英文商务合同论文:浅谈英语商务合同的语言特点与翻译方法
商务合同论文-商务英语合同词汇特点和翻译技巧分析

Analysis on Word Features and Translation Skills in Business English Con tracts商务英语合同词汇特点和翻译技巧分析摘要随着全球经济一体化和中国与世界各国之间的经济往来的不断密切和加深,尤其是自从中国加入WTO以来,中国与世界各国的经济交流越来越密切。
在国际交流和贸易过程中,商务合同尤其是商务英语合同作为国际贸易与协作中约定双方权利与义务以及确立双方沟通方式的重要手段,其词汇特点和翻译技巧也越来越被更多的人加以研究。
本文试从商务英语合同的用词特色及翻译技巧等方面对商务英语合同的一些特点和翻译过程中值得注意的地方进行探讨和沟通,力求为从业者和研究者提供有益的借鉴和参考。
本文第一章重点分析了商务英语合同的发展背景、国内研究现状、研究意义等方面的内容,并详细介绍了商务英语合同在中国的快速发展情况;第二章交代了商务英语合同的概念和词汇特点, 并详细阐述了相关特点中专用名词、书面语、古体语、外来语、情态动词以及缩略语在商务英语合同中的使用情况;第三和第四章两章则从商务英语合同的翻译技巧和有利建议的方面进行了细致描述,并从古体词的准确翻译、专有名词的标准化翻译、公文的常用副词使用、易混词的专注度以及译本的规范和流畅方面重点阐述了相关翻译技巧。
通过以上分析,本文作者致力于将商务英语合同的特点和翻译技巧陈述出来,希望能够对以后的从业人员和翻译者的翻译和研究事业产生有利影响。
关键词:商务合同;国际交流;翻译AbstractWith the development of the economic globalization and the economic relationship between China and other countries becoming closer and deeper, especially China’s attendance of WTO, the economic communication between China and other countries becomes closer and closer. In the process of international communication and trading, business contract especially the business English contract as an important means of appointing two parties’ rights and responsibilities and setting up bilateral communicative ways in international trading and cooperation has been received more and more attention from the researchers. Business English words’ characters and translation principles and means has been brought into more and more people’s studying field.This thesis attempts to discover and discuss some features in business English contracts and the problems encountered in the process of translation from these aspects of business English contracts’words’features and translation skills wroth of noticing in order to provide the advantageous reference for the professionals and researchers. The first chapter of the essay lays stress on business English Contracts’ developing background, domestic studying situation, studying meanings and so on and introduce the rapid development situation of business English contracts; The second chapter depicts the concept of business Englishcontract and the words’ characters, meanwhile, it demonstrates the using situation of corresponding features including the technical term, written words, archaism, loanwords, modal verbs as well as abbreviations; The third and last chapter present every detail of business English contracts’translation skills and favorable suggestions, and the author demonstrates the translation skills from many skills like skill of accurate archaism, skill of regularized formal terms, skill of using conventional adverbs in official document, skill of paying attention on confusing words, skill of accordance with norm and fluency. Through all of the above analysis, the author devotes himself into depicting the features and translation skills of business English contracts so as to influence the future’s studies and translation professionals positively.Keywords: Business Contract; International Communication; TranslationI. IntroductionII. Words’ Features of Business English Contracts2.1 Usage of technical terms2.2 Usage of archaism2.3 Usage of written words2.4 Usage of loanwords2.5 Usage of modal verbs2.6 Usage of abbreviationsIII. Translation Skills of Business English Contract3.1 Skill of accurate archaism3.2 Skill of regularized formal terms3.3 Skill of using conventional adverbs in official document’s language 3.4 Skill of paying attention on confusing words3.5 Skill of accordance with norm and fluencyIV Suggestions in Business English Contracts’ Translation Process4.1 Being familiar with the related knowledge of business English4.2 Using the technical terms4.3 Understanding the words’and linguistic characters of business contractV. ConclusionWorks CitedAcknowledgementsI. IntroductionWith the development of economy and trading integration, business English as the basic communicative tool has been used widely in every trading cooperation. Contracts as the tool for different countries trading with others, has been brought into people’s discussion for a long time.Due to the oppositely conservative economic style and rare communication with other countries, the related study on business English Contracts was very rare before 21st in China. While the situation changed a lot from the beginning of the new era of 21st century with the booming development of related works.Business English contracts is a kind of text form with strong professionalism and responsibility. [1] To acquire business English contracts’words’characters and translation skills will be good for assisting related trading activities’communication and cooperation effectively and authoritatively. This paper aims at analyzing the character of words in business English contracts and the translation skills worthy of studying in order to help all of the students, professionals and related researchers of this field obtain a good knowledge of business English contracts, and also provide them with advantageous reference and assistance in their future’s study. What’s more, all of the related works’booming development will surely advance China’s marketing economic development and progress, prompt the blend of economy of China and other countries, which certainly will have extremely positive affection in world economic integrity.II. Words’ Features of Business English ContractsBusiness contract is the main guarantee of bilateral profits, its wordsshould be formal, serious, detailed, accurate, complex, profound and distinguished. [2] Thus in the process of signing a contract, related people have to adopt regularized terms and expressing ways to make sure the contract are coherent, its content is true and is with legal effect. In view of the above mentioned requirements, the words of business English contracts should have many characters, like the mass usages of technical terms, written words, archaisms, loanwords, modal verbs and abbreviations.2.1 Usage of technical termsTechnical terms in contract defines the words with specific meaning and character and being used not as common and ordinary meaning. On account of the legal effect, it always need many professional words, law terms to protocol an agreement in order to make the words’ meaning sole and specific without any emotional color and different meaning. There are many commonly used terms listed, like “for your reference”, “for one’s file”, “in your favor”, “by separate post”and “advance payment”and so on. [3]2.2 Usage of archaismThe massive use of archaisms is an obvious character of business English contract. For the language of business English is very formal with many written words, there are many words being used in documents and contracts rarely used in other fields. Archaisms are the words with formallanguage style, most of them are the adverbial compound words combined by propositions like there and here, where and by, after, in, at and so on. Just like the words “hereby”, “hereafter” and “whereby” and so on. [4]2.3 Usage of written wordsAs business English contracts should rule the two parties’rights, obligations, duties and action norms directly who signed the contract, therefore the written words are usually used to stand out the contract’s seriousness and professional textual characters. For example, “in effect”is always used to take the place of “in fact”; “desire to do” is always used to take the place of “wish to do”; “deem” is always used to take the place of “think” and “believe” and so on. [5]2.4 Usage of loanwordsSome business technical terms used in business contract originates from Latin or French, some are derived words or compound words by the root of them. Most of the terms have the same prefix or suffix and have the stable meanings being advantageous for expressing exactly. For example, “as per”comes from Greek; “inter alia”, “ad valorem duty”, “stare decisis”all originate from Lation, which will be written as italic type in business contract. [6]2.5 Usage of modal verbsThe purpose of signing a business contract lies in define twoparities’ rights and obligations in case of any legal dispute. Consequently, there existing lots of similar depictions in the items of a contract, like “something must be done”, “something may be done”and “something shall not be done”and so on. Under such circumstances, many modal verbs will be used in business contract. Apart from being used to express the future tense, some modal verbs have many other particular meanings in law, which could be paid more attention in translation process. To set some examples, “shall”commonly mean the obligation in business contract namely what should be done. And if it hasn’t been performed, such action will be seen as default. Thus “shall” means “should” or “have to”in the translation text; “May”commonly mean the right, power or privilege in business contract namely what can be done. And if expressing some right is mandatory, “be entitled” should be used usually; “Must” is generally used to express the compulsory situation by law namely what should be done, and the tone is stronger that “shall”; “Will” is generally used to express the compulsory situation without regulations in law, and the tone of it is weaker that “shall”. [7]2.6 Usage of abbreviationsAs kind of professional legal document, business English contract is tedious and complicated. And in order to make the contract convenient to be communicated, remembered and recorded, numerous abbreviations will be used in business English contract. The several simple liters usedin business contract can convey complex meanings, whose interpretations have become a convention internationally. In general, the payment way, delivery way, insurance way, price items, currency, measurement and other organizations, companies and countries always arise as abbreviations. For “LC”= letter of credit; L&D=loans and damage; L&D.=loans and discounts; FOB=Free on Board; A/R=all risks; SHINC=Sunday and Holiday Included etc,. [8]。
合同知识商务合同的语言特点及其汉英翻译

合同知识商务合同的语言特点及其汉英翻译商务合同是商业活动中至关重要的法律文件,它规定了各方的权利和义务,并对商业交易提供了法律保护。
在国际贸易中,汉英翻译的正确与否直接关系到合同双方的权益。
本文将探讨商务合同的语言特点,并探讨商务合同在汉英翻译中需要注意的问题。
一、商务合同的语言特点1. 精确性:商务合同需要明确、具体地规定各方的权益、义务以及商业交易的细节。
合同中的每个条款都应该精确无误,以防止不必要的争议和误解。
2. 一致性:商务合同必须在整体上保持一致性,不论是在用词上还是在句子结构上。
合同中的术语和定义应该一致,并且使用相同的语法结构来表达类似的内容。
3. 条理性:商务合同应该按照逻辑顺序组织,清晰地阐述各个条款和条件。
重要条款应该以明确的标题或者编号进行标示,以便于阅读和查找。
4. 严肃性:商务合同是一份正式的法律文件,必须以严肃、正式的语言来书写。
使用恰当的词汇和句式可以增加合同的权威性和可靠性。
二、商务合同的汉英翻译要点1. 词汇翻译:在商务合同中,有许多专业术语需要准确翻译。
翻译人员应该熟悉相关的行业术语,以确保翻译的准确性。
此外,还应避免使用歧义的词汇,以免产生误解。
2. 文体风格:商务合同既要准确传达法律信息,又要考虑到语言的简洁性和易读性。
在翻译过程中,应注意保持合同的正式风格,并可根据需要进行适当的调整,以符合目标语言的语言习惯。
3. 灵活运用:商务合同翻译不仅仅是简单的文字对应,还需要根据目标语言和文化背景的差异,适当调整句子结构和表达方式。
例如,中文合同中可能使用被动语态,而英文合同则更倾向于使用主动语态。
4. 格式要求:商务合同的格式在不同的国家和地区可能有所不同。
翻译人员需要注意确保合同的格式与原文一致,包括标题、条款号码、字体大小等。
此外,还需要注意格式中的特殊要求,如签字、印章等。
在商务合同翻译中,准确传达各方的权益和义务是至关重要的。
只有合同中的条款清晰明确才能保证商业交易的顺利进行。
商务英语合同的语言特色及翻译技巧

商务英语合同的语言特色及翻译技巧
商务英语合同是商业交易中不可或缺的一部分,其语言特色和翻译技巧对于商务翻译人员来说非常重要。
以下是商务英语合同的语言特色及翻译技巧:
一、语言特色
1.正式性:商务英语合同是正式文件,因此其语言要求严谨、准确、规范,不能出现口语化、随意、模糊的表达。
2.简洁性:商务英语合同要求简洁明了,用词精准,避免冗长、繁琐的句子和用词。
3.明确性:商务英语合同要求明确表达各方的权利和义务,避免歧义和误解。
4.法律性:商务英语合同是法律文件,其语言需要符合法律规范,遵循法律原则和规则。
二、翻译技巧
1.准确翻译:商务英语合同的翻译要求准确无误,不能出现翻译错误或漏译现象。
2.保持原意:商务英语合同的翻译要保持原意,不能改变原文表达的意思。
3.遵循法律规范:商务英语合同的翻译需要遵循法律规范,翻译人员需要了解相关法律法规,确保翻译内容符合法律规定。
4.注意用词:商务英语合同的翻译需要注意用词,用词准确、简洁、明确,避免冗长、繁琐的表达。
5.审慎翻译:商务英语合同的翻译需要审慎处理,避免出现歧义和误解,确保翻译内容符合各方的权利和义务。
总之,商务英语合同的语言特色和翻译技巧对于商务翻译人员来说非常重要,需要翻译人员具备专业的语言能力和法律知识,确保翻译内容准确无误,符合法律规范,保持原意。
商务合同英语的特点及翻译范文

商务合同英语的特点及翻译范文Commercial Contract Characteristics and Sample Translation of Business ContractsIntroduction:In the global business landscape, the importance of commercial contracts cannot be overstated. As businesses expand their operations internationally, the need for effective communication and understanding of contractual terms becomes vital to ensure smooth transactions. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of commercial contracts in English and provide a sample translation to showcase their complexity and significance in the business world.1. Clarity and Precision:Commercial contracts in English are characterized by their clarity and precision in language. Every term, condition, and obligation is stated explicitly to eliminate any ambiguity or room for misinterpretation. The use of plain language is preferred to avoid any confusion or legal disputes that may arise due to vague or overly complex wording.For example, consider the following excerpt from a commercial contract:"Party A shall deliver the products, as specified in Exhibit 1, in accordance with the quantity, quality, and specifications agreed upon by Party A and Party B. Failure to deliver the products as per the agreed terms shall result in penalties as outlined in Clause 5.2."2. Binding Nature:Commercial contracts in English are legally binding documents that govern the relationship between parties involved in a business transaction. These contracts create obligations, duties, and rights for each party and are enforceable by law. The language used in commercial contracts reflects the gravity of these obligations and the consequences of a breach.For instance, consider the following excerpt from a commercial contract:"This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. Any assignment of rights or obligations under this agreement shall require the prior written consent of the other party."3. Specificity in Terms and Conditions:Commercial contracts in English are characterized by their specific and detailed terms and conditions. These contracts address various aspects such as payment terms, delivery schedules, warranties, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The inclusion of specific provisions reduces the potential for misunderstandings and ensures that each party's rights and responsibilities are clearly outlined.For example, consider the following excerpt from a commercial contract:"The payment shall be made by Party B to Party A within thirty (30) days from the receipt of a valid invoice. In case of any disputes or disagreements regarding the invoice, Party B shall notify Party A in writing within ten (10) days from the receipt of the invoice. Failure to notify Party A within the specified timeframe shall be deemed as an acceptance of the invoice."4. Language of International Business:Commercial contracts in English serve as the lingua franca of international business. English is widely used in global commerce due to the historical influence of English-speaking countries in trade and economics. The language used in commercial contracts reflects the established conventions, practices, and standards of the international business community.Translation Sample:Original English Excerpt:"The Seller shall deliver the Goods in accordance with the terms specified hereunder. The Buyer shall make the payment as per the agreed schedule. In case of any disputes, the Parties agree to resolve the matter through arbitration in accordance with the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce."Translated Excerpt (Chinese):"卖方应按照下文规定的条款交付商品。
浅析英语商务合同的特点及翻译原则【范本模板】

浅析英语商务合同的特点及翻译原则摘要:自我国改革开放以来,各行各业对外经济交往和合作越来越频繁,英语商务合同作为具有法律效力的商务文件,在商务活动中具有一定重要性.而英语商务合同翻译的好坏直接关系到当事方的经济利益。
本文介绍了英语商务合同的特点,论述了英语商务合同的翻译原则,并提出了在翻译英语商务合同时应注意的一些问题。
关键词:英语商务合同,特点,翻译原则Abstract: Since China΄s reform and opening up,foreign economic exchanges and cooperation in all walks of life become more and more frequent. English commercial contracts, as legallybinding business documents, play an important role in business communication. Therefore,the quality of the translation of English business contracts will affect the economicinterests of the parties. This article first discusses the characteristics of Englishcommercialcontracts, then explores the principles for the translatiion of the English commercialcontracts and finally puts forward some points which should be noted in the translatingpractice。
Key Words: English commercial contract,features, translation principles引言随着中国经济的迅速发展和全球贸易的日趋融合,中国和世界其他国家的合作和贸易往来日渐频繁。
英文合同语言特征及翻译

目录
01 一、英文合一、英文合同的语言 特征
04
二、英文合同的翻译 方法
05 参考内容
合同是一种具有法律效力的文件,因此,英文合同的语言必须准确、正式、 明确,以避免可能的误解或争议。以下我们将探讨英文合同的语言特征以及如何 进行准确的翻译。
3、表达方式:合同的语言通常清晰、直接、明确。很少使用修辞手法,如 比喻、拟人等,以避免可能的歧义。
二、英文合同的翻译
英文合同的翻译需要准确、专业、正式。以下是一些翻译英文合同的要点:
1、理解合同原文:合同翻译的首要步骤是准确理解原文的含义。这需要对 合同所涉及的法律、法规,以及英文合同的语言特征有深入的了解。
5、校对和审查:在完成合同的翻译后,应进行校对和审查,以确保翻译的 准确性和专业性。如果有必要,可以寻求专业的法律或语言专家的帮助。
总的来说,英文合同的翻译需要高度的专业知识和严谨的态度。只有准确的 翻译,才能确保合同的有效性和双方的权益。英文合同语言特征及翻译
英文合同是国际商务活动中非常重要的一环,其语言特征和翻译方法也是我 们需要了解和掌握的。本次演示将从英文合同的语言特征和翻译两个方面进行探 讨。
总之,英文合同语言特征及翻译是一个非常复杂的话题。在翻译英文合需要 遵循原文意思、语法规则和语言表达的流畅性等原则,同时需要注意合同条款的 明确性、准确性和严谨性。只有这样,才能确保合同的准确性和完整性,为国际 商务活动的顺利开展奠定基础。
参考内容
商务合同是商业活动中必不可少的一部分,其目的是明确双方的权利和义务, 保障双方的利益。作为国际商业交流的通用语言,商务英语合同具有独特的语言 特征和翻译技巧。本次演示将从商务合同英语的语言特征和翻译两个方面进行深 入探讨。
商务合同英语语言特征的探析论文

商务合同英语语言特征的探析论文•相关推荐商务合同英语语言特征的探析论文[摘要] 商务合同英语既具有商务英语的特点,同时也具有法律英语的特点。
本文根据商务合同英语的特点,从词法、句法、语用等几方面探析商务合同英语的语言特征。
商务合同英语属庄重文体,即各种英语中正式程度最高的一种。
下面从词法、句法、语用等几方面探析商务合同英语的语言特征。
一、词汇特征1、正式词语的使用。
商务合同英语要对交易各方的权利、义务、行为准则的准确涵义和范围进行直接而明确的规定,其措词必须严谨、精确、正式,并不带个人感情色彩。
因此正式词语在商务合同中使用频率非常高,俚语、俗语、方言、戏谑语不能出现在商务合同中。
为体现其正式与严谨的文体特征,商务合同英语多倾向于用较复杂的介词短语来代替非正式语体中常见的简单介词与连词。
2、古体词的使用。
古体词在现代英语口语和一般书面语中极少使用,但在商务合同等法律文体中,古体词却大量出现,充分体现出其庄重严肃的文体风格。
商务合同英语中最常使用的古体词多为一些复合副词,即由here,there 和where 分别加上after ,at ,by ,from ,in ,of,to ,under ,upon ,with 等一个或几个介词共同构成的复合副词。
这些复合词中的“here”指的是“this”,即“本文件(合同,协定等)”,“there”指的是“that”,即“另外的文件(合同,协定等)”,“where”指的是“what”或“which”之意。
3、法律用语和专业词汇的使用。
合同是具有法律效力的经济文书,其语言属于法律范畴。
合同中大量使用的是正式的法律用语及国际商务方面的专业词汇。
这些词汇突出法律文本的威严。
4、外来词的使用。
商务合同英语中使用的商务类专业术语有不少源于拉丁语或法语,有些则是由其词根派生或合成,许多术语都有相同的前缀或后缀。
它们的意义比较稳定,利于精确地表达概念,例如:ad valorem duty (拉丁语)从价(关)税, bonafide holder (拉丁语)汇票的善意持票人, pro rata tax rate 比例税率(拉丁语,即proportional tax rate), force majeure (法语)不可抗力, pro forma (拉丁语)估算表。
商务英语合同的语言特色及翻译技巧

商务英语合同的语言特色及翻译技巧商务英语合同是国际商务交往中不可或缺的重要文书,它具有一定的语言特色和翻译技巧。
本文将探讨商务英语合同的语言特色以及翻译时需注意的技巧,以期帮助读者更好地理解和应用。
一、商务英语合同的语言特色1. 正式与精确商务英语合同的语言应严格、正式、精确,不使用生活中的口语,以确保双方在合同中的权益清晰明确。
一言以蔽之,用词要力求精准。
2. 双方平等协商合同语言应体现交易双方的平等协商,即使在表示原因、目的或方法时,也应当避免片面或过度表达其中一方的立场。
确保语言表达中的客观公正和平衡。
3. 条款层次分明商务英语合同中通常包含一系列的条款和子条款,这些条款需要层次分明,以便双方理解和遵守。
条款的排列也要有逻辑性,各部分之间要有连贯性。
4. 具有法律效力商务英语合同是法律文书,要求具备法律效力。
因此,合同中的语言应当明确、严肃,并遵守相关的法律法规,以确保合同的有效性和执行力。
二、商务英语合同的翻译技巧1. 准确把握合同意图在翻译商务英语合同时,首先要准确把握合同双方的意图,理解双方所要达成的交易内容和目的,以便更好地进行翻译。
2. 语言简练明确合同翻译应当注意简练明确的语言表达。
避免使用冗长的句子和多余的修辞。
合同语言应当简洁直接,以防歧义和误解。
3. 词义准确一致在翻译合同时,词义的准确性和一致性非常重要。
同样的术语应当在合同中保持一致的翻译,以避免产生理解上的偏差和混淆。
4. 保持合同的法律效力商务英语合同的翻译应当保持其法律效力。
翻译时准确传达各方的权益和责任,在语言表达上尽量遵守目标语言国家的法律法规和习惯用法。
5. 考虑文化差异在翻译商务英语合同时,应当考虑到双方文化背景的差异。
尽量避免使用可能与目标语言文化或法规相冲突的语言表达,以确保合同的适应性和可理解性。
结语商务英语合同是国际商务交往中必不可少的重要文件,其语言特色和翻译技巧对于双方的合作关系至关重要。
准确把握合同意图,简练明确的语言表达,准确一致的词义选择,保持法律效力,以及考虑文化差异,是进行商务英语合同翻译时需要注意的关键要点。
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英文商务合同论文:浅谈英语商务合同的语言特点与翻译方
法
摘要:合同英语属于法律英语的一个范畴,具有庄重、严谨、严肃、正式的文体风格。
商务合同英语在其长期的使用过程中,形成了鲜明的文体特征。
基于对典型实例的分析,初步探讨商务合同英语的文体特征,了解和分析商务合同的语言特点能够帮助我们正确认识语言现象,对于提高语言运用的有效性、得体性和语言交际能力大有帮助。
本文主要从合同的词汇和句法两个层面,对英文商务合同的文体特征进行讨论,进而提出相应的翻译方法,点明了英文商务合同翻译的要点。
关键词:英文商务合同;文体特征;词汇;句法;翻译随着中国加入wto,中国企业在国际市场上的商业活动越来越频繁,英文合同的应用也越来越广泛。
笔者近年来多次参与了公司的国际商务合同谈判及翻译工作。
在实践中,笔者发现合同英语用词造句有着自身独特的语言特征,如果能够充分掌握这些特征,将有助于合同英语的理解和翻译。
一、英语商务合同词汇特征
1.正式词汇的使用。
由于商务合同属于法律公文,为了显示其规范性、约束力和庄严性,商务合同经常选用正式、严肃的词或词组。
例如,商务合同经常使用“expire”而非
“end”表示“期满”;用“in the event that/in case”而不用“if”表示“如果”等。
在翻译商务合同时,必须尽量选择正式、严肃的中文词汇以使译文和原文在用词方面做到功能对等。
2.专业术语的使用。
专业术语一般都是名词或名词性词组。
由于英文商务合同涉及各行各业,因此经常使用大量的专业术语。
因此,在翻译专业术语时,译员必须做到专业术语学科信息对等并使译文符合行规。
3.由here/there/where+介词构成的词的使用。
商务合同往往大量使用由here/there/where+介词构成的古英语。
为了使文体功能对等,译员必须尽量把这类法律文书文体译成汉语的法律公文体。
二、英语商务合同句法特征
1.陈述句的使用
陈述句主要用于阐述、说明、解释客观事实。
商务合同主要陈述和规定合同双方的利益和义务以及涉及运输、保险、付款方式等各方面的规定,因此一般都使用客观平实的陈述句。
例如:“intellectual proprietary rights” shall mean any or all rights including,but not limited to,patents,designs,trade marks, copyrights,trade secrets or other intellectual proprietary rights with
respect to the works. “知识产权”系指任何部分或全部的权利,包括但不仅限于专利、商标、著作权、商业秘密或其它与工程相关的知识产权。
2.被动句的使用
由于商务合同是规定各方权利与义务的文书,因而英文商务合同中较多地使用被动句,以体现合同文体的严谨性。
英文商务合同中有关包装、运输、保险、付款方式、检验、争议解决等条款大多采用被动句结构。
在处理此类被动句时,可将其翻译为主动句,以符合中文的行文习惯。
3.长句的使用
为了确定合同双方的权利与义务,避免曲解、误解或歧义,英文商务合同往往采取结构复杂的长句。
在英文合同中,往往出现多个状语从句和/或定义从句,或其它修饰成分,对主句的意义进行解释或补充。
鉴于英汉两种语言的表达方式不同,在翻译此类长句时,适当切分句子,充分理解句子的意思,理清句子的层次和逻辑关系,找出句子的主干成分,然后再采取拆句、分译、调整语序等翻译方法对原句进行处理。
三、商务合同翻译的要点
和普通文件的翻译要求类似,商务合同的翻译也要求“信”、“达”、“雅”,但是对前两个标准“信”和“达”的
要求明显要比对后者“雅”的要求要更高;换言之,商务合同更加讲究的是“忠实”(“faithfulness”)和“通
顺”(“expressiveness”)。
1.忠实于原文是合同翻译的第一要求。
一般来说,商务合同中的用词都是合同撰写人经过深思熟虑才敲定的,每个词的都具有特定而准确的含义。
一般而言,在翻译商务合同的过程中,宁可牺牲“雅”以求“信”,最好的方法莫过于遵循原文的结构和意义,在了解合同的词汇特征和句法特征以及理解全文的基础上采取直译。
2.通顺是商务合同翻译的基本要求。
对商务合同而言,文采斐然固然好,通顺明白、清楚易读更加重要。
因此在翻译英文合同时,译员必须先充分理解合同的意义,在忠于原文的基础上,适当译成符合中文习惯的句子。
四、结束语
奈达认为语言是由语音、词汇、句法和篇章四种结构组成的(《语言、文化与翻译》)。
本文从词汇和句法两个层面对商务合同的文体特征进行了探析,提出了相应的翻译方法。
在此基础上,本文还结合了商务合同的篇章特点,提出了英语商务合同翻译的要点,对翻译实践有一定的指导作用。
【参考文献】
[1]胡庚申,王春晖.国际商务合同起草与翻译[m],北京:外文出版社,2002.。