Abstract: In business communication, English business correspondence plays a very important role. It has become an essential way to promote cooperation between both sides. People have to use politeness strategies in English business correspondences and consider what kinds of politeness strategies should be used in different business situations if they want to make a hit. This thesis analyzes politeness, politeness strategies and discusses the use of politeness strategies in different kinds of English business correspondences under the theoretical framework of Brown and Levinson. This thesis helps people to realize their intentions in business communication by understanding and using politeness strategies and guide people to improve the ability of business letter writing.

Key words: business correspondence; politeness; politeness strategies; realization

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review...2

2.1Business Correspondence

2.1.1 Concepts of Business Correspondence

2.1.2 Functions of Business Correspondence

2.1.3 Categories of Business Correspondence

2.2. Politeness

2.2.1 The Concept of Politeness

2.2.2 Brown and Levinson’s Theories 

2.3 Politeness and Business Correspondence

3. Application of Politeness Strategies in English Business Correspondence...5

3.1 Positive Politeness Strategies in English Business Correspondence 

3.2 Negative Politeness Strategies in English Business Correspondence 

3.3 Off Record Politeness Strategies in English Business Correspondence

4. Realization of Politeness Strategies in English Business Correspondence..11

  4.1 In Good-news English Business Correspondence

4.2 In Bad-news English Business Correspondence

  4.3 In Persuasive English Business Correspondence

5. Conclusion13

Bibliography.14

Acknowledgements..15