A Coursework in Business Communication

A Coursework
in
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION

Unit 1: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION INTRODUCTION

 Language of Business Letter

Prepared by: AIMEE F. ROMERO

Instructor

Disclaimer: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This coursework is a compilation of works from

ENG1-BUSINESS COMMUNICATION –
internet sources, manuals, and books from different authors
and will be used for educational purposes only. Due recognition
is given to the authors who are the source of some parts found
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES
in this coursework. (CAS)
The compiler/ owner 1does not clam
copyrights to any part taken for other sources.
 A Coursework in Business Communication

A Coursework
in

Business
Communication

Name: ___________________________________________
Course and year: ___________________________________________
Class Schedule: ___________________________________________
Instructor: AIMEE F. ROMERO

ENG1-BUSINESS COMMUNICATION – DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES (CAS) 2

 A Coursework in Business Communication

Lesson 3

Language of Business Letter

B usiness English is standard English used by all educated people. It is NOT a special
language exclusively for business men. Business English is simply adapted to business
concerns and situations to elicit a favorable response from readers, create a good
impression and obtain the desired results.
Business English is the kind of English used in conducting or in buying and selling
activities. Its extensive use in commercial transactions leads to the accumulation of its
own business terms which the other fields of knowledge may sometimes borrow. This
proves that Business English is not exclusive or snobbishly aloof language. It exists as
the same kind of language used in other aspects of life. It is not any specialized or
language intended nobly for people involved in business. Business is “informative,
affective, adaptive, and derivative.”

Informative
It is informative because it uses words that can always point to actual objects
or events referred to. This is possible through its use of simple and specific terms
that give clear relation between the word and its referent---a denotation that results in
the creation of an extra or one and only one meaning of the term. Getting into the
information will be very easy if the word gives only one meaning rather than multiple
meanings that cause ambiguous sentences.

Affective
If the meaning of the word does not come only from its relation to its referent,
but also from its relation to the feelings of the sender and receiver. Hence, the use of
negative, positive, prejudicial, and figurative language that connotes personal meanings
or expresses emotions explains why Business English is affective. In its attempt to
create beautiful feelings, it uses positive, original, vivid, and concrete words instead of
negative, cliché, stereotyped, and abstract terms.

Adaptive
Another word to describe Business English is adaptive. One proof that this
language is adaptive is the “You Attitude” principle in business letter writing. The You
Attitude means that the writer must adapt the language of this letter as well as the

ENG1-BUSINESS COMMUNICATION – DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES (CAS) 3

 A Coursework in Business Communication

other aspects of it to the nature of the reader---his intelligence, education, and other
socio-cultural factors affecting the life of the reader.

Derivative
Business English derives its meaning from the structural makeup of the language.
The simplicity, conciseness, wordiness, or redundancy of the structures greatly affect
the derivation of meanings. Since Business English derives its meaning from structural
relationships, it is therefore, necessary that the letter uses simple, concise, direct,
and active structures to help the reader get the meaning or message of the letter easily.
(Theece, 1987)

Business Writing- Composition Form

Business writing is considered a composition since it makes use of the principles
and rules of grammar. Business letters, like compositions, are organized with a beginning
paragraph, body and closing. Unity, coherence and emphasis are requisites to business
letter just like ordinary compositions.

Accuracy and Writing Skill

Since a great extent of business transactions are carried out in writing, it is a
must to develop one’s writing skill. It gives an individual self-confidence; it promotes
human relations and the company’s interest. An effective letter can even increase
company sales and consequently the company’s profit.
Proficiency is not achieved overnight. It can only happen by having a sound
foundation on certain principles of grammar that are appropriate for business writing.

References
Egipto, JJ (2005). Writing Business Letters. Rex Bookstore. Sampaloc Manila
Macabuhay, C (2010). Effective Business Letter and Communication. National Bookstore.
Mandaluyong City.

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 A Coursework in Business Communication

REFLECTIONS

Describe Business English in 2-3 sentences.

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Are business terms exclusively for commercial transactions? Explain in 2-

3 sentences.
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In what way can business English give the best or the most information
about a thing? Explain each aim in 1-2 sentences.
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Compare and contrast Business English with the other kinds of English, like
Literary English. Explain in 2-3 sentences.
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ENG1-BUSINESS COMMUNICATION – DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES (CAS) 5