商务英语函电文本中的主题性多词单位分析

Key Multi-word Units in Business English Correspondence

利用语料库对比方法,从词汇、语法、语义和语用角度调查商务语境中主题性多词单位的典型模式和语用特征。研究表明,受语言规约和使用概率的限制,多词单位在组合内的词汇选择呈现封闭性,但通过词汇和语法的结合又显示出较强的主题表达和语篇生成能力。这些多词单位与通用英语表达相比有明显区别,对于我国商务英语教学具有启示意义。

Abstract： By comparing a specialized English corpus to a general one this paper investigates the typical patterns and discoursal features of the key multi-word units in business context from the perspective of lexis, grammar, semantics and pragmatics. The lexical choice within muhi-word units in business correspondence is drawn from a finite set of options, restricted by the conventionality and probability of language use. However, lexis-grarmnar structure helps the multi-word units to generate and explain the text with better effect. These units, highly expressive in business topics and different from those in English for General Purposes, have some positive implications for Business English teaching in China.