I'm interested in how the modern professional email structures differ between Chinese and English.
I'd like to create a go-to template/structure that can convert what native English speakers typically write to what a native Chinese speaker typically write.
I intentionally chose the phrase 'modern professional' as opposed to 'formal'. In the English speaking world, communication, especially emails, has been less formalised in my opinion. For example, addressing by first name instead of Mr./Ms.; using Kind regards
instead of Yours faithfully
; getting straight to the point faster instead of starting with I'm writing to enquire about...
; etc.
As a native English speaker and a speaker of Chinese as a second language, in the example below I've written a follow-up email to a job application.:
Subject: YYY branch ABC job application follow-up
Dear XXX Firstly, I hope you're staying safe and healthy during these tough times [Covid-19].
Secondly, I'd like to follow-up on my recent application to YYY London branch. I've applied via ZZZ to the ABC position. However, I'm not sure if you've received my application. To that effect I've attached a copy of my CV and Cover letter.
I'm very keen on joining YYY and I'm more than happy to discuss how I can be an asset to the team.
Please get in touch if you have any questions. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards, John Smith
This is what I would write in Chinese but I've written it in an English way:
Subject: YYY办公室ABC工作申请后续
XXX您好
首先:在这天困难的时间,希望您安全和身体好。
第二:我想把我的最近伦敦办公室的工作申请后续一下。我通过ZZZ网站被ABC位置生情了。不过,我没有肯定贵公司收到我的工作申请。所以我把我的简历与求职信跟邮件附上了。
我很喜欢加入贵公司与我很开心讨论我怎么能成为贵公司团的利基。
有什么问题请取得联系我。谢谢您的时间。希望很早收到你的回复。
Name 敬上
I'd like to write and structure just how a native Chinese speaker would write a modern professional email.
Any suggestions be it editing, advice or resources on how to do this are much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.