Analysis of the Specific Pragmatic Functions of Fuzzy Language in the
Business English
【Abstract】As English for specific purpo (ESP), business English should be accurate and strict, in the pursuit of conciness，clearness，accuracy. However，fuzzy language is still widely ud in every aspect of business English. In this article，it mainly focus on the specific analysis of veral pragmatic functions in which it specifically analys the positive pragmatic functions in the business English.
【Key words】fuzzy language；business English；pragmatic function
1.Topic Selection
To my way of thinking，fuzzy language, who role is esntial and active in current days, especially in business occasions, is full of charm. Therefore, I look up a variety of materials and references related to the pragmatic functions in the business English.
2.The Contents
2.1 Introduction of the Background
As a common strategy ud in business, a good mastery of the pragmatic functions of fuzzy language is the general trend of the times. As English for specific purpo (ESP), business English should be accurate, strict, and be in the pursuit of conciness，clearness，accuracy. However，fuzzy language is still widely ud in every aspect of business English and the pragmatic functions of it are wildly focud.
2.2 An Overview of Fuzzy Language and Pragmatic Functions
The concept of vagueness was first propod by the American professor Zadeh (1965) in his article entitled Fuzzy Sets. He pointed out that if the expression is ambiguous and lack of accurate boundary to its opposite, we could collectively call them fuzzy language. Bertrand Rusll (1923) also said that all of the languages are more or less fuzzy. Fuzzy language exists anywhere, becau lots of words are full of uncertainty, such as beautiful, somewhat, as if and so forth. Pragmatic function is the language effects reflected from linguistic form which is suitable for communication environment in the situated context. It has a clo connection with the context. If the context is different, the same words may show different pragmatic functions. Here, the pragmatic function refers to the language effects in the fuzzy language.
2.3 Analysis of specific Pragmatic Functions of Fuzzy Language in the Business English养生补肾
During the real business English communication, as a special purpo, business English is widely ud in business letters, business negotiation, business contract, etc. In vague language, Channell (1994) mentioned that it is no concerned about good or bad fuzzy language, the key lies in whether it is ud correctly. Li Ming (2004) said:" Business English language tends to aim at objectivity, accuracy, and plainness. "Of cour, business English should be accurate and rigorous, however, the appropriate u of fuzzy language can make it more vivid, flexible, image and accurate. If the speaker is not willing or unnecessary to clarify clearly, the fair u of fuzzy language will reduce face threatening acts, softens conversation and protects lf-image, etc.
什么死
番茄疙瘩汤2.3.1 Fuzzy language will improve the implication and politeness of expression
佛慈六味地黄丸Mr. Brown (1987) thought the best way to express the politeness is to u fuzzy language while expressing something rude or threatening. In business communication, such as business letters, it is esntial to u fuzzy language for the sake of showing sort of politeness and implication. Fuzzy expressions can achieve the effect of implicitness and indirectness, especially when it comes to some nsitive topics, which definitely benefits people on both ends of the transaction.
Example 1
Much as we would like to avail ourlves of the offer made to us, we find it impossible to accept owing to your price being about 10% higher than the average.
The phra "about 10% higher than the average" is a good illustration of their politeness and implication. It emingly state the fact, however, the speaker is trying to convey the information that they just cannot accept price offered higher than their forecast, so they decline the price in a relatively polite and implicit manner without directly pointing out. And the word "much" shows their desire to successfully cooperate, which may leave some room for future counter offer.
2.3.2 Fuzzy language will improve the efficiency, and flexibility of expression.
使劲的反义词It is necessary for people to leave some room for both parties in order to form a better cooperation. At that time, fuzzy language comes in handy, the effect of flexibility mainly reflected in the derivative meaning of the words. Especially during the process of negotiation, the flexibility of expression is perfectly performed becau the negotiator
should be free to u the fuzzy language strategy and be good at applying the negotiation skills so that he can achieve his purpo.
Example 2:
As you may notice, the price for pork has gone up currently. Our price is attractive as compared with other supplier.
In this ntence, it us "attractive" instead of showing a clear price to convey some ambiguous information on price, which maintains flexibility in the offer, avoiding the other party thinking of absolute terms. Then the words "other supplier" do not clearly indicate anyone, but it improves the efficiency of tempting the other party to accept offer. With such an intelligent approach, the negotiators try to be objective while highlighting their own advantages.
2.3.3 Fuzzy language will be convey the information more accurately and show the objective accuracy
八英语怎么写On the surface, fuzzy language is full of uncertainty, but it also embodies in some accurate context. To some extent, fuzzy words convey more sufficient information that may be more preci than non-fuzzy words, showing a strategy of using fuzziness to convey some preci information. In this way, the expression reflects sort of the strictness and objectiveness.
Example 3
In general, our payment terms are by irrevocable letter of credit at sight and we do not
accept D/P term.
"In general" is a phra to summary one's opinion on something. However, it does not clarify what "In general" exactly refers to, and the range, degree and limits are all uncertain. It shows a more strict and accurate meaning, meanwhile, it ea the communication atmosphere, driving the other party understand and accept easily than before
2.3.4 Fuzzy language will be a perfect way to one's lf-protection
During business communication, especially some commerce trade, the using of fuzzy language improve the freedom of expression, avoid the absoluteness, and gain the initiative. In particular, if the partner wants one side to take the responsibility, or one offers something wrong to his client, even caus the economic loss, fuzzy language help one easier to protect himlf.
Example 4
婆媳矛盾The ller is not to take the responsibility for no delivery or shipment delay due to generally irresistible reason.
"generally irresistible reason" is the sort of a perfect strategy using in the business contract. It points
out that the ller is irresponsible if the shipment is delayed by some objective factors, such as worker strike, unpredictable weather, etc. The writing person avoids their own responsibility in a tactful way, and subtly lf-protects his own party if both parties have a conflict in the shipment issue.
2.4 Conclusion
善良的朋友Bad on the above analysis of specific pragmatic functions of fuzzy language in the
