Linguistic Features of Business English and Its Translation
1. Linguistic Features of Business English
1.1 Linguistic features in word
1.1.1 Simple words
Efficiency as their top priority, simple words are applicable to achieve this goal. Another reason is related with the way of information transmitting in business routines which has been regarded as the most important part of business; using simple words also do well for people to communicate, to catch the words immediately, while complex words or rare words are hard to understand. So it is understandable for businessmen to u simple words rather than complex words or rare words.
complex or rare words simple words
account for by the fact that caud by
add the point that add that
at a price of $10 at $10
attempts try
deliberation thought
in the majority of cas most
tangible real
visualize e
1.1.2 Abundance of business terms and abbreviated expression
Business terms take an important part in business English .It is the primal task for business English translators to know some business terms. It will influence the business English translation, which the author will analyze in the next chapter.
Let us look at some examples:
stockbroker 股票经济商 costing 成本核算
restart 返聘 chit 代金券土豆开花
AAMA (Administrative Aspects of Market Access) 市场准入的行政管理措施
CEM (Contractual Equipment Manufacturer) 合同制造商
EVA (economic value added) 经济附加值
不知秋思落谁家INRs (Initial Negotiating Rights) 最初谈判权
1.1.3 The variability of words’ meaning
In business English text, the same word can be interpreted in different meaning according to different contexts, which is the variability of business English words’ meaning. Such as: [2] P60-61
(1) Just as in that year, when tho catastrophes were followed by substantial increas in insurance premiums, insures are already lobbying for rate relief.
就像那年的情况一样，大灾之后保洁工作保险金大幅度提高，现在保险公司已经在游说希望减免地方税。
(2) During the 1980’s the large premiums paid in acquisition often resulted in prices that greatly exceeded the value of tangible ast.
20世纪80年代，并购中支付的大额溢价常常导致价格远远超过有形资产的价值。
(3)Liquidity refers to the ability of investors to exchange a financial ast, such as a bond or a share, for cash.
资产折现力是指投资者将债券或股票等金融资产转换为现金的能力。
(4) Place goods in bond.
将（未完税的）货物存入关栈。
In addition, it is common for businessmen to u slang in oral speaking. Translators should pay more attention to slang and to clarify them so as to eliminate obstacles during communicating. Such as: [3] P26
(5) As I was about to say, I move that we table the discussion until our next meeting when everyone is prent.
我建议将讨论推迟到下次每个人都参加会议时再进行。
Here, “move” means “suggest”（建议）, “table the discussion” means “to postpone the meeting”（推迟讨论）.
(6) Can you come down a little?
你能再降低一点价格吗？
Here, “come down” means “knock down the price”（压低价格）.
1.2 Linguistic features in ntence
1.2.1 Conci ntences
Conci ntences conduce to transmit business information and play an important role i
n a business context. It is more convenient for businessmen to u conci ntences in business, either oral or written language. It saves time and, more importantly, avoids misunderstanding.
For example: 赞美
(7) We are a dealership chain specializing in personal computers. We were first established in Hong Kong in 1980. We now have a steady clientele in both the business and educational ctors.
本公司是一家专营电脑的特许经销连锁商。本公司于1980年创立于香港。本公司现有的固定客户涉及商业和教育领域。
Above three ntences, each has its independent meaning. Avoiding using a long ntence, it aims to express meaning straightforward and avoid misunderstanding.
1.2.2 Abundance of formulas
Businessmen have established many polite formulas by popular usage. The polite formulas have been accepted through common practice. To u the formulas also contribute to standardize business article.
(8) For your reference, we are enclosing a few copies of leaflets, and will nd you samples under parate cover.
兹随函附上几份说明书并另寄样品，供你方参考。
(9) Plea inform us what special offer you can make us.
请告贵公司能给多少特价优惠。
(10) We will adhere to this offer for two weeks.
我方报价两周内有效。
1.2.3 Logical expressions
The logic expression is prominently featured in business English documents and contracts, especially in the expression about time and number.
For example:
(11) The goods shall be shipped per M.V. “Dong Feng” on November 10 and are due to arrive at Rotterdam in 140 days.
货物须于什么是股票指数11月10日装上“东风”号货轮，并在140天内抵达鹿特丹港。
Here, it must u the preposition “in” to express the meaning about “veral days later” ra
ther than the preposition “after”. Becau the preposition “after” can not exactly define the day on which day the good s will arrive.
(12) Party A shall be unauthorized to accept any orders or to collect any account on and after September 20.
未经许可，在9月20号之后（含20如何写影评号），甲方无权接受任何订单或者募集任何资金。
(13) Our terms are cash within three months, i.e. on or before May 1.
请在三个月之内（在5月1日之前包括5月1日）付清我们的货款。
(14) Party A shall pay Party B a monthly salary of US $ 500(SAY FIVE HUNDRED US DOLLARS ONLY)
A方每月须向B方支付500美元的工资。
1.3 Linguistic features in text
1.3.1 Plain style
Usually, it is not common to u rhetorical devices in business English context. Actually, most business contexts tend to adopt a plain style.
For example:
(15) I am requested by the Import and Export Department to inform you that the 150 tons of coal ordered from your company one month ago have not been delivered. Will you be so kind as to institute enquiries concerning this non-delivery？It will be appreciated that you give your reply as soon as possible.
进出口部请我通知你：一个月前从贵公司订购的150吨煤至今仍未发货，能否请你过问一下此未发货事宜？请尽快回复，不胜感激。
Here, this paragraph directly prents its meaning without using any rhetorical devices to furnish its expression. It is a common style in business text.
1.3.2 Appropriate wording
The wording in business English is appropriate. And people in business circumstances tend to abstain from arrogance.
Let us look at an example:
(16) Delivery of rugs is now a matter of urgency. Will you plea find out from British Rail what had happened to the consignment and let us know when we may expect delivery? We are of cour making our own enquiries at this end.
地毯急需交货，贵公司是否可以向大英铁路局查询该货物的下落，并通知我方交货的时间，我方亦自当查询。
In this paragraph, though it is about complaint, it also pays attention to u kind words and the mild tone to make sure an appropriate wording.
1.3.3 Ambiguous promi and cautiousness in the passive
“Since the promi in business has the influential effects of law which is related with benefits of each party, an over absolute promi may lead you to a passive stage if any accident happens .So the expression of promi in business English is relatively implicit.”
For example:
我方保证决不重犯这种错误。
(17) We assure you that this error will never occur again. (Over absolute)
(18) We will do all we can to prevent a repetition of this error. (Moderate)
“Since business involves obligation and responsibility, it is necessary to clarify the subject. Therefore, passive ntences are ud with caution in business English.” 福娃晶晶
For example:
柯南名言
(19) The vendor shall deliver the goods to the vendee by June 15.
卖方须在6月15日前将货物发送给买方。
Such an expression would be better than the follow expression: The goods should be delivered by June 15.
In all, the author has analyzed the linguistic features of business English. In the next chapter, with examples taken from business English translations, the author will interpret the influence of linguistic features of business English on translation.
