例如: According to the market investigation, there is a steady demand for silk garments in the market. According to 这一模糊限制语的使用,将作者本人的主观分析隐含于市场调查的客观结论中,使该结论更具客观可信性,避免武断地将个人观点强加于读者。此外,该词的运用使这一陈述具有不确定性、模糊性,而市场需求也同样具有模糊性与复杂性,用模糊限制语能对这一现象做出相对准确的描述。
2 礼貌功能
礼貌是商务英语信函重要的语言特点,礼貌得体的语言有助于树立良好的企业形象,建立友好的合作关系,促进商务活动的成功。国际商务活动中由于交际双方存在利益上的冲突,在交易或合作过程中出现一些分歧或矛盾在所难免的,当涉及到双方利益等敏感性话题又不便明说时,模糊语言通过将信息模糊使表达更含蓄婉转,避免冲突,在冲突或矛盾面前既能维护自身利益又显得彬彬有礼,有利于商务活动继续进行下去。例如:We regret to complain of certain grave defects in the plastic button dispatched to us on the 7th July. We would suggest that this claim should be settled in accordance with the arbitration rules of the International Chamber of Commerce.在上述例句中我们可以看到表达抱怨、索赔、拒绝等坏消息时,通过有意识地使用模糊限制语W e r e g r e t , W e wouldsuggest 而显得语气缓和委婉,避免了过于武断而伤及对方面子,有利于双方的贸易合作。
又如:We regret to have point out that a shortage in weight of 210 lbs.was noticed when the foods arrived. But we regret very much to report that 350cases
of cigarettes were badly damaged and could not be sold.上述例句中被动语态将重点放在受事,含蓄地指出对方过失,避免了因直接说出施动者而可能带来的难堪或矛盾,从而达到了缓和语气、言词委婉的交际语用效果,保全对方的面子,有利于交际目的的达成。
例如,Our product is well known for its high quality,fine material and latest fashion.It enjoys a good reputation both athome and abroad.形容词所表达的概念的 外延总是模糊的,例句中使用语义模糊的形容词high,fine,latest,good 等来推销自己的产品,质量究竟怎样,所用材料如何并没有明确说明,模糊语言可以让对方根据自己的理解形成对产品的良好印象,达成劝购的目的。
又如,Under this arrangement we will now be able to give youthe very best service at the lowest direct factory prices.
例如:It is at the disposal of the board. We’ ll give you our reply as soon as possible.as soon as possible. 模糊语言的使用实际上起到了缓兵之计的作用,也许已有明确的答复暂不便明说,也许确实要等待董事会的处理意见,最终什么时候怎样答复对方,就可以视商情的进展而定了。