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【Abstract】 This essay examined the generic structure of job application letters written by native English speakers and Chinese to find out the discourse genre text similarities and differences between them. This suggests a difference based on areas of cultural transfer rather than on a language effect. We hope the results of this study will help language teachers in increasing their students' consciousness of cross-cultural preferences, and the essential genre-specific meaning components peculiar to each language.
【Keywords】genre analysis; job application letters; contrast
【中图分类号】 G640【文献标识码】 A【文章编号】 1005-1074(2009)04-0145-01
1 Introduction
The job application letter serves as one of the most important documents in the graduate job-hunting process. Research on academic promotional writing has received great attention from researchers, only a few have dealt with a contrastive study of English and Chinese job application letters. So it seems desirable to assist students to write in a manner that is acceptable to the native speaker in the target language. Finally, some implications for language teachers to increase the students' awareness of cross-culture consciousness are drawn..
2 Genre Analysis
Genre analysis, as applied in Swales (1990), Bhatia (1993),and later studies, has incorporated some of the contextual elements proper to the notion of genre. The main characteristic of Swales' analysis is the division of the text into phases or moves', further subdivided in steps'. Like the sales promotion letter, job application letter can also be assigned a seven-part structural description proposed by Bhatia (1993). 1. Establishing credentials 2. Introducing candidature (1) Offering the candidature；(2) Essential detailing of the candidature；(3) Indicating value of the candidature 3.Offering incentives 4.Enclosing documents 5.Soliciting response 6. Using pressure tactics 7. Ending politely.
3 Contrast between English and Chinese job application letters
3.1 Similarities Generally speaking, "seven moves" structure is realized in both English and Chinese cover letters. Both sets of data display more or less obligatory use of the second move (introducing candidature) and fifth move（soliciting response）but pay less attention to Move 3(offering incentives) and Move 6(using pressure tactics).In terms of language style, English cover letters and Chinese cover letters display the common feature: the language is plain,concise and clear,sometimes long and complex sentences are used, but rhetoric devices rarely occur. Both English and Chinese writers try to use appropriate words to convey their potential and sufficient qualities.
3.2 Differences English cover letter usually displays more direct, open and concise expression with the combination of Move 1 and Move 2. In contrast, the first move in Chinese cover letter is often realized by expressing appreciation and indicating the purpose, which is frequently preceded by adversary glorification. Moreover, Chinese authors usually realize Move 5 and Move 7 by making a resolution, conveying wishes or expressing appreciation several times which seldom appear in English letter. It seems that some of them are beyond "seven moves" mentioned here.Language style also varies greatly especially in the syntactic level. Chinese cover letter shows two important characteristics: frequent use of honorific address or language and quotation of ancient poems, proverbs, and some conventional terms of expression. However, English writers are likely to request an interview or to make an effort to invite further communication openly and directly. In view of the socio-cultural and cognitive predisposition elements, Chinese writers prefer an emotional to a rational approach to persuasive self-advertisement. English application letter relies more on facts to suggest the applicants' ability rather than the form of language.
4 Discussion
The contrast between English and Chinese application letters reflects cross-cultural variation between different cultures. Edward Hall identified two distinct ways in which member of various cultures deliver message: low-context culture and high-context culture. China is the typical country in high-context culture, so indirect and vague communication is preferred to direct and specific references. That could be the reason for understanding mild, implicit and reserved speaking manner of Chinese writers. However, most westerners place great value on individual achievement and thinking, so assertiveness in an open and direct manner is appreciated. In china, the Buddhist philosophy plays an important role in social life including speaking manners which can be more or less displayed in Chinese application letter.
5 Conclusion
The contrast analysis of move structure of job application letters in this essay helps to study the writing of cover letter and other related promotional genres. We hope it will be of help to foreign language instructors in increasing their students' consciousness of cross-cultural preferences and appropriate pragmatic strategies in order to write in a manner that is acceptable to native speakers of the target language.
【Keywords】genre analysis; job application letters; contrast
【中图分类号】 G640【文献标识码】 A【文章编号】 1005-1074(2009)04-0145-01
1 Introduction
The job application letter serves as one of the most important documents in the graduate job-hunting process. Research on academic promotional writing has received great attention from researchers, only a few have dealt with a contrastive study of English and Chinese job application letters. So it seems desirable to assist students to write in a manner that is acceptable to the native speaker in the target language. Finally, some implications for language teachers to increase the students' awareness of cross-culture consciousness are drawn..
2 Genre Analysis
Genre analysis, as applied in Swales (1990), Bhatia (1993),and later studies, has incorporated some of the contextual elements proper to the notion of genre. The main characteristic of Swales' analysis is the division of the text into phases or moves', further subdivided in steps'. Like the sales promotion letter, job application letter can also be assigned a seven-part structural description proposed by Bhatia (1993). 1. Establishing credentials 2. Introducing candidature (1) Offering the candidature；(2) Essential detailing of the candidature；(3) Indicating value of the candidature 3.Offering incentives 4.Enclosing documents 5.Soliciting response 6. Using pressure tactics 7. Ending politely.
3 Contrast between English and Chinese job application letters
3.1 Similarities Generally speaking, "seven moves" structure is realized in both English and Chinese cover letters. Both sets of data display more or less obligatory use of the second move (introducing candidature) and fifth move（soliciting response）but pay less attention to Move 3(offering incentives) and Move 6(using pressure tactics).In terms of language style, English cover letters and Chinese cover letters display the common feature: the language is plain,concise and clear,sometimes long and complex sentences are used, but rhetoric devices rarely occur. Both English and Chinese writers try to use appropriate words to convey their potential and sufficient qualities.
3.2 Differences English cover letter usually displays more direct, open and concise expression with the combination of Move 1 and Move 2. In contrast, the first move in Chinese cover letter is often realized by expressing appreciation and indicating the purpose, which is frequently preceded by adversary glorification. Moreover, Chinese authors usually realize Move 5 and Move 7 by making a resolution, conveying wishes or expressing appreciation several times which seldom appear in English letter. It seems that some of them are beyond "seven moves" mentioned here.Language style also varies greatly especially in the syntactic level. Chinese cover letter shows two important characteristics: frequent use of honorific address or language and quotation of ancient poems, proverbs, and some conventional terms of expression. However, English writers are likely to request an interview or to make an effort to invite further communication openly and directly. In view of the socio-cultural and cognitive predisposition elements, Chinese writers prefer an emotional to a rational approach to persuasive self-advertisement. English application letter relies more on facts to suggest the applicants' ability rather than the form of language.
4 Discussion
The contrast between English and Chinese application letters reflects cross-cultural variation between different cultures. Edward Hall identified two distinct ways in which member of various cultures deliver message: low-context culture and high-context culture. China is the typical country in high-context culture, so indirect and vague communication is preferred to direct and specific references. That could be the reason for understanding mild, implicit and reserved speaking manner of Chinese writers. However, most westerners place great value on individual achievement and thinking, so assertiveness in an open and direct manner is appreciated. In china, the Buddhist philosophy plays an important role in social life including speaking manners which can be more or less displayed in Chinese application letter.
5 Conclusion
The contrast analysis of move structure of job application letters in this essay helps to study the writing of cover letter and other related promotional genres. We hope it will be of help to foreign language instructors in increasing their students' consciousness of cross-cultural preferences and appropriate pragmatic strategies in order to write in a manner that is acceptable to native speakers of the target language.