Investigating the Genre of a Business Fax: A Finnish Case Study

Abstract

The faxes sent and received during one week by a small Finnish company involved in international operations were analyzed to determine whether or not the business fax contains distinct features that warrant classifying it as a genre. Using a framework of critical discourse analysis, the study looked at a total of 69 faxes. The results suggest that the business fax is a distinct, dynamic genre that is constituted by and constitutive of the social practices within which it is situated. Five specific subgenres of the business fax — identified as specific information, specific requests, "for your information," first contact, and order — were also found. Some implications of English being used as the common language for faxes are also considered.