基于功能对等理论指导下的商务英语翻译
2018年05期总第393期
翻译研究
ENGLISH ON CAMPUS
基于功能对等理论指导下的商务英语翻译
文/郭灵
【摘要】经济全球化进程的加快使得我国与其他国家之间的联系越来越紧密，中外之间的商业贸易活动日渐频繁，这其中难免会涉及到各种商业谈判与商业文本，就需要专业的商务英语翻译人才提供翻译服务。
本文基于这样的前提，探讨在功能对等理论下的商务英语翻译策略，分别从语义功能、文体功能与文化层面三个角度进行阐述，希望能够对商务英语翻译水平的提升起到借鉴与参考作用。
【关键词】功能对等理论；商务英语翻译；语义功能
【作者简介】郭灵，江西师范大学。
引言
美国著名语言学家与翻译学家尤金·A·奈达(Eugene Nida)认为，不同语言之间的相互转换，应当以最为恰当与对等的语言，从语义、文体到文化等各方面实现源语言的信息重现，以确保翻译的精准性与完整性。
而商务英语是一种具有极强目的性与严谨性的语言形式，在翻译时不同于其他语境的翻译，更加强调精准性与功能性，因此在进行商务英语翻译时，应当运用功能对等理论来提供指导。
一、功能对等理论综述
语言翻译的功能对等理论，最早是美国语言学家尤金在1964年提出来的，尤金认为，语言在翻译过程中，保证语言含义的一致仅仅是语言翻译的基本要求，在此基础上还应当实现语言翻译的语义信息对等、文体功能对等、语言风格对等以及文化差异对等，也就是说，在语言翻译的过程中，要尽量避免不同语言文化、民族文化、宗教信仰等因素成为沟通与交流的障碍，准确还原语句的真实含义，保证语言功能上的对等，并确保沟通与交流的顺畅性，避免误会与矛盾的产生。
二、语义功能对等
语义功能对等是功能对等理论的第一要求，在进行商务英语翻译的过程中，应当根据具体的语言环境分析并研究商务英语文本或语言。
翻译时，不同语言之间的形式或可不一致，但文本信息与语义必须保持对等。
第一，保持词义的对等，这是由于不同文化之间的差异给商务英语翻译造成的障碍。
不同于其他语言环境，商务英语中包含大量的专业术语，具有较强的排他性与严谨性，如果在翻译时，将专业术语用日常用语表达，则会造成语言理解上的误差，甚至会造成误会导致商务活动的失败。
例如，floating exchange rate 应当翻译成为“浮动汇率”；irrevocable letter of credit应当翻译为“不可撤销信用证”。
第二，保持句义的对等。
句子的基本组成单位为单词，保持句义对等首先应当确保词义的对等，才能够在此基础上实现商务英语的精准翻译。
例如：Apart from the insurance company or the owners have the responsibility, in the inspection certificate issued by the commodity inspection center of China or other related documents, Party B has the right to claim, replacement and other conditions to Party A.应当翻译为：除却保险公司或船方责任，在具备中国商品检验检测中心出具的检验证书或其他相关文件的情况下，乙方有权向甲方提出索赔、更换等条件。
而在这样的语言环境下，对于词义的表达要保证其准确性，如果将“issued by”翻译成“填开单位”显然是不正确的。
三、文体功能对等
对于文体对等的研究，应当从语境、词汇等多方面入手。
商务英语是正式文体，所在的语言环境极为严谨，稍有不慎就有可能造成商业损失，为此，商务英语翻译应当保证其词语与用句的正式与严谨。
例如，As confirmed by the buyer and seller, the buyer’s purchase of the goods sold by the seller is determined in accordance with the following terms.应当翻译为“经由买卖双方确认，买方购进与卖方售出的商品按照以下条款确定”这一句句式较长且相对复杂，在具体的商务英语翻译中，保持词义、句义与文体对等即可，应当尽量保证翻译语言的的简洁明了且无歧义。
四、文化层面对等
鉴于中英文化之间的差异，在进行商务英语翻译时，应当通过词汇或句式的调整，消除存在歧义的可能性，实现文化层面的对等，以确保语言效果与商业活动不会受到影响。
在进行商务英语翻译时，应当切实考虑到中西方文化的不同功能，考虑到语言习惯上的差异，并结合宗教信仰、风俗习惯等各种因素，确保商务英语翻译在文化层面的对等。
例如，20世纪60年代开始，亚洲的韩国、新加坡、中国香港、中国台湾这四个迅速实现经济腾飞的国家和地区，就被称作“亚洲四小龙”，并且在1998年爆发的亚洲经济危机中实现了平稳过渡，并始终保持着经济发展的高速度，至今依旧可以作为商界与经济学界的典型案例，在商务英语翻译中的应用较多，在中国文化中，“龙”是一种神灵，代表了祥瑞、神秘与威严等，是中华民族的民族图腾。
但西方受到宗教文化等各方面的影响，则将“dragon”视作“恶魔”“泼妇”，如果将“亚洲四小龙”直译为“Four small dragons in Asia”，则容易引起不好的联想，造成误会并影响商业活动的开展。
因而考虑到中西文化中对于“龙(dragon)”的不同理解，在实际的商务英语翻译中，应当将其翻译为“Four Asian Tigers”而非“Four small dragons in Asia”，这主要是由于“tiger”在英语词汇中，是代表了一种强悍的形象，将“dragon”翻译成“tiger”也不失为一种文化对等的商务翻译。
五、结语
在中国与英语国家的商务活动中，商务英语翻译会起到十分重要的作用，能够传递商务信息，并通过功能对等理论的应用起到确保商务英语翻译严谨性的效果，以确保商务活动的顺利开展。
参考文献：
[1]陈永平.功能对等理论视角下商务英语翻译策略研究[J].教育现代化,2017,4(16):135-136.
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功能翻译理论视角下商务英语翻译研究
功能翻译理论视角下商务英语翻译研究商务英语翻译具有明确的目的性和社交性。
本文以商务英语信函为例，基于功能翻译理论的目的、一致、忠实和忠诚原则来探讨商务英语的翻译，考察翻译过程中如何准确地把英语信函中的信息传达给对方，以便在商贸活动中更好地发挥社交价值。
标签：功能翻译理论商务英语翻译英语信函社交价值一、引言翻译是人与人之间一种特殊的交际形式。
20世纪70年代，“功能翻译”概念兴起于德国，以1971年凯瑟琳娜·莱斯（Katharina Reiss）的《翻译批评的可能性与限制》一书的出版为标志[1]。
莱斯认为，理论上的翻译应是语篇的对等，即在表达方式、语义和交际功能等方面与原文对等，并不是简单的词句对应。
这本书的主要观点是：等值在翻译实践中是不可能实现的。
莱斯提出的功能翻译理论在尤金·A·奈达（Eugene Nida）的功能对等理论基础上突破创新，打破了传统文本中心论，让更多研究者意识到翻译理论研究的重要性。
近些年，国内学者对德国功能翻译理论进行了评介，并结合功能翻译理论开展了大量的英汉翻译研究，如：杨英明（2001）[2]详细分析了功能翻译理论的实用理论基础；张美芳（2004）[3]基于功能翻译理论探讨了编译的具体运用及其合理性。
随着当代商贸活动的不断发展，“商务英语信函作为跨文化交际的一种方式”[4]，它的重要性在国际商务谈判和交流中日益突出。
然而，商务英语信函的译者往往只关注到翻译中所遵循的基本原则，而忽略了深层次的翻译指导原则，以致于在进行商务文本翻译的过程中出现了许多翻译问题，如语法和结构错误、语义表达模糊、篇章衔接不连贯等，使得商务英语翻译的理论研究与现实需求相脱节[5]。
笔者认为，商务英语中的语言、语篇、语法和词汇翻译除了应遵循专业性、规范性和准确性等基本原则之外，还应当注重功能翻译理论提出的四大原则，即“目的原则、一致原则、忠实原则和忠诚原则”[6]，才能更好地将英语信函中的信息表达出来，以最大化地实现商务英语翻译的社交价值。
试论功能对等理论指导下的商务英语翻译
ENGLISH ON CAMPUS2023年35期总第683期试论功能对等理论指导下的商务英语翻译摘 要：随着改革开放的全面深入推进，全球经济一体化和商贸活动的越来越频繁，商务英语的作用日益突显，社会各界越来越重视对商务英语的翻译研究。
纵观当前绝大多数研究主要是基于英汉两种语言对比和文体学的角度来集中分析文体、句子、词汇特点等。
当前我们处在经济全球化时代，商务英语翻译所占据的地位越来越重要。
对此，商务英语翻译需要一个全面且系统化的翻译理论指导，保障商务英语翻译的精准性和文化性。
本文以功能对等理论和商务英语的概述为切入点，阐述了商务英语的特征和功能对等理论下商务英语翻译方法，分析了功能对等理论下商务英语翻译策略。
关键词：商务英语；功能对等理论；指导策略作者简介：王海燕（1978.01-），女，山西平遥人，山西工程科技职业大学，副教授，硕士，研究方向：翻译理论与实践，英语语言教学。
在全球经济发展下，国与国之间的文化交流和商务活动越来越频繁。
由于地域文化和语言差异性，不可避免地在交流过程中就会存在障碍。
作为一种跨文化交际形式，商务英语翻译涉及了价值取向、审美情趣、语言规律以及文化心理等。
同时还可以跨越不同国家或是不同商务合作双方交流合作的语言障碍，实现交流信息的传递。
现阶段的商务英语翻译主要是立足于文体学和英汉两种语言的高度来进行的，翻译研究的重点集中在文本、语句以及词汇的分析上。
要想提高商务英语翻译质量和精准性，离不开系统化的理论基础为指导，功能对等理论就是其中之一。
在功能对等理论指导下准确翻译，让商贸活动交易双方顺利有序地交流沟通。
一、功能对等理论和商务英语的概述（一）功能对等理论概述功能对等理念又名动态对等翻译理论，最早起源于1964年的美国，由著名语言学家尤金A.奈达在 《翻译科学探索》一书中提出的“动态对等”概念演变而来。
奈达所提出的功能对等理念，除了要求达到词汇意义中的信息对等外，还必须包括风格、文体及语义等信息对等，即不能仅依赖对表面文字的翻译，而是要将语言功能对等纳入核心范畴。
试论功能对等理论视角下的商务英语合同翻译
试论功能对等理论视角下的商务英语合同翻译在全球化的经济背景下，商务活动日益频繁，商务英语合同作为国际商务交流中的重要法律文件，其翻译的准确性和规范性至关重要。
功能对等理论为商务英语合同的翻译提供了有益的指导，有助于实现源语与目标语之间在功能上的对等，确保合同的法律效力和商务意图得以准确传达。
商务英语合同具有独特的语言特征和文体风格。
从词汇层面来看，商务英语合同常常使用专业术语、古体词和正式词汇，以体现其严谨性和权威性。
例如，“hereafter”（此后）、“hereinafter”（在下文）、“said”（上述的）等古体词的运用。
在句法方面，商务英语合同多使用长句、复杂句和被动句，以精确表达各方的权利和义务。
同时，其篇章结构通常遵循固定的格式，包括前言、正文和结尾等部分。
功能对等理论由尤金·A·奈达提出，强调翻译不仅要在语言形式上对等，更要在语义、文体和文化等层面实现对等，使目标语读者能够获得与源语读者相似的感受和理解。
在商务英语合同翻译中，这一理论具有重要的应用价值。
在词汇层面实现功能对等，要求译者准确理解和翻译专业术语。
对于常见的商务术语，如“force majeure”（不可抗力）、“liquidated damages”（违约金）等，译者应采用对应的规范译名。
对于一些在特定合同中出现的生僻或新的术语，译者需要通过上下文和专业知识进行推断和翻译，必要时可以加注解释，以确保目标语读者能够理解其含义。
句法层面的功能对等需要译者灵活处理长句和复杂句。
对于长而复杂的句子，译者可以先分析句子结构，将其分解为若干短句，再按照目标语的表达习惯进行重组。
例如，“The Seller shall be liable for any damage to the goods resulting from improper packaging, provided that the Buyer has given timely notice of such damage to the Seller” 可以翻译为“如果买方已及时将货物因包装不当而受损的情况通知卖方，卖方应对货物的任何此类损坏负责。
功能对等理论视角下的商务英语翻译探析
功能对等理论视角下的商务英语翻译探析张双;孙海一【摘要】奈达的“功能对等”理论认为翻译要准确地向读者传递原文信息，使读者的反应与原文读者一致，从而实现语义和风格层面的对等，这对商务英语的翻译具有极大的指导意义。
运用奈达的“功能对等”理论，通过对商务英语文体特征的分析，探索如何在翻译过程中实现语义和风格层面的功能对等。
%Nida's functional equivalence theory holds that the original translation information should be accuratelyconveyedtothereaders,andthereader'sreactionisconsistentwiththeoriginalre aders,soastoachievetheequityonlevel of semantics and style, which has a great significance on business English translation. By analyzing stylistic features of business English, this paper explored on how to achieve the functional equivalence on level of semantics and style in the translation process.【期刊名称】《黑龙江科学》【年(卷),期】2016(007)014【总页数】2页(P90-91)【关键词】商务英语翻译;功能对等;风格【作者】张双;孙海一【作者单位】牡丹江师范学院，黑龙江牡丹江 157011;牡丹江师范学院，黑龙江牡丹江 157011【正文语种】中文【中图分类】H059奈达提出“形式对等”和“动态对等”，并将这两个概念进行对比，他认为这两个概念的不同之处在于后者将翻译活动的重点从两种语言在词汇层面的对应转向信息和信息接受者的关系上。
功能对等导向的商务语篇翻译-从《商务英语阅读教程3》中取例-商务英语-毕业论文
本科毕业论文（设计）题目功能对等导向的商务语篇翻译—从《商务英语阅读教程3》中取例Translation of Commerical Discoures in the Guidance of Functional Equivalance:A Case Study of Business EnglishReading 3Contents摘要 (Ⅰ)Abstract (Ⅱ)Chapter 1 Introduction (1)1.1 Purposes and Significance (2)1.2 Research Ideas and Methods (3)Chapter 2 Literature Review (5)2.1 Researches Abroad (5)2.2 Domestic Researches (6)Chapter 3 Translation of Business Discourses Guided by Functional Equivalence (8)3.1 Role of Functional Equivalence in Translation (9)3.2 Linguistic Features of Business English and Translation Guided byFunctional Equivalence (11)Chapter 4 Cases and Case Analysis (12)4.1 Translation of Semantic Level of Business English (12)4.2 Translation of Cultural Level of Business English (13)Chapter 5 Conclusion (14)Bibliography (16)Acknowledgement (19)摘要本文主要探讨如何在商务语篇翻译中坚持功能对等来实现译文的真实性。
功能对等理论指导下的商务合同英语翻译
功能对等理论指导下的商务合同英语翻译Functional Equivalence Theory in English Translation of Business ContractsIntroductionBusiness contracts are essential legal documents that establish and govern agreements between parties involved in commercial transactions. With the increasing globalization of business, the need for accurate translation of these contracts from one language to another has become crucial. The functional equivalence theory provides a guiding framework for achieving accurate and effective translations of business contracts from Chinese to English. This article aims to explore the application of the functional equivalence theory in English translation of business contracts.1. Understanding the Functional Equivalence TheoryThe functional equivalence theory, also known as the skopos theory, is a translation approach that focuses on the purpose or function of a text in the target culture. According to this theory, the translator's primary goal is to produce a translation that fulfills the intended purpose or function of the source text in the target culture. In the context of business contracts, the functional equivalence theory emphasizes the importance of conveying the legal rights, obligations, and intentions of the parties involved accurately and effectively.2. Transfer of Legal ConceptsA crucial aspect of translating business contracts is the transfer of legal concepts from one legal system to another. The functional equivalence theory suggests that the translator should not mechanically replicate the exact legal terminology used in the source text but rather find corresponding legal concepts in the target language. This requires a deep understanding of both legal systems and the ability to identify equivalent legal principles in different cultural and linguistic contexts.3. Structural and Stylistic AdjustmentsIn addition to transferring legal concepts, the functional equivalence theory also encourages structural and stylistic adjustments in the translation process. Business contracts in Chinese may have a different organization and stylistic conventions compared to English contracts. The translator should adapt the structure and style of the translation to align with the norms and expectations of the target language, while ensuring the preservation of the contract's legal content and coherence.4. Clarity and PrecisionOne of the fundamental goals in translating business contracts is to ensure clarity and precision in the expression of legal terms and provisions. The translator should employ clear and concise language and avoid ambiguity or vagueness. The functional equivalence theory emphasizes the importance of using linguistic strategies to convey the intended meaning accurately, taking into account the legal implications of the translated text.5. Cultural SensitivityWhen translating business contracts, cultural sensitivity plays a significant role in ensuring functional equivalence. The contract may contain elements specific to the cultural context of the source language. The translator should be aware of cultural differences and adapt the translation accordingly, while still being faithful to the legal intent of the contract. Cultural adaptation can include modifying certain clauses, addressing cultural norms and practices, and adjusting the tone and style of the translation.ConclusionThe functional equivalence theory offers valuable guidance for English translation of business contracts. By prioritizing the intended purpose and function of the source text, translators can effectively convey the legal rights, obligations, and intentions of the parties involved. This approach involves not only the transfer of legal concepts but also structural and stylistic adjustments, clarity and precision in expression, and cultural sensitivity. Adhering to these principles ensures that the translated contracts accurately reflect the original intent and are legally effective in the target language.。
基于功能对等的商务英语翻译浅谈
基于功能对等的商务英语翻译浅谈由于不同国家和民族之间具有巨大的文化差异，因此在商务英语翻译时其文化背景的挖掘至关重要，以下是搜集的一篇探究对等理论在商务英语翻译中应用的，欢迎阅读参考。
商务英语翻译的复杂性和多向性决定了其在翻译过程中要遵循功能对等理论原则。
其中包括语义信息的对等、文化背景对等风格和读者反映对等。
文章具体分析了这一原则，并针对商务英语的特点分析了商务英语翻译 ___能对等理论的应用。
随着国家之间的商务交流增多，商务英语翻译成为人才的重要技能之一。
对于我国来说，缺乏专业的英语翻译人才，这与商务英语翻译中缺乏对等理论的渗透有着密切的关系。
由于翻译者不能遵守功能对等理论，使得英语翻译成为制约商务谈判的重要原因之一。
商务英语具有专业性和复杂性等特点。
具体上其特点主要体现在以下三个方面。
首先：商务英语应以准确规范为使用前提。
商务谈判往往具有较强的目的性，要求商务文件书写和商务表达必须具有严密的逻辑，并使用规范的语言。
并且商务英语文件都要符合国际上对商务谈判的要求，与口语不同，商务文件必须使用专业术语，并且具有一定的难度。
因此商务英语的专业性和复杂性也体现在这，功能对等理论能够符合商务英语的特点，从而提高翻译效果;其次：商务英语与文化有着不可分割的关系，并且包含专业的西方文化气息。
这也给商务英语带来了很大的麻烦。
要求翻译者首先要了解商务英语所蕴含的文化背景，使翻译能够渗透文化信息，促进商务谈判的成功;最后：商务英语必须遵循礼貌性和准确性。
商务英语的规范化要求其词汇使用必须准确，同时必须使用礼貌词汇。
英语教学上称其为预制语块。
专业化的和礼貌性的预制语块是商务独有的特点，当然商务业务还需具有经济的特点，这样才能提高企业的经济效益。
在礼貌中促成生意，维持企业发展。
商务英语翻译中以使用对等理论，其中包括语义对等、风格对等、文化信息对等几种。
这种对等理论使得商务英语翻译更加规范化。
其具体表现在以下几个方面。
功能对等理论在商务英语翻译中的应用
摘要继中国入世之后，随着改革开放的推进，我国同世界各国的商业往来愈加频繁，跨国企业间的合作不断深入。
在商务沟通共同中，商务信息的有效交换取决于商务翻译。
因此，商务英语成为社会经济发展和英语语言自身发展的产物。
然而，国内的商务翻译理论研究相对匮乏。
国内大部分的研究者所遵循的严复的“信、达、雅”的标准更适合文学作品的翻译而不适合商务文本的翻译。
本文通过介绍奈达翻译理论的发展和分析商务英语的特点，证明将功能对等理论运用到商务英语翻译中是可行的。
奈达的功能对等“首先是意义上的对等，其次是风格上的对等”。
为了证明这一理论能够应用于商务英语的翻译，本文不但从意义和风格上的对等进行分析，同时还研究了商务英语中的文化对等。
同时，通过分析商务英语在语篇、功能和风格上的特点，证实了功能对等理论在商务英语翻译中的可行性。
在此基础上，本论文通过大量的商务英语翻译译文，表明在文本的词、句和语篇上都能达到意义和风格上的对等。
此外，在商务英语翻译中，文化对等也是不可忽视的重要因素。
这充分证明了功能对等理论是商务英语翻译可以依靠的理论依据。
关键词：功能对等；商务英语；意义；风格；文化AbstractAs China’s reform and opening-up policy after having joined the WTO is pushed forward, the communication between China and foreign countries in the field of business trade becomes more and more frequent, while the cooperation among international enterprises has been expanded. In the process of business communication, the effective exchanges of communication depend on business translation. In this case, business English has become the result of social and economic development and the development of English itself. However, in China, the theoretical research of business translation is relatively insufficient. The translation criteria of Yan Fu’s “faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance”, which most translation researchers pursue is more suitable for literary works rather than the business texts.The thesis proves that it is feasible to apply the theory of functional equivalence to business English translation by introducing the development of Nida’s translation theories and the features of business English. As functional equivalence is concerned, Nida refers to the equivalence “first in terms of meaning and secondly in terms of style”. In order to prove that Nida’s theory can be applied to business English translation, the thesis not only analyzes it from the semantic and stylistic equivalence but also from the cultural equivalence in business English translation. Meanwhile, by analyzing the textual features, functional features and the stylistic features of business English, it is proved that it is feasible to apply functional equivalence to businessEnglish translation.On the basis of the discussion above, the thesis proves that the meaning and stylistic equivalence can be achieved at the lexical level, syntactic level and textual level with plenty of business English translation versions. Furthermore, in business English translation, cultural equivalence is another vital element that can not be neglected. It is fully proved that the theory of functional equivalence is the theoretical guidance of business English translation.Key Words: functional equivalence, business English, meaning, style, cultureAcknowledgementsI am greatly indebted to a number of people. Without their help, this thesis would not have been finished. I would like to express my gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to them.I wish to take this opportunity to express my genuine gratitude to all those who have offered me help in various ways in the process of finishing this thesis.Firstly, I am most grateful to my supervisor Hao Jun. I owe her special thanks for the reason that her invaluable suggestions, insightful comments and painstaking corrections have contributed a lot to the completion of this thesis. I am fortunate and greatly honored to be her student.Besides that, I will send my thanks to all the teachers of School of Foreign Languages of Shenyang Normal University, who gave me encouragement in my pursuit of study.What’s more, my gratitude should be extended to my parents and my husband for their support.Chapter 1 Introduction1.1 Background of the StudyAs China’s reform and opening-up policy after having joined the WTO are pushed forward, the communication and collaboration between China and foreign countries in the field of business trade becomes more and more frequent and important. It is reported that there are almost 1.6 billion people in the world who use English as their first language or second language in their daily life and nearly 90% of them use business English everyday. Business English is showing its overwhelming strength as an important role in many fields, such as investment promotion, technology introduction, engineering contract with foreign countries, international finance, international insurance, international travel, international publication, overseas investment and so on. In this case, business English has been the result of social and economic development and the development of itself. Nowadays, since English is an international language, business translation has become an indispensable tool for Chinese businessmen whose native language is not English, because business translation is a critical process for them when they do business with their counterparts from English-speaking countries.1.2 Purpose of the StudyAs a tool, in the exchange of cross-national commercial affairs, business English has been encountering a conflict in translation between supply and demand. Because of the gradual expansion of international cooperation and the increasingvolume of business transaction, the demand of business English is on the rise. It is urgent for businessmen to master skills of business translation.Business English is the category of English for specific purposes. It is usually used in business context for people’s business purposes. Besides that, business English is different from other types, because it is mainly related to economic affairs. In order to achieve functional equivalence, business English translation should be treated with the help of functional analysis of the source text and the translation of it.1.3 Layout of the ThesisBy employing the theory of functional equivalence to analyze business English translation, the thesis can be divided into four parts.The first part is the introduction, in which the background of the study and the purpose of the study are introduced and pointed out.Then the second part reviews the related literature, which includes the introduction of functional equivalence, features of business English and feasibility of the application of the theory of functional equivalence to business translation. As the introduction of the theory of functional equivalence is concerned, it is necessary to introduce the development of Nida’s theory of functional equivalence which has developed from formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence and then to functional equivalence. It is still necessary to get known about the development of the theory of functional equivalence in China. And the features of business English are summarized from the aspects of its textual features, functional features and stylistic features.The thesis emphasizes on the third part, which is about the application offunctional equivalence to business English and is further divided into three sections. The first two sections analyze semantic equivalence and stylistic equivalence respectively from the lexical level, the syntactic level and the textual level. And then the third section introduces cultural equivalence in business English translation, for which, it needs to be understood what cross-cultural communication andcross-cultural business translation is. In these sections, a lot of examples are listed to prove the author’s viewpoints.The last part is the conclusion, analyzing the major findings and pointing out the limitations of the study and the suggestions for further research.Chapter 2 Literature Review2.1 An Introduction to the Theory of Functional EquivalenceIn the past decades, the theory of equivalence had been paid more attention by translators. A distinguished American linguist and translation theorist, Eugene A. Nida, inherits some achievements from other translators and sums up his own system of theory. He gives a different definition of equivalence called Dynamic Equivalence and then develops it into Functional Equivalence, which is considered as the milestone in the study of translation equivalence.2.1.1 Nida’s Theory of Formal EquivalenceIt is necessary to introduce formal equivalence first so as to understand functional equivalence. In the book Towards a Science of Translation, Nida states that “one must in translating seek to find the closest possible e quivalence: one which may be called formal and another which is primarily dynamic” (Nida, 1964, p. 159).Besides that, Nida also believes “Formal equivalence focuses attention on the message itself, in both form and content. In such a translation, one is concerned with such correspondence as poetry to poetry, sentence to sentence, and concept to concept. Viewed from this formal orientation, one is concerned that the message in the receptor language should match as closely as possible the different elements in the source language. This means, for example, that the massage in the receptor culture is constantly compared with the message in the culture to determine standards of accuracy and correctness.” (ibid., p. 159)Nida (1964) defines this kind of translation as gloss translation, meaning that the translator has to reproduce the form and the content of the original as literally and meaningfully as possible as he attempts to carry out the equivalence perfectly. In this condition, the reader could “identify himself with a person in the source language context, and to understand as much as ha can of the customs, manner of thought, and means of expression” (p. 39).2.1.2 Nida’s Theory of Dynamic EquivalenceIn the book Towards a Science of Translaton (1964), Nida first puts forward the concept of dynamic equivalence. He says, “In such a translation (dynamic translation), one is not so concerned with matching the receptor-language message with the source language massage, but with the dynamic relationship, that the relationship between the original receptor and the message.”(1964, p. 159) Xie Tianzhen (2008), the Chinese well-known translation theory researcher, also puts forward his view point that “dynamic equivalence is targeted at the absolute nature of expression forms and explores to combine the receptor and the behavior in his own cultural context” (p. 42). In another book of his, The Theory and Practice of Translation, Nida (1969) further explains the essence of “dynamic equivalence”, “dynamic equivalence is therefore to be defined in terms of the degree to which the receptor of the message in the receptor language responds to it in substantially the same manner as the receptor in the source language. This response can never been identical, for the cultural and historical setting are too different, but there should be a high degree of equivalence of response, or the translation will have failed to accomplish its purpose.”(p. 24) This shows that Nida’stranslation theory puts emphasis on the substantially same responses of the receptors in the source language and the target language. In his book From One Language to Another, Nida develops his theory “dynamic equivalence” into “functional equivalence”.2.1.3 Nida’s Theory of Functional EquivalenceInitially, Nida named his translation theory “dynamic equivalence” and attached more importance to dynamic equivalence. And then, however, his dynamic equivalence was superseded by functional equivalence in From One Language to Another. Nida states that there is no difference between the meanings of these two concepts. The substitution of functional equivalence is just to stress the concept of function and to avoid misunderstanding of the term “dynamic”. For a long period of time, free translations were labeled dynamic equivalence. Some translators believed that translation should only be focused on the content, but not the language form. Nida (1993) emphasizes that “it is essential that functional equivalence can be stated primarily in terms of comparison of the way in which the original receptors understand and appreciate the text and the way in which receptors of translated text understand and appreciate the translated text” (p. 116).In 1969, Nida changed the term “dynamic equivalence” into “functional equivalence” in his book The Theory and Practice of Translation which was finished by Taber and himself. Nida (1993) explains that “Translating means communicating, and this process depends on what is received by persons hearing or reading a translation. Judging the validity of a translation can not stop with a comparison ofcorresponding lexical meanings, grammatical classes, and rhetorical devices. What is important is the extent to which receptors correctly understand and appreciate the translated text. Accordingly, it is essential that functional equivalence be stated primarily in terms of a comparison of the way in which the original receptors understood and appreciated the text and the way in which receptors of the translated text understand and appreciate the translated text” (p. 116).Nida gives a maximal and minimal definition of functional equivalence in Language, Culture and Translation. He believes that such a view of functional equivalence implies different degrees of adequacy from minimal to maximal effectiveness on the basis of both cognitive and experiential factors. A minimal, realistic defini tion of functional equivalence could be stated as “the readers of a translated text should be able to comprehend it to the point that they can conceive of how the original readers of the text must have understood and appreciated it” (Nida, 1993, p. 118). Anything less than this degree of equivalence should be unacceptable.A maximal, ideal definition could be stated as “the readers of a translated text should be able to understand and appreciate it in essentially the same manner as the original readers did (ibid)”. The maximal definition implies a high degree of language-culture correspondence between the source and target languages and an unusually effective translation so as to produce in receptors the capacity for a response very close to what the original readers experienced.Nida (1986) defined “functional equivalence” as “thoroughly understanding not only the meaning of the source text but also the manner in which the intendedreceptors of a text are likely to understand in the receptor language” (p. 9). To him “all translating… should aim at the closest natural equivalent of the message in the source language. In other words，a translation should communicate. This means not only the equivalent content of the message but, in so far as possible, an equivalence of the form.” (Nida, 2004, p. 12)From Nida’s view, it could be comprehended that equivalence doesn't only mean the equivalent content but also the equivalent form. The change of form, as well as the content, will cause the change of meaning. So if a more or less formal correspondence is functionally equivalent in designative and associative meaning, then no change of form is needed. If a literal translation cannot achieve functional equivalence, there are five specific conditions under which adjustments of form should be made: When a literal rendering would give an entirely wrong meaning, when a borrowed term constitutes a semantic “zero” and is therefore likely to be filled with the wrong meaning by the receptor and when a formal correspondence involves a serious obscurity in meaning.2.1.4 The Development of the Theory of Functional Equivalence in ChinaFrom the 1960s to the 1980s, “translation equivalence” played a significant role in the development of modern western translation studies. But in China, things were quite different. Prior to the 1980s, the concept of equivalence was not well-known among Chinese translation scholars. The 1980s saw an avalanche of articles and works introducing western “translation equivalence” into China. In the beginning, equivalence theories were widely accepted by Chinese scholars. Some acclaimed thatthe term “equivalence” in western translation was more objective and scientific than “faithfulness” in traditional Chinese translation theory; and “western equivalence theory” was more scientific than traditional Chinese translation theory, because one could evaluate translated texts quantitatively and qualitatively by taking “equivalence theory” as a translation standard. (Ma, 2003, p. 89)Nida’s works were initially introduced into China in the 1980s. Since then, Chinese scholars turn to pay more attention to Nida’s theory. Before the introduction of functional equivalence, translation studies in China were mainly limited to the static analysis of translation criteria. Functional equivalence has provided new perspectives of translation.Many Chinese scholars, such as Tan Zaixi, began to focus on the study of Nida’s translation theory. Nida’s contribution to the field of translation primarily can be summarized briefly in three areas: 1) He introduces communication theory and semiotics into translation theory and put forward the principle of functional equivalence; 2) He also brings the latest research studies of modern linguistics into the translation theory; 3) He is the first to incorporate the response theory as one of the translation criteria. (Zhou & Luo, 1999, pp. 32-33)Nida’s theory, which is the earliest and the most frequently mentioned western theory in China, has important influences on Chinese translation scholars and has attracted their attentions with its practical and theoretical values.2.2 Features of Business EnglishNick Brieger (1997), the English famous business English expert, puts forwardhis opinion that “business should include language, communicative skills, cultural awareness and other core content. English used in technology imports, foreign trade, foreign-related insurance, international transport, foreign labor service contracts and other business activities can be collectively referred to as business English” (p. 15).Business English is composed of three elements, which are businesscontent-based knowledge, language in business settings and business communication skills. Features of business English can be seen from the following textual features, functional features and stylistic features.2.2.1 Textual Features of Business EnglishBusiness English has its own features which usually appear in business texts for specific business purposes. Generally speaking, a qualified business text should express precise and detailed information without any confusion or misunderstanding. There are many differences between words used in business texts and in other common texts. Because of the speciality of business English, each business word, phrase, sentence, paragraph and text should be adopted and chosen carefully. The main features of business texts are summarized in the following part.2.2.1.1 PithinessPithiness, namely, the expression of words, phrases and sentences should be effective and brief. The pithier and more precise languages used in business texts could help the business communication develop more fluently and more effectively. Therefore, there wouldn’t be any unnecessary or indispensable words in the business text. In order to be pithy, so many public business documents intend to adopt simpleand precise words instead of those complex and lengthy ones. Understandability and logical structures are the advantages of pithiness. For example, there are numerous abbreviations used in business texts, which is just the reflection of the features of pithiness, people can deal with the business affairs more efficiently and quickly.2.2.1.2 ProfessionalityEach professional or science field has its own technical terms. These technical terms used by experts in the process of their work are much easier to be understood by those who are close to the field or subject. Therefore, the business texts or documents also own their technological terms, which are used in the process of business activities. With the application of technical terms, a lot of errors and misunderstandings in business communication and translation are avoided. They can be used easily and understood by the experts without any trouble or explanation in the process of their business work. Therefore, professionality is an influential factor in the business setting.2.2.1.3 AccuracyAccuracy is another distinct feature of business English. From the author’s view, accuracy is one of the important points of the business texts. Since business English is a kind of special English used in commercial intercourse, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of its accuracy in the course of translation. Accuracy refers to that no misunderstanding or errors can be used in the text, meaning that each word, phrase or sentence has only one meaning. A business letter or contract should be clear and concrete enough in order to make the reader acquire detailed information. In order toexpress the information of the source language text to make the target language reader comprehend the original text, the translator shall adopt standard and equivalent professional terms, otherwise mistranslation would lead to commercial troubles and even greater loss. The following example displays the importance of accuracy in business contract.Party B shall deliver the finished products to Party A at London at the former’s own expense and risk not later then ten (10) days after the end of each calendar quarter, and shall advise Party A by telex, within three (3) days after loading, of the quantity, vessel’s name, port of shipment, date, estimated date of arrival to the destination and other information regarding the shipment. (Peng, 2008, p. 237) In the example above, especially the italics are so clear, rigorous and concrete that people couldn’t find any faults in it. The combination of synonyms is the distinct feature of these two business English contracts. There are still other phrases used in business English texts, such as “null and void”, “term and conditions”, “provisions and stipulations”. The purpose of the use of these combinations of synonyms is to make the original meaning more integrated and more accurate. In addition, accuracy can also be displayed with precise words or phrases without any ambiguity.on or off the sitefar or near the site over and above 15% plus and minus 5%在现场或远离现场（现场内外）远离现场或在现场附近15%以上，超过15%（不包括15%）加减15% (Peng, 2008, p. 238)Here, prepositions are used continuously before the nouns of place in order toensure the accuracy of the text. The translation versions also express the meanings of the prepositions to send all the information of the original text faithfully.2.2.1.4 Settled FormatsIn business settings, a great number of sentences with settled formats are used, which tend to mean that they are widely accepted and used by business people in the business communication. Different business documents have different settled formats for business writings. Many patterns which differ from other common expressions are used with various purposes. A complete business English letter which has a settled format can illustrate this feature of business English.1117 The High RoadAustin, TX 787036 June 1996MR. David Patricks3005 West 29th Suite 130Waco, TX77663Our Ref: RI 0606Attention: International Trade ManagerDear Mr. Patricks,Subjects: heating Registers’ LocationI received your June 6th letter requesting consultation and am providing myrecommendation in the following.First, let me review my understanding of your inquiry. The question you raise revolves around whether the heating registers should be located in a low sidewall, or in the ceiling, and if ceiling registers are used, which type-step-down orstamped-faced-will deliver the best results. Additionally, the problem concerns whether there is any benefit to having heating registers near the floor, whether moving heated air “down” in ducts negatively affects blower performance, and whether adequate injection that can be achieved on the low speed of a two-stage furnace. SincerelyJane A. McMurryJane A. McMurryEngineering ManagerHVAC Consultanta, Inc.Encl: invoice for consulting services (Peng, 2008, pp. 180-181)As the business English letter is translated into Chinese, the Chinese version should contain the same content and form with the original. In this case, other kinds of business texts with different formats are also applied, such as business contracts and commercial advertisements, which have their own structures and formats.2.2.2 Functional Features of Business EnglishFunctional features of business English language are closely related to the translation. In the process of business communication, people use different words for different effects and purposes. Therefore, as a translator, he or she needs to recognizethe functions of language in different contexts or texts and tries his or her best to select an equivalent discourse or sentence in the process of the translation. In this way, the target language readers could appreciate the translation in the similar manner as the source language readers do.2.2.2.1 Lexical Features of Business EnglishIn the course of translation, vocabulary is the foremost issue for the translator to take into account. Vocabulary is the smallest and the most basic unit of a language. Business English vocabulary owns its features of wording accuracy, un-modification and the preciseness of special terms.A. Technical termsEach industry, each branch of science and field has its own technical terms. Technical terms are a kind of professional vocabulary of phrases usually used in one subject, field or industry. Business English also has its own technical terms, because of the specialized knowledge of business. Business English vocabulary involves professional and technological terms of international trade, economy, marketing, insurance and so on. Technical terms used in business English have the international popularity, of which the meanings should be precise and fixed without any personal emotion.Chen Sudong, a Chinese language researcher, holds the view that the biggest feature of business English in vocabulary use is using precise professional vocabulary, including a lot of professional words, abbreviations with business meanings and so on. In this case, technical terms in business English can be used in the following ways.Soybean product futures (期货) closed (收盘) with big advances.Liquidity management (对清偿能力的管理) is a key element in the evaluation of capital adequacy (资本充足程度) .Franchise (特许经营权) is a license to operate an individually owned business as though it were part of a chain of outlets or stores.The seller may be prepared to ship his goods on open account (未结清账户，记账交易) when the exporter is well acquainted with the financial status of the buyer. (Liao & Mo, 2007, p. 95)The significance of technical terms is accurate, simple and unambiguous, without any personal affection. In order to describe each step and the related documents, agreements and contracts of the business events, it is necessary to adopt technical terms which have clear signification.B. Professional AbbreviationsThe motivation of linguistic evolution comes from the conflict between the necessity of communication and human natural inertia. The result of the conflict between the two elements is that language can be relatively balanced and steady on the premise of the successful accomplishment of communication. Because of the necessity of linguistic economic principle, abbreviations appear in the natural language. One of the characters of business language is the existence and the adoption of business abbreviations. Business people usually express professional terms in the means of the conventional abbreviations.B/L: bill of lading 提单。
功能对等理论下的商务英语函电英汉翻译研究
一、奈达的功能对等理论“功能对等”理论最早是由美国当代著名的结构主义语言大师和翻译理论家尤金?奈达（Eugene Nida ）提出来的。
该理论强调在进行语言方面的翻译的时候不求文字表面严格意义的逐字或逐句对等，而“要让译文和原文在语言的功能上对等”。
奈达认为翻译不仅是词汇意义上的对等，还包括语义、风格和文体上的对等；翻译所传达的信息既有表层的词汇信息，也有深层的文化信息，即翻译的预期目的主要是原文与译文在信息内容、文体、风格、语言、文化、社会因素等诸方面达到对等。
与其它的翻译理论相比较,奈达的功能对等理论的不同之处在于它不仅将翻译纳入语言学的研究领域，同时还将文化以及读者的反应纳入到翻译研究的领域，达到一种既忠实于原文，又能在不同语言之间共性的基础上，让译文读者能够与原文读者一样接受、欣赏译文。
依据奈达的理论，翻译的根本任务是求得译文和原文的对等，但不论是语内交际还是语际交际，两种不同的语言之间并无绝对对等可言。
因为不同的语言在语音、语法、表达习惯等方面必然存在着不同，译者寻求的是最大限度地切近原文。
尽管如此，不同的语言却可以具有彼此相同或相似的功能。
“功能对等”就是强调读者的感受和心理因素，力争使译文读者对译文的反应与原作读者对原文可能产生的反应尽可能地保持一致。
二、功能对等理论下商务英语信函的翻译原则1.专业性原则商务英语的实用性很强，专业词汇使用较多，外商在这方面不能随意，要有着严格的规范。
特别是在商务交往中，规范、专业的的商务用语往往能给他们留下严谨、成熟的印象，为其成功打下坚实的基础。
所以商务英语翻译者不仅要具有丰富的专业知识和专业词语积累，而且能够将专业知识和英语知识结合起来，在翻译时能够熟练运用功能对等理论，在保持原文意思不变的情况下，运用比较正式和规范的措辞，坚持专业性翻译原则。
例如，在商务英语函电中，专业术语的应用非常广泛，其中包含贸易专业术语、法律术语等等，比如，基本的贸易术语letter of credit(信用证)，firm offer(实盘)，confirm(保兑)等，又如，法律用语null and void(无效)等。
从功能对等理论角度看商务英语翻译
语境和语篇的把握
语境的理解：在翻译过程中，要充分理解原文的语境，包括语言环境和文 化背景，以确保准确传达原文的含义。
语篇的连贯：在翻译时，要注意保持语篇的连贯性，确保译文在语法、词 汇和语义上都是连贯的，符合目标语言的表达习惯。
语言风格的把握：商务英语翻译中，要把握好语言风格，既要保持专业、 正式的语言风格，又要根据不同的情境和受众进行适当的调整。
语篇风格的保持有 助于提升译文的可 读性和可信度，使 读者能够更好地理 解原文的含义。
语篇信息的完整传递
商务英语翻译中， 语篇对等要求完 整传递原文信息， 包括语言和文化 的准确传达。
翻译过程中，要 充分理解原文的 语境和语义，确 保译文在语篇层 面上与原文对等。
语篇信息的完整 传递是商务英语 翻译的重要标准， 对于准确传递信 息、促进商务交 流具有重要意义。
普通词汇的特殊含义
词汇含义：指在商务英语翻译中，一些普通词汇具有特殊的商务含义
例子：如“offer”在商务英语中通常指“报价”，而非一般意义上的“提 供”
翻译技巧：了解和掌握这些特殊含义，对于准确地进行商务英语翻译至关 重要
重要性：特殊含义的准确理解和表达，有助于提高商务沟通的效率和准确 性
文化差异的处理
在商务英语翻译中的应用
商务英语翻译的 定义和特点
功能对等理论的 基本概念和原则
功能对等理论在 商务英语翻译中 的应用实例
功能对等理论在 商务英语翻译中 的优势和局限性
商务英语翻译中的词汇对 等
章节副标题
专业术语的准确翻译
商务英语翻译中，专业术语的准确翻译是实现词汇对等的关键。
译者需要具备相关领域的专业知识，以确保翻译的准确性。 在翻译过程中，应遵循目标语言的习惯用法，以实现自然、流畅的表 达。 准确翻译专业术语需要对源语言和目标语言进行深入的研究和理解。