Contents

Page

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Statement of Authorship

Chapter I Introduction 1

1.1. Background to the Study 7

1.2. Organization of the study 8

Chapter II Literature Review 9

2.1. Introduction 9

2.2. Basic theory about business letters 9

2.2.1. The importance of business letters in doing business 10

2.2.2. Definition of a business letter. 11

2.2.3. Kinds of business letters 11

2.2.3.1. Social business letters 11

2.2.3.2. Inquiries 14

2.2.3.3. Quotations and offers 14

2.2.3.4. Orders 14

2.2.3.5. Claims 15

2.2.3.6. Letters of Application 15

2.3. Features of a good business letters 15

2.3.1. Giving the letters a professional look 17

2.3.1.1. Paper 17

2.3.1.2. Envelope 17

2.3.1.3. Margins 17

2.3.1.4. Spacing 17

2.3.2. Parts of a business letter 18

2.3.2.1. Letterhead 18

2.3.2.2. Dateline 18

2.3.2.3. Inside address 18

2.3.2.4. Order of inside address 19

2.3.2.5. Punctuation of address 20

2.3.2.6. Salutation 20

2.3.2.7. Content 20

2.3.2.8. Complimentary close 21

2.3.2.9. Signature block 21

2.3.3. Other parts 21

2.3.3.1. Attention line 21

2.3.3.2. References 22

2.3.3.3. P.p 22

2.3.3.4. Enclosures 22

2.3.4. Styles of business letter 22

2.3.4.1. Indented style 22

2.3.4.2. Common expression 22

2.3.5. Useful hints for business letter writing 23

2.3.5.1. Outlining a business letter 23

2.3.5.2. Composing the content 24

2.4. Summary 24

Chapter III Methods and Procedures 25

3.1. Introduction 25

3.2. Subjects 25

3.3. Instrumentation 25

3.4. Procedures 26

3.4.1. Using correct grammar 27

3.4.2. Power of Lexis 27

3.4.3. Terminology in business correspondence 28

3.4.4. Conveying the writing style 28

Chapter IV Results and Discussion 29

4.1. Introduction 29

4.2. The Findings 29

4.3. Discussion 30

4.3.1. Some difficulties and common mistakes in using correct grammar 30

4.3.2. Power of lexis and Terminology, set expression and using words in translating business correspondence 34

4.3.2.1. Lexis and Terminology 34

4.3.2.2. Mistakes and difficulties in set expression and using words 42

4.3.2.3. Mistakes and difficulties in using words 46

4.3.3. Difficulties in conveying the original writing styles 51

4.3.3.1. Problems in tone 52

4.3.3.2. Using inflated language 53

4.3.3.3. Using negative ideas 54

4.3.3.4. Using impersonal style 55

4.4. Summary 56

Chapter V: Implications, Suggestions and Conclusion 57

5.1. Implications 57

5.1.1. Using correct language 57

5.1.2. Solution to conveying the original writing styles 59

5.2. Suggestions for future research 64

5.3. Conclusion 64

References 60

Appendices 61