Works Cited 15

1. Introduction

Stylistics, a newly established branch of linguistics, has gained a great deal of attention. Stylistics is a study of style by means of linguistic methology. The word "stylistics"  consists of two parts, namely, styl- and -istics, and the former means style while the latter refers to a discipline. More importantly, the register theory proposed by British linguist Halliday helps promote the development of stylistics. According to Halliday (He 117) , "language varies as its function varies; it differs in different situations". To put it simple, we should use different language styles in different texts. For example, formal and accurate words tend to be used in legal documents like contracts, while a conversation or lecture favors casual and colloquial expressions.

Different English styles have their own ways of expression. Business English Correspondence (hereinafter referred to as BEC) differs from general English in that it is English  for  special purpose  and  that  it  has unique  stylistic  features.  Many scholars  have论文网

studied the stylistic features of BEC writing. However, with the development of the times，

BEC has owned new features.So,this paper will attempt to explore the new development of BEC by comparing with the earlier stage.

There are altogether five parts in this thesis. Part one will give readers a  brief introduction about what the whole paper is about. In the second chapter, the products of previous scholars in related fields will be presented. And the next part, chapter three, the stylistic features of BEC in previous time will be discussed in detail. We all know that the style of business letter is very formal, and then with the invention of electricity,appeared the telegram.The typical feature of telegram and telex is very concise. Shortly after,here comes the Fax, which owns the characteristics of combination of text and image.  Part  four will center on the new features in the internet age, where we are confronted with the rapid development of information and internet ,which in return brings us lots of communication means, such as E-mail, Smartphone ,Wechat, and so on. All of these have given us great benefits in business communication.I will explain their features in detail in the corresponding passage.And then the last chapter serves as a conclusion.

2. Literature Review

In this chapter ,there are two parts to be discussed,namely,the previous studies of stylistics and the stylistic features of BEC. Details are as followed:

2.1 Theories and previous studies of stylistic features on BEC

Many scholars have given their own researches on the stylistic features of BEC.

Wei Guoping (Wei 78), an instructor in the foreign language department of Quanzhou Normal university,carried out his own research in 2006. He illustrates that Business English Correspondence is a comprehensive course which roots in the combination of English writing and foreign trade practice.As a result, it has the feature of a wide range of content ,high degree of difficulty and strong nature of practicability.文献综述

Wang   Xiaolin(Wang 101 ） ,defines  the  BEC  as  a   functional  variant   of   English

language.As it is a style for people to engage in business activities,so it is a kind of ESP

（English for Special Purpose）with strong social function.He states that BEC is a official document style of which has Simple documentary, rigorous norms, grave and elegant characteristics.

BEC,  in the eyes of Zheng Saisai and Wang  Jia    (Zheng 互联网时代下外贸函电的文体特征分析(2):http://www.751com.cn/yingyu/lunwen_78642.html