Abstract: English archaic words are frequently used in legal and contract English. The function of archaic words in business contracts is particularly prominent. Based on the theoretical principles of the lexical derivation and some business contract examples, this paper will take the prefixes “here-”, “there-” and “where-” as examples and make a summary of the archaic words in business contracts from the aspects of the constitution, characteristics and function of them with the purpose of enhancing the acknowledge of the archaic words and putting emphasis on them. 

Key words: Business Contract; Archaic Words; Prefix

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction. 1

2. Literature Review 2

3. The Constitution and Characteristics of Archaic Words in Business Contracts2

3.1 Constitution of Archaic Words in Business Contracts

 3.1.1 “Here-” as Prefix

 3.1.2 “There-” as Prefix

 3.1.3 “Where-” as Prefix

3.2 Characteristics of Archaic Words in Business Contracts

  3.2.1 Being Concise and Simple

  3.2.2 Being Formal and Serious

  3.2.3 Being Objective and Fair

4. The Coherent Function of Archaic Words in Business Contracts7 

4.1 Coherent Function in Sentences

 4.2 Coherent Function Between Paragraphs

5. Conclusion .8

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements11