Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 The Background and Objective of the Research-1

1.2 Letter of Credit-1

1.3 The Structure of This Thesis-2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Current Research of L/C at Home-3

2.2 Current Research of L/C Abroad-4

Chapter Three Language Features of Letter of Credit English-5

3.1 Lexical Features-5

3.1.1 Use of Formal Words-5

3.1.2 Use of Archaic Words-6

3.1.3 Use of Professional Vocabularies-6

3.2 Syntactic Features-7

3.2.1 Use of Incomplete Sentences-7

3.2.2 Use of Passive Sentences-8

3.2.3 Use of Long Sentences-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

4.1 Findings-11

4.2 Limitations and Suggestions for Future Study-11

References-12

Abstract

A letter of credit is a conditional undertaking of payments by a bank. Nowadays, business transactions between China and foreign countries have increased enormously, and nearly half of the trade are made on letter of credit basis. This thesis will take documentary L/C, L/C application form, L/C amendment, advice of amendment to L/C and UCP 600 as the language materials to study the language features of L/C English including lexical and syntactic features. The study shows that on lexical level formal words, archaic words and professional vocabularies are used; on syntactic level, incomplete sentences, passive sentences and long sentences are used. These features can present that L/C English is formal, accurate and vigorous. The author hopes that it can help the international trade businessmen have a better understanding of L/C English and avoid the possible losses resulting from misunderstanding of L/C terms and conditions.

Key words: L/C English  lexical  syntactic