Abstract

English business letter is the most important way to convey international commercial information. This thesis is based on Eugene Nida’s functional equivalence theory and many current studies, this paper analyses the feasibility and the guidance of applying functional equivalence theory to English business letters translation from the angle of English business letters’ stylistic features and seeks reasonable translation strategies of English business letter.

In order to prove the applicability of functional equivalence theory to English business letters translation, the thesis systematically introduces Nida’s functional equivalence, thus proposes corresponding translation strategies according to seven stylistic features of English business letters. The research aims to provide guidance on English business letters translation in theory and practical application through the study of English business letters from the perspective of functional equivalence.

Keywords: English business letter; functional equivalence theory; stylistic feature; translation strategies

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction1

2.Literature Review2

2.1 Current studies of English Business letters translation.2

2.2 The development of functional equivalence theory3

2.2.1 The content of functional equivalence theory3

2.2.2 Feasibility of applying functional equivalence to English business letters translation.5

2.3 Domestic and foreign research on functional equivalence theory6

3.Stylistic Features of English business letters 8

3.1 Completeness.9

3.2 Correctness.9

3.3 Conciseness10

3.4 Concreteness10

3.5 Clarity11

3.6 Consideration.12

3.7 Courtesy.12

4. Translation strategies of English business letters translation from the perspective of functional equivalence13

4.1 Semantic information equivalence13

4.2 Style information equivalence.14

4.3 Stylistic information equivalence15

5. Conclusion15

Works Cited17