions are acceptable, with no mistake or misunderstanding between communicative parties.However, the two versions have obvious difference.Version 2 gives a more brief idea of difference in Shenzhen which 13

strikes the speaker most.While version 1 is close to literal meaning of the original sentence.The two versions have difference in ways of expression and the author believes that it can reflect the interpreter’s characteristics in some degree.Although the original sentence is a kind of praise of Shenzhen’s great development, the sentence itself does not show that Shenzhen becomes stronger or prosperous.It can be predicted that in terms of characteristics, version 2 is more direct than version 1 since he or she wishes to express the intended meaning in an obvious way.2.2 Feasibility of the adoption of politeness communicative principle in interpretation Since it has been proved that politeness communicative principle is one of the principles that should be adopted in our daily conversation.Adopting politeness communicative principle in interpretation will help create harmonious atmosphere and enable the exchange of words and thoughts to be smooth and successful.As we all know, interpretation is a kind of exchanging and talking since two communicative parties cannot communicate directly because of language and culture differences.Thus, an interpreter is needed to exchange words between the two communicative parties, which is a very important job in such kind of indirect interaction.During interpreting, a sense of being polite is badly needed.In this part, the author will talk about the application of politeness communicative principle and set examples to prove the feasibility to interpretation.The process of application of politeness communicative principle can be divided into three different forms, namely choosing of words, choosing of sentences and choosing 14

ways of expressions.2.2.1 Choosing of words Interpreters may have different words that can be used during interpretation, while they have possibility to choose proper words from them.Therefore, interpreters can find the most polite words under the direction of politeness communicative principle.First of all, some words that can help the interpreters are discussed.Firstly, application of model verbs in politeness communicative principle will be discussed.When we choose proper language form to express politely, some appropriate model verbs can make the sentence like an euphemism.In our conversations or dialogues, these model verbs are easy to find here and there, such as “should, shall, would, could”.In order to express the meaning more clearly, the author will set two examples in the following.When we put the model verb “could” ahead in a question sentence, it is a euphemistic expression.For example, “could you tell me about the story?” The word “would” can be used in a euphemistic expression, especially in the request and suggested sentence.For instance,“I would be a shame to disturb your dialogue.” “would you like to pass the book to me ?”and “wouldn’t it be better to stop it right now?” All the sentences above are more polite than those do not use model verb.Secondly, tense of verb deserves our attention.In a sentence, past tense is another way to express request politely, while past continuous tense is more polite than past tense.For instance,“Sorry, I did it again”.This sentence means this is not the first time he made mistake, and the intended meaning of which is he or she really feels 15

regrettable about what he or she does.From above, it can be found that past tense can also express apologize.Thirdly, some words expressing possibility could also express politeness.when we talk something about suggestion, advice and criticism, we could use “maybe” “perhaps” and “possible”.”Possibly” mainly used in a request sentence, if it is used together with model verbs “can” and “could”, it would be more polite.When we give an invitation, suggestion, requirement and criticism, we can use the word “wonder”, because it is also a euphemism.Another example, the word “quite” can be used in the negative sentence to express politeness:“That’s not quite what I said, you know.” Some examples related to the three pairs of maxims will be discussed next.2.2.1.1 Tact maxim and generosity maxim

From the brief introduction of maxim before, it is easy to know that these two maxims are intended to maxim of benefit to others and cost to oneself.The typical case is as followed.“This is a brief introduction brochure of our school”

Version1: 这是我校的宣传册。

Version2: 这是美国某大学的宣传册。

According to Tack and Generosity Maxim, it is polite to maximize the listener’s benefit even cost the speaker more.In this situation, since the interpreter is the direct speaker to the Chinese students attending an exhibition, the interpreter has to interpret the complete meaning while maximize benefit for the listener.Based on the given situation, version2 is more proper than version1, not only for 16

sake of better advertisement of the school, but also help the listener leave a deep impression of this school, which is different from other schools they heard before.From this point of view, the choosing of version “美国某大学” rather than “我校” realizes the minimization of other’s cost.2.2.1.2 Approbation maxim and modesty maxim

These two maxims demand maximization of praise of others and of dispraise to oneself.The following is an example:

“我们产品的质量比你方更好。”

Version1: Our product’s quality is better than yours.Version2: It seems that our product’s quality is better than yours.In this case, version2 doesn’t maximize praise of listeners and dispraise of him or her.The speaker states the meaning of “better than you”, which is going to cause unhappy feelings to the listeners.2.2.1.3 Agreement maxim and sympathy maxim Agreement Maxim and Sympathy Maxim demand maximization of agreement between oneself and others.An example is as followed:

你同意我的想法吗？

Not really.Version1: Do you agree with me?

我不同意。

Version2: Do you agree with me?

我们的想法可能有些出入。

This is a kind of “agree-or-not” sentence.Agreement should be given based on the Agreement and Sympathy Maxim.Therefore, when the interpreter chooses the expression “有些出入” instead of “不同意”.The atmosphere is more polite and harmonious.2.2.2 Choosing of sentences

Interpreters may have different sentences that come into mind during interpretation, while they have possibility to choose the most suitable one from them.As a result, interpreters can find the most polite one under the direction of politeness communicative principle.2.2.2.1 Tack maxim and generosity maxim Two conclusions can be drawn from these maxims.Firstly, offering is more polite than request in an imperative sentence.Secondly, politeness communicative principle in language can be classified into various degrees because more indirect expressions give listeners more freedom to choose what they want.If a sentence is delivered in a more indirect way, it would be more polite.Example1, Answer the phone.I want you to answer the phone.Will you answer the phone?

Can you answer the phone?

Would you mind answering the phone?

Could you possibly answer the phone?

Example 2, Call a taxi for me.18

I want you to call a taxi for me.Will you call a taxi for me?

Would you mind calling a taxi for me? In each example, the last one is the most polite because it gives the listener more opportunity to refuse.It is successful to minimize the cost to others and maximize benefit to others.More examples can be found at the beginning of a press conference.In order to keep the meeting going quietly, the host would say to the reporter just as “请各位与会人员关闭手机”.Under this circumstance, interpreters have these choices:“Turn off the cell phone.” “Can you turn off the cell phone?” or “Can I probably ask you to turn off the cell phone?”.Among them, the degree of being polite is deeper and deeper, then the last one is the most polite.In order to show politeness, interpreters usually express ideas in a mild and roundabout way.For example, when disagreeing with somebody, one would say,“I don’t think you are right” rather than“you are wrong”.Another example“You don’t seem to understand” instead of “You don’t know” so directly.2.2.2.2 Approbation maxim and modesty maxim

These two maxims demand maximization of praise of others and of dispraise to oneself.They contain two aspects and the first is “negative praise” which means saying something good to somebody instead of criticizing others.An example is followed,“Do you like my skirt?” “Well, yes.But it’s not my favorite.” Although B does not like A’s skirt, he expresses his feelings in a polite way.The second type is “exaggerated praise”, which is common in interpretation from Chinese to English

because English speakers like to exaggerate their feelings, while Chinese are more implicit in comparison.Here is an example: after a party, guests coming from China say to the host,“谢谢你的邀请，我们度过了一个愉快的夜晚。” Interpreter can express like this,“Thank you so much for inviting us, we had a wonderful night”.In this version “so much” is an exaggerated word.Another example is, when praising others, one usually addresses in this way, ”What a beautiful house!” or “What a cute boy”.Another example,“你觉得我们有机会合作这个项目么？”

Hopefully, let’s wait and see.Version1: Is there any possibility for us to cooperate with each other on the project?

希望可以，让我们边走边看。

Version2: Is there any possibility for us to cooperate with each other on this project?

希望能有这个合作机会，让我们边走边看。

Based on Approbation and Modesty Maxim, it is polite for the interpreter to maximize praise of the Chinese party.The Chinese party asks the question about the cooperation possibility in this situation.For some reasons, Without exact comment on the possibility, the foreigner gives an ambiguous answer to the question.Thus, the second version is recommended.2.2.2.3 Agreement maxim and sympathy maxim

These two maxims demand maximization of agreement between oneself and 20

others.English speakers usually express disagreement in this way:“sorry”or“Excuse me”.For instance,A says,“I like these pictures, they are beautiful”.Then B says “Well, I don’t have any eye for beauty, I’m afraid”.From this example, it is easy to see that although B does not agree with A, he does not express that in a direct way, which not only decreases the conflict between them, but also increases the accordance with the speaker.That is to say, in order to make the listener happier, good details should be talked.For instance,“That was the great Oscar for John” and “That was the great news about John”.The first sentence brings more happiness to the listener.On the contrary, when we talk about some sad news, try to say some vague words instead of details.In western culture, the expression of “death” is a typical one.For example,“be asleep in the arms of God”“be taken to paradise and go to heaven”.Another example,“I was sorry to hear about your husband” is more polite than “I was sorry to hear about your husband’s death”.2.2.3 Choosing of expressions

Choosing of expressions means that during interpreting, an interpreter is likely to choose different ways to express the idea.Among these choices, he or she would find the most polite one according to politeness communicative principle, which includes the changing of sentence structure or custom of expression in different languages.The author would illustrate the point in following aspects.2.2.3.1 Tack maxim and generosity maxim

Here is an example to show the expression choices under the direction of these two maxims.21

你看过那份计划了吗？

真不好意思，我昨天去看父母了。

Version1: Sorry, I went to visit my parents yesterday.Version2: Sorry, I haven’t seen it though, since I went to visit my parents yesterday.In this situation, the hidden meaning of Chinese speaker is that he hasn’t looked into the proposal yet.According to Chinese culture, the reason is given at first.However, person asks the question in order to know whether the proposal is seen though or not.Thus, in order to show respect to the leader, he or she had better choose the latter one to give the direct answer first and if time permits, giving reasons in a simple way.In this way, the modest attitude of speaker can be clearly reflected and thus gaining opinion of Chinese audience.2.2.3.2 Approbation maxim and modesty maxim Here is an example to show the expression choices under the direction of these two maxims.That is all my speech, If you have any question concerning my speech, welcome.Version1: 我的演讲完毕，有问题可以问我。

Version2: 我的演讲完毕，如有问题，欢迎随时提问。

The original sentence is a traditional English way of expression with no offence.However, the translated version1 may seem a bit rude to the audience in China.Thus, although violating the literal meaning of the original words, interpreters maybe choose the latter one to show politeness and create a harmonious atmosphere.22

2.2.3.3 Agreement maxim and sympathy maxim

Under the direction of these two maxims, the author will list an example:

Do you agree with our arrangement?

Yes, the transportation and accommodation are great.Version1: 是的，交通和住宿都不错。

Version2: 安排的很好，尤其是住宿和交通。

In order to be polite, version2 chooses the expression “安排的很好”，which is not heightened in the original words.The change of expression adds the degree of agreement and sounds more agreeable than just saying“是的”.Therefore, the listener will be glad to your interpretation.3 Strategies for applying politeness communicative principle in interpretation

Since a great many researches have been done on the strategies whenever concerning politeness or subjectivity, the author is going to mention three of them simply.There are substitution when the speaker does not mention, treason when the speaker does mention but not polite to the audience and omission to name just a few.3.1 Substitution Interpretation needs substitution sometimes.Since it has already been proved that interpreter is able to cope with subjectivity, substitution cannot be avoided because of different languages, backgrounds, styles and so on.When comes to politeness communicative principle, substitution can be utilized in following: The key point of Tack and Generosity maxims is to reduce the cost of others.In some cases, people are not willing to talk about death, disease, body part and so on.23

Instead, they would use indirect words replacing them.For instance, “big C” stands for “cancer” “mentally handicapped” replaces “retarded”, “psychiatric hospital” rather than “mental hospital”.Concerning about unemployment, they would use the words: “unwaged, between jobs”.It’s good for one to try hard to agree with others,if not that matters, and it is the key issue of Agreement and Sympathy maxims.When one agrees with the other but he or she omits the words like “yes” or “sure” and directly continue the topic.On such occasions, it is greater if the interpreter say like “of course” or “definitely” to emphasize the agreement.Substitution can be found quite often in opening and end of speeches, informal lectures and interviews, which allows to establish harmonious atmosphere without influencing the content or final result.3.2 Treason In some occasions, if we translate the sentences literary, it would cause misunderstanding due to different cultural backgrounds.As bridge of communication, it is interpreter’s responsibility to promote better interactions, even sometimes not being loyalty to the original words.In order to maximize praise of others and minimize praise to oneself, interpreters may sometimes behave modest on behalf of the speaker.Such kind of situation can be found when communicative parties come from different cultural backgrounds.For instance, the Westerners tend to be direct while Chinese are used to behave modest.It is the guest speaker’s or sometimes interpreter’s responsibility to use words or concept of the host speakers and that can also be regarded as a kind of agreement to 24

the host party and its custom for sake of offering more agreement to others.Situations exist when parties hold different opinions toward one issue or when slip of tongue occurs.Interpreters should be pay attention to this strategy, be loyalty to the original words and pass on the meaning to the listeners.3.3 Omission Facing with difficulties in interpretation, omission is one of the strategies most often applied.Omission concludes deletion of words, phrases, sentences or even a paragraph.Here is an example: Please turn to page 20, maybe 22.let me see, yes, 25.Version1:请翻到书的20页，也许是22页，让我看看，第25页。

Version2:请翻到书的第25页。

It costs a lot for the audience to hear page 20, 22and 25 getting themselves busy in turning to pages that are not certain.Thus, it is wise and polite for the interpreter to slip to the final page which is quite certain, or else it will cause a confusing situation.However, this strategy is not proper in all conditions.When comes to important content, no random omission is allowed.Conclusion

Through this paper, the author draws the conclusion that it is very important and feasible to use politeness communicative principle in interpretation.Therefore, when interpreters understand preconditions of the principle and adopt related interpretation strategies, the interpreted version would be better.Since interpreters are already aware of the importance to be polite and feasibility to subjectivity.Besides, some possible ways to deal with subjectivity, interpretation strategies under the direction of politeness communicative principle are are listed in the paper.It is conductive to the improvement of the quality of interpretation and the development of interpreters themselves.Since this paper is done with the aid of many reference books and some papers, there may exist weakness and limitations during the process.Besides, there are causes that actually lead to these limitations: Firstly, as a college student, it is unlikely for the author to get in touch with interpreters in everyday life;Secondly, not doing or observing enough interpreting practice, it is impossible for the author to collect a large number of materials and cover all the areas.Finally, the author has little experience in interpretation, which causes the big trouble to perfect the paper.As a result, based on the materials available and current condition, the author tries best to make the paper reliable.The author hopes that the future researches can spare more efforts in the following aspects.Firstly, researches may collect as much materials as they can through all possible channels in future.If time permits, such kind of collection may 26

produce a more reliable research than this one.Secondly, there is no space and time left for strategies and suggestions.The author just lists three of them to name just a few.It is the hope of the author that future researcher can lay more emphasis on the strategy part to make this research more complete and systematic.Bibliography Brown.P &Levinson, S.Universals in Language Usage [J].Shanghai: Shanghai

Foreign Language Education Press, 1978.Gile, D.An Oral Translation of Oral Discourse [M].New York: Oxford University

Press, 1995.Grice, H.P.Logic and Conversation [J].New York: Academic Press, 1975.Hatim, B.&Mason, I.Discourse and Translator [M].Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign

Language Education Press, 2001.Nida, E.A.Language, Culture and Translating [M].Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign

Language Education Press, 2004.Pochhacker.F.Introducing Interpreting Studies [M].Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign

Language Education Press, 2004.Zhong Shukong.A Practical Handbook of Interpretation [M].Beijing: Beijing

External Translation Press, 2001.顾曰国.跨文化交际 [M].北京: 外语教学与研究出版社, 2005.郭英珍.语用中的礼貌原则与口译的敬体形式 [J].华北水利水电学报, 2004(2).侯林平, 姜泗平.我国近十年来译者主体性研究的回顾与反思 [J].山东科技大

学学报, 2006(3).利奇.语义学 [M].上海: 上海外语教育出版社, 1996.吕炳华.译者主体性的体现.[J] 山东外语外贸大学学报, 2005(1).戚伟燕.译者主体性的体现和强弱.[J] 杭州电子工业学院学报.2004(1).裘姬新.译者主体性及其制约因素 [J].河南科技大学学报, 2004(1).28

商务英语中礼貌原则的运用 篇6

现实生活中存在很多的语言交际行为，尤其是商务领域中的谈判涉及到多个利益主体，各利益主体为了达成某笔交易则要就各项条件进行协商，所以对于现代对外贸易领域来说国际商务谈判扮演着十分重要的角色，其关系到我国企业能否在对外贸易开展中获取良好的利益。虽然国际商务谈判在开展中存在固有的模式，但是其强调谈判者要灵活的使用语言来对整个谈判过程进行控制，谈判者只有遵守和应用基本语用原则才能提高翻译质量，这也关系到整个国际商务谈判能否取得成功，所以国际商务谈判中的语用原则对整个语言交际行为的成效有着极大影响。

二、语用原则对国际商务谈判的作用

现代语用学在发展过程中将语言交际的方法作为研究重点，对于语用学来说语言的构成方式并不是其研究重点，而语用原则便是现代语用学在研究与应用中的核心概念，只有熟悉掌握语用原则才能掌握特定情境下处理特定话语，同时也可以在不同社会背景下有效诠释出语言，所以对于现代语用学来说语用原则是其研究的重点。语用原则在本质上是指语言构成的各个要素之间的相互配合、相互制约的关系，其在本质上包含国际商务谈判会话的内容、交际对象、交际方式以及会话发生时的文化、社会、民族以及时代背景等，语用原则决定了交际各方对语言的运用和理解，尤其是商务英语中存在很多一词多义的现象，在特定的商务背景下其具有特定的内涵，而且其释义会与我们常用的英语词义之间存在较大的差异，所以对于国际商务谈判来说这些词汇在具体应用中根据不同的语用原则来显示不同的语义，所以要求国际商务谈判各方必须要数量掌握和应用基本语用原则。本文认为语用原则对于译者来说其决定了能否准确判断原文在语用上的真正意义，而不是按照自己的经验及知识从简单的字面意思对其进行翻译，这样才能帮助译者在国际商务谈判过程中避免出现语用失误，使原文与译文在转换过程中可以达到语用等效的目的，同时也可以帮助译者有效提高国际商务谈判过程中的翻译质量，确保谈判各方通过国际商务谈判可以顺利的达成交易。

三、语用原则在国际商务谈判中的具体应用

国际商务谈判过程中商务英语翻译的根本目的在于正确解读原文，并要求译者需要在译文中对原文的意义进行重构，这样才能确保整个国际商务谈判活动的顺利开展，而现代翻译理论中明确了语用原则对于国际商务谈判的重要性，只有灵活应用不同的语用原则才能把握住原文的信息，所以语用原则在国际商务谈判中的应用是一种动态上的对等，只有基于语用原则的商务英语翻译才能确保译文含义与原文含义的一致性。本文认为基于语用原则翻译在本质上属于一种等效翻译，其在开展过程中十分强调语用语言上的等值和社会语用等方面的等值，并要通过对两种不同语言的对比及结合特定语境来确定其最终的语用意义，译者可以灵活应用语用原则来调整原语的形式，只需要确保原文与译文在信息上的高度一致，并要充分考虑原文与译文在各自所属社会文化背景上的差异性，这样才能确保在国际商务谈判中可以将原文的文化信息在译文中表达出来。

1.在特定语用原则下选择等效词汇

国际商务谈判在开展过程中需要涉及多个领域，所以对于国际商务谈判中的翻译行为来说其具有专业性强等特点，很多具有普通意义的英语词汇在商务英语中便成为了专业术语，所以译者需要灵活使用合理的语用原则来对词汇的含义进行翻译，译者在具体翻译过程中要尽可能的掌握商务背景下的专业术语，只有这样才能在特定语用原则下了解该词汇所要表达的语言含义，这也是确保整个国际商务谈判活动可以顺利开展的前提条件。例如，policy 一词在日常生活中可以将其译为“政策”、“策略”,但是对于商务活动的保险合同中则为 InsurancePolicy,译者在翻译过程中则不能将该词直译为“保险政策”或“保险策略”等含义，而是要将其翻译为“保险单”,所以某些词汇在特定的语用原则下则会成为国际商务谈判中专业性极强的词汇，译者只有充分掌握该类词汇的语用原则才能做到词汇的等效选择。

2.拆分、重组句式结构

国际商务谈判中的商务英语具有正式、规范等诸多特点，尤其是在国际商务谈判中涉及到的合同、法律文书等商务文体，谈判者会使用大量的复合句来提高语言表述的严谨和完整，所以该类句子中往往会存在各种从句、同位语、过去分词以及被动语态等，译者在将该类句子转化为中文时如果采用直译的方法，这样便会导致译文在读起来时过于难懂，很难让中文读者在国际商务谈判中了解原文的真实信息。所以要求译者要熟练使用各类语用原则来对原文句式结构进行适当转换，并要根据中文读者的语言表达习惯在保证原文信息不缺失的基础上进行翻译，以便于国际商务谈判中的中文读者可以准确、迅速的了解对方的想法、意图以及要求。

3.跨越文化差异达到语用上的等效

现阶段国际商务谈判活动开展过程中要注意中西方文化上的差异，并要在语言交际过程中要在最大程度上尊重彼此的思维方式、风俗习惯以及表达方式的特点，而只有译者熟练掌握中西方文化差异才能将译文与原文达到语用意义上的等效，这是因为某些词语的意义在语用原则下与文化背景有着紧密的联系，所以要求译者在国际商务谈判过程中不能停留在词汇表层意义上对其进行翻译，而是要基于对方文化特点来探寻该词语深层次的含义。

总之，语用原则对于国际商务谈判来说其决定了译者在语言交际过程中的整体质量，进而也决定了国际商务谈判活动能否按照谈判者的思路进行统领，所以要求国际商务谈判过程中要熟练掌握各类基本语用原则，以便于其翻译质量可以满足国际商务谈判活动的开展要求。

[参 考 文 献]

[1]陈红。商务谈判语言的特点及运用技巧[J].贵州师范学院学报，2011（5）

[2]邱丽洪。精益生产理论对外贸函电的规范与约束[J].沈阳农业大学学报，2013（3）

对外汉语教学中礼貌原则的运用 篇7

迄今为止有影响力、最具可操作性的礼貌论是由Leech (1983) 提出的, 其主要目的是为了减少人们交际中的摩擦, 为此要最大限度地考虑他人, 最小限度地考虑自己, 具体体现在它的六条准则中:策略、慷慨、赞扬、谦虚、一致和同情。这六条准则要求说话人对听话人要始终言听计从、不得对抗、抬举对方、自己保持低调、为对方考虑等。本文主要是按照Leech在礼貌六准则展开的。

二、礼貌原则对对外汉语教学的重要意义

礼貌用语是遵守礼貌原则的语言, 属于语用学研究的范畴, 语用能力是衡量外语学习结果的主要标准, 然而语用失误现象普遍存在于第二语言学习者身上, 究其原因主要是因为传统的第二语言教学往往侧重于语法词汇层面的教学, 忽略了语境设定以及语用能力的培养。一个外语水平高的学生在真正与目的语国家人们对话的时候, 都会出现这样那样的表达问题。对于目的语国家的人来说词汇和语法方面的欠缺失误很容易被原谅, 然而表达方式的不得体不礼貌却被认为是一个人人格品质的问题, 很难被谅解。由此可见, 礼貌语用具有很高的研究价值, 对于汉语来说, 其研究意义更为重大。

文化是语言的基石, 语言是文化的载体。中国是礼仪之邦, 中国人历来重视“礼”, 重视“面子”, 讲究尊他贬己, 给他人留面子也保全自己的面子。面对越来越火的汉语热潮, 如何让更多的外国人会说汉语, 说好汉语是一个亟待解决的问题, 其中更为重要的是如何将中华民族几千年的礼仪文化教授给汉语学习者, 使中国传统文化发扬光大。因此, 汉语中的礼貌语用尤为重要。

三、礼貌原则在对外汉语教学中的运用

对外汉语教学不应该只局限于生词、语法和语篇的教授, 单纯地传授汉语知识并不能符合《对外汉语教学大纲》中对于汉语学习者语言交际能力的标准。目前很多对外汉语教授致力于引导汉语学习者理解文章的深层含义, 汉语是一门丰富多彩的语言, 如何挖掘语言表面下的内涵对于汉语学习者来说更为重要, 这样在和中国人交流时才能更好地理解汉语的话外之意、弦外之音。同样的道理, 汉语在礼貌原则的体现上也是委婉迂回的。

(一) 策略准则的运用

所谓策略准则就是尽量减少他人的付出, 增大他人的益处, 也就是抬高对方, 贬低自己, 顾曰国称之为“尊他贬己”。这一条准则在汉语的称谓语中得到了很好的体现, 汉语中的称谓语都有一个显著的特点就是以贬低自己来表达对别人的尊重。例如:

令千金读的可是名牌大学, 不像犬子, 没出息地只混了个中专文凭。

“千金”在对外汉语教学中是个重点强调的词, 一般外国留学生不明白这个词怎么会和对方的女儿联系在一起, 其实只要能理解汉语中的礼貌是通过抬高别人来体现的, 那么就很容易记忆并运用到日常交际中了。“犬子”和“千金”相对, 把自己的孩子和狗做比较, 压低自己的地位来凸显对方的尊贵。

(二) 慷慨准则的运用

慷慨准则要求说话人尽量减少自己的收益, 扩大自己付出的代价。

2.—甲:你这次讲课大赛肯定能拿一等奖!

—已:我准备得都快累死了。

看似没有关系的问答, 其实已的回答遵守了慷慨准则, 他知道他表现得很好, 可以拿奖, 但是为了表示礼貌他要强调自己付出的代价很大, 来平衡自己的收益。如果他直接回答说“我知道”或者“谢谢”的话, 在中国人眼中是狂妄自大的表现, 中国文化讲究中庸之道, 凡事讲究平衡, 收益大的时候必然需要通过大的代价来维持平衡。

(三) 谦逊准则的运用

中国人谦虚是世界人都知道的, “哪里哪里”已经被汉语学习者所掌握, 但是中国文化的谦虚精神远不是一个“哪里哪里”可以体现的。比如下面这组对话:

甲:娘子青春多少?

已:小女虚度23岁, 比官人痴长2岁。

甲问已今年多大年龄, 已很谦虚地回答说我白白浪费了23年的时光, 比你多过了2年的傻日子。这是自谦的说法, 事实上已的23年并非虚度, 大2岁也不是痴傻的度日。中国人通过贬低自己来尊重别人, 在欧美留学生中很难被接受, 但是这一点在教学中应该被指出其意义所在。

(四) 赞扬准则的运用

赞扬准则就是要多说好话, 令对方高兴。世界上每一个国家的人都懂得赞扬是一种美德, 但是在这里需要一提的是, 中国人是不擅长赞扬的, 尤其是不懂得如何回应别人的赞扬, 在中国赞扬一个女孩的容貌漂亮可以, 但是如果赞扬她身材很好, 很性感, 恐怕很难被理解和接受。中国人对于赞扬持保守接受态度。在对外汉语教学中, 应该鼓励得体的赞扬。

(五) 赞同准则的运用

尽量减少和他人不同的意见, 尽量夸大与他人相同的意见, 减少分歧, 增加一致性。对外汉语教学课堂上, 教师的教学指令起着非常重要的作用。课堂用语中的礼貌原则如果运用得好, 对于学习汉语的留学生来说是一种精神上的鼓励和肯定。由此可见礼貌原则在课堂用语中起着不可小觑的作用。

(六) 同情准则的运用

同情原则就是要尽量缩小对别人的厌恶, 扩大对对方的同情。教师在教学过程中如果能设身处地地为学生着想, 站在学生的立场上理解他们说错话, 用错字, 表达不当等情况, 而非埋怨责怪, 那么对于汉语学习者来说, 就是在运用同情准则礼貌地对待学生。学习汉语也会变得轻松和勇敢, 敢于表达, 敢于犯错, 敢于被纠正。

综上所述, 礼貌原则在对外汉语教学中起着举足轻重的作用, 它既引导汉语学习者去探究汉语的言外之意, 委婉表达;又指导对外汉语教师在课堂授课中注重教学指令的礼貌与否。这些都为对外汉语教与学创造了有利的条件。汉语学习的目的是能够熟练得运用所学的生词和语法进行交际, 交际要求得体, 得体即为礼貌, 一个说错话, 用错词的外国人被认为是没学好, 但是一个说话不得体、没礼貌的人被认为是没修养。由此可见, 礼貌原则需要更好地被对外汉语吸收和采用, 礼貌原则也要更好地指导对外汉语教学。

摘要：对外汉语教学旨在使第二语言学习者真正能够运用目的语进行交流, 交流适当得体性成为语用学考虑的新课题, 礼貌原则属于语用学的范畴, 因此研究礼貌原则更具现实意义。本文以礼貌原则的六条准则为主线, 结合对外汉语教学中的教学实例, 从教师和学生两方面分析礼貌原则在对外汉语教学中的运用。

关键词：礼貌原则,对外汉语教学,准则运用

参考文献

[1]顾曰国, 礼貌语用与文化[J], 外语教学与研究, 1992 (4)

[2]何自然, 语用学概论[M], 长沙:湖南出版社, 1988

[3]吕文华、鲁健骥, 外国人学汉语的语用失误[J], 汉语学习, 1993 (1)

[4]刘润清, 关于Leech的礼貌原则[J], 外语教学与研究, 1987 (2)

商务英语中礼貌原则的运用 篇8

【关键词】礼貌原则；教育口语；人性

·【中图分类号】G633.3

礼貌原则作为重要的言语交际原则，被广泛运用到翻译、广告和教学中，但对于教育口语以及学生的个性发展的研究却很少。

新课改提倡现代师生关系应具有民主性、平等性，提倡“教师为主导，学生为主体”，以及教师也应“由学生学习的批判者转变为学生发展的促进者”，那么教师“直言不讳”传统教育口语就显示出其弊端。虽然“直言不讳”批评式的教育口语能在短时间内能发挥一定的功效，但是不利于学生身心的健康发展。

在这样的教育背景下，我们将着力从礼貌原则出发，探讨礼貌原则在教育口语中的运用，尤其关注学生的平等、自主、自尊等“人性”发展，力求提高教师的教育口语能力和交际能力。因此，这项研究是十分有必要且有意义的。

一、礼貌原则提出的背景以及与教育口语的关联性

1983年，英国语言学家利奇在前人的研究的基础上，于《语用学原则》一书中提出了礼貌原则。他把“礼貌原则”划分为六类：得体准则、宽宏准则、赞誉准则、谦逊准则、一致准则、同情准则，认为礼貌原则是为了补充和拯救合作原则提出来的。

二、探究礼貌原则在教育口语中的“人性”运用

在学校教育中，教师与学生就是一对主要的交际活动者。教师的教是学校教育的重要组成部分，也是教育口语中交际行为的主导者。我们农村以及个别城市学校的传统教育口语往往是“直言不讳”的批评，其中搀和着教師的话语霸权，师生之间是不平等的。

我们知道中学生已具有思维独立批判性，自我认识也在不断增强，他们迫切希望自己的独立性、自尊性得到承认，希望别人能公平、客观的看待自己，学生尤其希望能他人能人性化的对待他们。若用严厉的话语批评他们，很有可能激起学生的逆反心理。那么在新课程改革的背景下，怎样的教育口语才能促进学生的发展达到有效教育的目的呢？我们认为利奇的礼貌原则，是很好的参考。

因此本文将以利奇提出的礼貌原则的六个准则为理论指导，结合新课程改革的相关理念，学生的心理发展规律和自身实际情况，用典型的教育案例和自身的教育经验，探讨礼貌原则在教育口语中的运用以及技巧，以达到促进学生人性发展、提高教育有效性的目的。由于利奇的六条准则，前四条是双向的，因此我们将它合为两条。

（一）得体原则和宽宏准则

得体原则即最小限度地使自己得益，最大限度地使自己受损。宽宏准则即最小限度地使别人受损，最大限度地使别人得益。

在教学中我们应降低姿态，平等待生。面对成绩以及品行较好的学生，老师在纠错时老师假装自己不懂一些事情，而让学生做做我们的老师，这种“示弱”虽然使教师的面子和威信在很大程度上受损，使得自身的利益受损，但能在很大程度上提高学生的自信心，同时又能唤醒学生对学习的兴趣。

那么针对有学习基础和较好的学习习惯、自尊心和自信心的学生的学生，从性格特点方面分析，我们可以采用使自己的利益受适当的“损害”，以达到学生的适当得益。

1、外向型

大多数外向型的人开朗、乐观，积极向上，善于社交，善于适应陌生环境。这类学生较容易接受 “批评”性话语。对于这类学生，教育口语可以从他们的自身特点和问题出发，以优带动问题的解决，在此过程中可适当降低老师的“面子”、“权威”、甚至适当的“示弱”，来解决学生的存在的问题，指导学生行为，提高学习的兴趣。

2、内向型

内向型的人心思够细，做事认真，有着坚强的毅力和耐性，脚踏实地，较外向型学生而言，较难接受批评性话语。根据这样的特点，教育口可以适当减少甚至不说直言不讳的批评语。根据学生学习和行为等实际情况，我们可以适当提升学生的“面子”，从而达到提高学生能力的目的。

3、二者兼有或略有侧重

具有综合性特点的学生，我们可从学生侧重的特点和自身的实际，来选择适当上述外向型学生策略或内向型学生策略、或二者兼用，促进学生有效发展。

（二）赞誉准则和谦虚准则

赞誉准则即最小限度地贬低别人，最大限度地赞誉别人。 谦虚准则即最小限度地是赞誉自己，最大限度地贬低自己。

教师的教育口语的目的不仅仅是教育学生，更重要的是引导他们向好的方向发展。教师合理贬低自己而衬托、赞扬学生，适当地表示或暗示自己的期望，可以更好的拉近与学生的距离，发挥教育的作用。

1、外向型

我们可以在相应的情境中直接或较直接点出学习或行为的他们的优点。比如，在多数人面前赞誉他，私下再单独找他们聊，合理恰当的点出问题所在，帮助学生树立信心，提升他们的学习动机，并且适宜的贬低自己衬托学生也是一种好的教育方式。

2、内向型

选取恰当的教师口语方法，在适当的情境中，我们可主要用表扬语和鼓励语来肯定激励学生，表达出教师对学生的良好的期望。

3、二者兼有或略有侧重

发现学生的问题所在，根据其侧重的特点，选择恰当的教师口语，以赞誉的原则来欣赏学生，肯定学生，鼓励学生。

（三）一致性准则

使对话双方的分歧减至最小限度，使对话双方的一致增至最大限度。针对不擅长学习，喜欢“玩”的学生，思维方式独特的学生，我们可以最大限度的取得学生与我们的一致性，采用映情境的教育口语，减小学生与我们的分歧，以达到学生的最大得益。我们要善于分析学生的思维模式，从学生所想的内容，寻求一致性。灵活的采用相应的教育口语，达到目的。

（四） 同情准则

同情准则使对话双方的反感减至最小限度，使对话双方的同情增至最大限度。

礼貌原则的六大准则在教育口语中往往是多项结合在一起运用的，如（2）和（3）同时体现了得体原则、宽宏原则、赞誉准则、谦虚准则四大准则；（2）（3）、（4）不仅有减少分歧达成一致的效果，也有降低反感增加同情的作用。教育口语也是一样的，可以多种方法合理有效的配合使用。

三、结语

学生需要理解、关爱、尊重，礼貌原则的六大准则能有效的保障学生的身心健康正常发展。教师的教育要关注学生，“从学生中来，从学生中去”，站在他们的角度去思考问题，充分了解学生的基础上“人性”化的引导，让学生的天性得到充分发展。

【参考文献】

[1]索振羽 .《语用学教程》[M]. 北京大学出版社， 2000.第一版.97-91

[2]戈玲玲.《教学语用学》[M].国防科技大学出版社，2002.第一版.105-113