英文国际经济贸易合同中状语的语用分析与翻译技巧
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浅谈国际经贸英文合同的词法特征与翻译孙青国际经贸英文合同的词法富有多样性,在不同的语境中具有不同的含义,而当它作为为一种法律文件时,它自身就要求具有一定的准确性、严谨性,因此,在进行国际经贸英文合同的签订时,应该提前熟悉相关的专业知识,并且熟悉合同中每一个词的词法特征与翻译。
1 引言在不断发展的经济链条下,国际经济贸易是我国的一项重要经济目标。
自从2001年中国正式加入WTO之后,我国的对外经济贸易发展的也越来越快。
在对外经济贸易中所签订的国际经贸合同的形式比较广泛,并且都是英文书写,所以在签订合同时要正确把握合同中的每一个词的特性并且进行准确地翻译,避免出现不必要的麻烦。
本文选取正式用语、法律词汇、近义词等进行分析。
2 英文合同用词分析2.1正式用语合同文本不同于文学作品也不同于日常会话,不可能使用谚语、俚语等,也不可能借助于华丽的词藻和形象的修辞手法,如夸张、拟人、比喻等手法表情达意。
所以,经贸合同中的语言用词是冷静的,要严谨庄重、清楚准确,切忌使用情绪型词汇。
所以在遣词方面明显的一个特征就是用词较为正式,即所谓大词、长词,有学者称为拉丁语派生词。
(廖瑛,2005:132)例如,英文合同中常用到的词汇indemnify 就是正式用语,要比compensate正式。
2.2缩略词在每个行业都有不同的缩略词,其在英文合同中更是常见,它出现的形式一般为原单词的首字母缩略词或截短词。
在国际经贸英文合同中,出现频率最高的缩略词有价格、支付及保险方式等。
在国际经贸英文合同中恰当的使用缩略词有助于规范单词形、意的固定。
在使用缩略词时简约明了,不仅节省了大量的时间,而且也能减少误差,可以有效提高效率、满足工作需求。
另外,缩略语的使用可以用词更准确,在签订合同时使合同内容更加详细、具体,而且合同也更加具有严谨性。
但是,英文缩略词就有3000多,常见的经贸词在不同场合也有不同的用法,在合同中更应该注意。
例如:a/c, A/C account current,往来账户,活期存款帐户。
常见国际商务合同的翻译技巧handout一、合同翻译的准则1. 准确严谨Licensee will furnish to Party A copies of insurance policies and/or the endorsements.2. 规范通顺Expressiveness and Smoothness兹经买卖双方同意按下列规定的条款出售和购买此货。
二、句子翻译技巧1.主语的转换1)主语转换为谓语Delivery must be effected within the time stated on the purchase order, otherwise the Buyer must at its opinion cancel the order without cost to him, and charge the Seller for any loss incurred as the res ult of the latter’s failure to make such a delivery.Payment shall be made by net cash against sight draft with Bill of Lading attached showing the shipment of the goods. Such payment shall be made through the Bank of China, Dalian Branch. The Bill of Lading shall not be delivered to the Buyer until such draft is paid.Partial shipments shall be allowed upon presentation of the clean set of shipping document.2)主语转化为宾语Should all or part of the Contract and its appendices be unable to be fulfilled owing to the fault of one party, the breaching party shall bear the responsibilities thus caused.If any terms and conditions of this Contract are breached and the breach is not corrected by the breaching party within 30 days after a written notice thereof is given by the other party, then thenonbreaching party shall have the option to terminate this Contract by giving a written notice thereof to the breaching party.3)主语转为定语Each party is liable for the Joint Venture Company only up to the limit of the capital subscribed by it.2. 宾语的转换1)宾语转为主语The Seller shall deliver the Equipment and Materials in accordance with the Contract from the 19 (nineteenth) month to the 27 (twenty-seventy) month from the date of signing the Contract in 4 (four) lots.Party A shall send twice its technical personnel to Party B’s factory for training, and the total number of the participants shall not exceed 200 (excluding the interpreter).2)宾语转换为谓语The Licensor will, at its own cost, take such actions to eliminate infringement of the Licensed Patents as may be reasonably necessary and proper in its own opinion.The Seller shall make delivery of the goods strictly within the period stipulated herein. In the event of delay in delivery, the Buyer may cancel the Contract and claim damages for breach of the Contract.3. 表语的转换1)Agent oriented toward a single geographic market searching for products to import and market in the home Country is an import agent.The date of registration of the Joint Venture Company shall be the date of the establishment of the board of directors of the Joint V enture Company.2)表语转为谓语In the course of arbitration, the Contract shall be continuously executed by both parties except the part of the Contract which is under arbitration.Whereas Party B is in the real estate business, and the two Parties are in consideration of the mutual convenances and agrees to enter into this Contract under the terms and conditions set forth as follows:4. 定语的转换1)定语转为谓语The sample of the machine submitted by the Seller is featured by novel shape, easy operation, high calorific efficiency and low fuel consumption.We look forward to an ever increasing volume of business with your glass factories.We claim from shortage in weight and low quality on the consignment of w heat shipped per s.s. “Princess Victoria”.2)定语转为状语Any disputes arising from the execution of, or in connection with the Contract shall be settled through friendly consultations between both Parties. In case no settlement can be reached through consultations, the disputes shall be submitted for arbitration.The Joint Venture’s products to be sold in China may be handled by the Chinese Materials and Commercial Departments by means of agency or exclusive sales, or direct sale by the Joint Venture Company.5. 状语的转换1)状语转化为主语The conditions for establishment of the Joint Venture Company and the total amount of investment and registeredcapital are stipulated in this Contract.For the purpose of this Contract, the Party B desires to introduce the Patent and engage in production cooperation in accordance with the technical know-how specified in the Patent.The products fair will be held at the Standard Electrical Co., Madrid, Spain with the Buyer’s representatives.2)状语转化为汉语的定语In this Contract, the Packing Clause stipulates for one gross to the polythene bag, covered with paper box, 50 paper boxes to an inner carton, 2 inner cartons to a wooden case.三、被动语态的翻译1.被动语态的转换翻译1)动作的发出者转化为汉语主语This Contract is made by and between the Buyer and the Seller, whereby the Buyer agrees to buy and Seller agrees to sell the under-mentioned commodity according to the terms and conditions stipulated below.If any terms and conditions to this Contract are breached and the breach is not corrected by any party within 15 days after a written notice thereof is given by the other party, then the non-breaching party shall have the option to terminate this Contract by giving a written notice thereof to the breaching party.All the payments shall be made in the U.S. Currency by the Buyer to the Seller by telegraphic transfer to the Seller’s designated account with the Bank of China, Beijing, China.2) 英语句中的某一状语转换为主语The cost of the nonreturnable containers of the goods sold under this Contract is included in the prices herein specified.The production design, technology of manufacturing, means of testing materials prescription, standard of quality and trainingof personnel shall stipulated in Chapter 4 in this contract.The establishment, remuneration and the expenses of the staff of the preparation and construction office, when agreed by both parties, shall be covered in the project budget.3)把英语句子中的主语转化为宾语In case the quality, quantity or weight of the goods is found not in conformity to those stipulated in this Contract after reinspection by the China Import and Export Commodity Inspection Bureau within 15 days after the arrival of the goods at the port of destination, the Buyer shall return the goods to, or lodge claim against the Seller for compensation of losses upon the strength of Inspection Certificate issued by the said Bureau, with the exception of those claims for which the insurers or the carriers are liable.Upon the expiration of the duration or termination before the date of expiration of the Joint Venture, liquidation shall be carried out according to relevant law. The liquidated assets shall be distributed in accordance with the proportion of investment contributed by Party A and Party B.2. 被动语态的顺序1)按原句语序译成汉语主动语态The Seller shall not be held responsible for late delivery or non-delivery of the goods owing to generally recognized Force Majeure causes.The Seller shall be entitled to terminate this Contract in the event of failure by the Buyer to comply with any terms or conditions stated in this Article.2)按原句语序译成汉语被动语态The term for the technology transfer agreement is signed by Joint Company and Party B and it shall be approved by theapproval authority.All the equipment and materials supplied by the Seller shall be inspected by the Buyer and the quality certificates and inspection and test records shall be issued by the manufacturer.3)it is +p.p.It is mutually agreed that the certificate of quality and quantity or weight issued by themanufacturer shall be part of the document for payment with the adopted Letter of Credit.It is essentially stressed that the Buyers are requested to sign and return the duplicate of this Contract within 3 days from the date of receipt. In the event of failure to do this , the Sellers reserve the right to cancel the Contract.It is strictly understood that the number of employees to be trained by the Contractor at any one time shall no more than (…)四、从句的翻译1. 状语从句的翻译1)条件状语从句的翻译If 若,如果If the Force Majeure event lasts over 40 days, the Buyer shall have the right to cancel the Contract or the undelivered part of the Contract.If any change is required regarding the terms and conditions to this Agreement, then both parties shall negotiate in order to find a suitable solution, provided however, that any change to this Agreement shall be subject to the approval by the Chinese Government.Claims, if any, shall be submitted by Telex within fourteen days after the arrival of the goods at destination.Contingent shares, if any, to be issued hereunder shall bedetermined on the basis of the after-tax consolidated earning of Seller.Said amount shall be reduced by the sum of the difference, if any, between the inventory value of small equipment and the closing inventory value thereof.In case 如,若In case the Buyer fail to carry out any of the terms or conditions to this Contract with the Seller, the Seller shall have the right to terminate all or any part of this Contract with the Buyer or postpone shipment or stop any goods in transit and the Buyer shall in every such case be liable to the Seller for all losses, damages and expenses thereby incurred.In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.In case of quality discrepancy, claims shall be filed by the Buyer within 30 days after the arrival of the goods at the port of destination.In the event that 若,如果,假如In the event that deficiencies in the Equipment become evident, such deficiencies shall be corrected by ABC during the two days per week during which the Purchaser will not be testing.In the event that the Documents supplied by Party B are not in conformity with the stipulations in Sections 8.2, Party B shall, within the shortest possible time but not later than 30 days after the receipt of the Party A’s written notice, dispatch free of charge to Party A the missing or the correct and legible Documents.In the event of graft or serious dereliction of duty on the part of the general manager and/or deputy general managers, the Board of Directors shall have the power to dismiss them at will.should+subj.+verb.Should any of the stipulations to the Contract be altered, amended, supplemented or deleted, the same shall be negotiated between and agreed upon by both parties and written documents shall be signed by the representatives of both parties.Should the effect of Force Majeure continue more than one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive days, both parties shall settle the further execution of the Contract through friendly negotiations as soon as possible.Unless=if not, except if or except whenUnless expressly agreed to, the port of shipment is at the Seller’s option.Unless otherwise stated thereafter, the accounting principles employed shall be the same as those applied in the proceeding years.Neither Party shall have the right to represent the other party unless otherwise arranged. Provided that…No salary shall be paid and charged against the operating expenses, provided that the commission or brokerage of the Second Party shall be paid and charged as a part of the operating expenses.Provided that Party B desires to continue leasing the flat, Party B shall notify Party A in writing tow months in advance of expiry of the leased and a new contact shall be signed.All disputes in connection with or in the execution of this Contract shall be settled through friendly negotiation. Where no settlement can be reached, the disputes shall be submitted for arbitration.When one party to the Joint Venture Company assigns all orpart of his investment, the other party has preemptive right.2). 时间状语从句的翻译。
浅论国际贸易中商务英语合同翻译的策略与技巧介绍如下:
随着国际贸易的不断发展,商务英语合同翻译的重要性也逐渐受到关注。
商务英语合同中涉及的条款繁多,表达方式也相对固定,翻译人员需要掌握一定的策略和技巧才能准确、完整地传达原文中的含义。
以下是一些商务英语合同翻译的策略和技巧。
1.意译而非词语翻译
商务英语合同中的某些条款或句子可能没有直接的对应汉语表达,此时需要采用意译的方式来传达意思。
在意译的过程中,要抓住原文的核心思想和含义,同时兼顾翻译的语言规范和习惯。
2.注意条款的精准度
商务英语合同中的条款需要精准地翻译,避免意思上的模糊和歧义,否则可能会引起纠纷和误解。
在翻译过程中,要准确理解条款的用意和含义,并权衡汉语表达方式的准确性和流畅度。
3.了解当地法律法规和商务惯例
商务英语合同中涉及的法律术语和商务惯例往往有所不同,需要根据具体情况进行翻译和解释。
在进行合同翻译时,翻译人员需要了解当地的法律法规和商务惯例,避免出现翻译上的偏差或不当表达。
4.避免机械翻译
机械翻译虽然可以提高翻译效率和速度,但是往往不能精准反映原文的意思。
在商务英语合同翻译中,不能完全依赖机械翻译,需要进行适当的人工修正和调整,确保翻译的准确性和流畅度。
5.重视合同格式和排版
商务英语合同的格式和排版也要注意,对于一些格式和标点符号的处理需要特别关注。
要保持原文的格式和排版,尽量减少误解和不必要的麻烦。
总之,商务英语合同翻译需要翻译人员对商务英语和当地法律法规和商务惯例有较深入的了解,并采用意译、注意条款精准度、避免机械翻译、重视合同格式和排版等技巧和策略,以保证翻译的准确性和流畅度。
浅谈国际经贸英语的英汉翻译技巧2019-06-08摘要经贸英语,即国际经济贸易往来中使⽤的英语。
经贸英语作为⼀门专门⽤途英语,有着区别于普通英语的语⾔特点。
本⽂拟通过分析经贸英语的语⾔规律和特点,对经贸英语的英汉翻译做初步的研究和探讨。
关键词经贸英语语⾔特点英汉翻译技巧⼀、经贸英语的特点经贸英语,即国际经济贸易往来中使⽤的英语,是我国涉外经济活动中的主要交际语⾔。
内容涉及领域⼴泛,包括外贸运输、⾦融、投资、财会、经营管理、市场营销、对外经贸合同和法律⽂书等。
经贸英语作为专门⽤途英语,有着区别于普通英语的语⾔特点。
(⼀)经贸英语⽤词简洁。
因为国际经济活动⾮常讲究效率,使⽤常见的词语便于双⽅理解和接受信息;修饰语少,有助于内容的直截了当,所以经贸英语⼀般⽤词简洁。
(⼆)语义明确,固定表达。
经贸英语有很多表达沿袭很久,形成了固定说法,存在着很多专业术语。
(三)⾏⽂准确、清楚。
因为经贸活动中涉及贸易双⽅的责任、权利、义务和风险利害关系,⽽且备忘录、函电等⽂字与材料⼜是各种贸易单证与合同合法有效的依据。
任何⽤词的任何错误,都有可能导致意想不到的后果,是要避免的。
所以⽤语要正式规范,不能过于⼝语化,及经贸英语所使⽤的语⾔不能过于⾮正式。
经贸英语的准确、清楚主要表现在商务合同等法律⽂件,多⽤长句、复合句、并列复合句等法律公⽂常⽤句式,以及介词(短语)、插⼊语、同位语、倒装句、被动语态(过去分词)等特殊句型。
如:GATT-the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade-is a multilateral treaty, subscribed to by 88 governments which together account for more than four-fifths of world trade.⼆、经贸英语的英汉翻译技巧基于以上经贸英语⽤词严谨,词义准确,句式结构复杂,专业化强等特点,笔者提出三种翻译技巧:(⼀)词类的转译。
As a mother of myself, I’m anxious about the future.经贸合同中常用的正式词句与句型FORMAL WORDS AND SENTENCES USED IN COMMERCIAL CONTRACT一、多用正式或法律上的用词,比如:1、合同规范用词At the request of Party B, Party A agrees to send technicians to assist Party B to install the equipment.应乙方要求,甲方同意派遣技术人员帮助乙方安装设备。
assist 较 help 正式;The personnel shall not partake in any political activities in Iraq.所有人员不得参加伊拉克国内的任何政治活动。
partake in 较 take part in 正式;The Employer shall render correct technical guidance to the personnel.雇主应该对有关人员给予正确技术指导。
render 较 give 正式;Party A shall repatriate the patient to China and bear the cost of his passage to Guangzhou.甲方应将病人遣返中国并负责其返回广州的旅费。
repatriate 较 send back 正式;This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of China.本合同受中国法律管辖,并按中国法律解释。
construe 较 explain, interpret 正式;The Employer may object to and require the Contractor to replace forthwith any of its authorized representatives who is incompetent.雇主认为承包人委派的授权代表不合格时,可以反对并要求立即撤换。
经贸合同英语的语言特点及翻译技巧探讨Introduction:In the field of international business, economic and trade contracts play a vital role. Effective communication through contracts is crucial for ensuring successful business operations. This article aims to explore the language characteristics and translation techniques of economic and trade contracts written in English.1. Language Characteristics of Economic and Trade Contracts:1.1. Formal and Legal Language:Economic and trade contracts are legally binding documents, requiring a formal and legal language style. This language choice ensures clarity, precision, and leaves no room for ambiguity. It incorporates specific legal terminology, clauses, and provisions that need to be carefully translated.1.2. Clear and Concise Language:To avoid misinterpretation and misunderstandings, economic and trade contracts employ clear and concise language. Unnecessary jargon and complex sentence structures are avoided wherever possible. This approach helps in enhancing comprehension and reducing the chances of disputes arising from vague terms.1.3. Technical Terminology:Economic and trade contracts often involve technical terms specific to the industry or field. These terms can include financial, legal, or industry-specific vocabulary. Translators need to possess a deep understanding ofthese terms and ensure their accurate translation to convey the intended meaning.2. Translation Techniques for Economic and Trade Contracts:2.1. Understanding Legal Concepts:Translators must have a strong knowledge of both legal systems involved in the contract. This understanding is essential for accurately translating legal concepts and translating them in a way that adheres to the legal system of the target language.2.2. Attention to Detail:The accuracy of details is of utmost importance in economic and trade contract translation. Translators need to be meticulous and pay careful attention to numerical values, dates, currencies, and any other specific information mentioned in the contract. Any mistakes can have serious legal implications.2.3. Consistency in Terminology:Consistency in terminology helps in maintaining clarity and coherence throughout the contract. Translators should establish a glossary of key terms before commencing the translation, ensuring that the same translation is consistently used for the predefined terms throughout the document.2.4. Cultural Considerations:Economic and trade contracts are influenced by the legal and cultural norms of the parties involved. Translators must be aware of these cultural nuances and adapt their translation accordingly. This not only ensuresaccurate communication but also helps in establishing trust between the contracting parties.Conclusion:Economic and trade contracts written in English have distinct language characteristics, including formal and legal language, clarity and conciseness, and the use of technical terminology. Translating these contracts requires expertise in legal concepts, attention to detail, consistency in terminology, and an understanding of cultural considerations. Ensuring accurate translation is crucial for effective communication and the success of international business transactions.。
浅析国际贸易英语的语用特点与翻译随着经济全球化进程的加快,国际贸易英语在对外经济贸易中的重要性逐渐凸显。
虽然国际贸易英语与通用英语之间存在一定的共性,但是在语体特点、词汇含义、文体风格方面又有所区别。
一般的英语翻译理论与方式不完全适用于国际贸易英语。
因此,明确国际贸易英语的语用特点、掌握外贸英语的翻译技巧成为了国际贸易英语翻译的重要研究方向之一。
本文主要针对国际贸易英语的语用特点与翻译策略进行研究,以期为国际贸易英语翻译提供一定的参考与借鉴。
一、国际贸易英语的语用特点国际贸易是相对国内贸易而存在的,其主要是指某一国家生产的产品或服务与另一个国家生产的产品或服务进行跨国界的经济贸易。
国际贸易英语则是这一经济行为所使用的语言。
国际贸易英语主要涵盖了各类进出口贸易行为所需要使用到的各类英语文化,例如商业信件、商业合同、产品使用说明书等。
国际贸易英语作为一种专用英语,相对于其他类型英语来说,国际贸易英语语言严谨简洁,需要使用精确的词汇、特殊的语句与文体特征来表述。
(一)词汇方面1.普通词汇转变为专业词汇。
在国际贸易英语翻译中,有的词汇含义与其他文体的词汇含义是截然不同的。
国际贸易英语中的词汇使用灵活,其中涉及到众多普通?~汇转化为专业词汇的情况。
例如,词汇agreement的一般含义为“协定、协议”,而在国际贸易英语中需要翻译为“条款”。
在国际贸易英语中词汇处于不同背景下含义各不相同。
2。
国际贸易术语众多。
在国际贸易英语中经常会出现一些专业术语,其不仅仅具备固定的含义,同时还有固定结构。
一般是通过简短的概念或英文缩写来标识。
用于明确价格的构成、限定产品销售交货方式、哪方承担货物毁坏责任等。
例如,FOB(船上交货)、DDU(未完税交货)、CIF(成本加保险加运费)等。
这一系列术语均是在长时间的国际贸易交易中形成的,得到了全球贸易行业的公认。
3.固定搭配类型多样。
国际贸易英语中存在大量固定搭配与习惯词汇用语,假如无法准确理解则往往会导致误译。
经贸合同英语中的语言特点与翻译技巧探析The Language Characteristics and Translation Techniques of Economic and Trade Contracts in EnglishIntroductionEconomic and trade contracts play a vital role in international business transactions. As the global economy continues to grow, the need for accurate and precise translation of such contracts becomes increasingly important. This article aims to explore the language characteristics and translation techniques commonly found in economic and trade contracts in English.Language Characteristics of Economic and Trade Contracts1. Precision and ClarityEconomic and trade contracts are renowned for their precision and clarity. The language used is typically concise, avoiding ambiguous terms or vague expressions. This ensures that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions stipulated within the contract.2. Legal TerminologyThese contracts contain a plethora of legal terminology. Words and phrases such as "contractor," "indemnification," "liability," and "force majeure" are commonly found. Translators must possess a deep understanding of legal terminology to ensure accurate translation and interpretation.3. FormalityEconomic and trade contracts maintain a high level of formality. The language used is often formal, avoiding colloquial expressions or informal language. This formality aims to ensure that the contract is taken seriously and that all parties involved understand the gravity of their obligations.Translation Techniques for Economic and Trade Contracts1. Research and FamiliarizationTranslators should conduct thorough research and familiarize themselves with the specific industry and legal terminology related to the contract. This will ensure accurate translation and prevent any misinterpretation or misconstrued meaning.2. Equivalent TerminologyTranslators must strive to find equivalent legal and business terminology in the target language. It is crucial to maintain consistency throughout the translation, ensuring that both parties can easily understand the terms and conditions.3. Attention to DetailEconomic and trade contracts require meticulous attention to detail during the translation process. Translators must pay close attention to the arrangement of clauses, punctuation, and formatting to accurately convey the original contract.4. Cultural ConsiderationsTranslators must consider cultural differences and practices when translating economic and trade contracts. Certain terms or practices may nothave an exact equivalent in the target language, requiring careful adaptation to preserve the contract's meaning and intention.ConclusionEconomic and trade contracts in English possess distinct language characteristics that demand precision, clarity, and formality. Accurate translation is essential to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes between the involved parties. By conducting thorough research, utilizing equivalent terminology, paying attention to detail, and considering cultural nuances, translators can effectively translate these contracts while maintaining their integrity. The importance of proper translation cannot be overstated, as it ensures effective communication and facilitates successful international business ventures.(Word Count: 603)。
第三节合同英语的句法特点及翻译要点一、句子结构国际经济合同文件及其法律文件中的英文句子具有结构严谨、句式较长的特点。
为了做到准确、严密、清楚、易解,这类英文句子的结构有其自己的一定规则,较典型的就是状语的位置。
主句中状语的位置一般应放在shall, may等情态助动词之后,行为动词之前。
A listed company shall, pursuant to laws and administrative regulations, make public periodically its financial and operational conditions. The listed company shall, in each fiscal year, publish its financial statements once every six months. 上市公司必须按照法律、行政法规的规定,定期公开财务状况和经营情况,在每会计年度内半年公布一次财务会计报告。
A foreign company may, pursuant to this law, establish branches within the Territory of China, and may engage in production and operational activities. 外国公司依照本法规定可以在中国境内设立分支机构,从事生产经营活动。
从句中状语的位置如果法律文件中的句子为复合句,则从句中状语的位置通常应放在连词if 或when等的后面,从句句子的前面。
If, during the effective term of a takeover offer, the purchaser needs to alter any items in the takeover offer, the purchaser shall submit a report to the securities regulatory authorities under the State Council and the stock exchange in advance. The purchaser shall, after approval of the report, make the fact in question know to the public. 在收购要约的有效期限内,收购人需要变更收购要约中事项的,必须事先向国务院证券监督管理机构及证券交易所提出报告,经获准后予以公布。
英文国际经济贸易合同中状语的语用分析与翻译技巧许国新(扬州大学外国语学院,江苏扬州225001)摘要:本文从英汉语言差异的比较出发,以语用分析为依据,介绍英文经贸合同中较为复杂的状语结构的常用翻译方法与技巧。
关键词:经贸合同;状语;语用分析;翻译中图分类号H059 文献标识码A 文章编号1000—873X(2002)03—0061—04前言英文经贸合同素以逻辑严谨、表意镇密、结构复杂为主要的语言文体特征。
在经贸合同中,为了使条款明确清晰,排除一切可能产生的歧义与误解,严格界定约各方履行义务、承担责任及享有权益的时效、方式、条件等,常常使用大量结构复杂、冗长重叠的状语来修饰条款中的动词。
多个状语同时修饰一个动词,或者一个状语中包含另一个状语的现象十分常见。
由于英语和汉语在状语的表述手段方面有着相当大的差异,而经贸合同中状语的语用功能有时又比较复杂,状语常常成为经贸合同翻译中的一个难点。
本文从英汉语言差异的比较出发,以语用分析为依据,通过笔者在翻译教学与实践中遇到的若干实例说明此类文书中复杂状语的常用翻译方法与技巧。
1.时间状语由于英语动词时态和语态体系的存在,辅之以数量较多的助动词的频繁使用,英语的时间状语位置十分灵活,可以位干句首、句中、或者句末,与所修饰的动词之间常常被其它句子成分隔开。
而汉语的动词结构没有时态体系来帮助表明合同中各缔约方承担义务和享有权益的时间性以及各种行为和事件发生的时效性,所以汉语经贸合同中的时间状语应该尽可能地靠近它所界定的动词。
在通常的情况下,汉语经贸合同中的时间状语通常位于它所修饰的动词之前。
因此,在翻译有时间状语的经贸合同条款时,应该首先考虑其位置的调整,这样可以避免译文显得结构松散,时间界定不明,以及可能产生的语义含混。
例如:(1)Buyers or their chartering agent shall advise the sellers by fax 10 days prior to the arrival of the carrying vessel at the port of the shipment of the contact numbername of the carrying vessel,approximate loading capacity,lay days and port of loading。
句中的时间状语10 days prior to the arrival of the carrying vessel at the port of the shipment位于它所修饰的动词之后,而且中间插入了间接宾语the sellers和方式状语by fax,译成中文时需要将时间状语提前,位于主语和动词之间,即译成:买方或其租船代理人须于载货轮抵达装运港10天前以传真方式通知卖方合同号、船名、大约受载重量预计抵达日期及装运港名。
(2)Within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this contract,the Buyer shall proceed to pay the price for the goods to the Seller by opening an irrevocable L/C for the amount of USD 30000 in favor of the Seller through a bank at export point so that the Seller may draw the sum in due time。
句中的时间状语Within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this contract,位于句首,规定( 买方付款的时间。
从行文方式上来看,状语位于句首似乎与汉语的行文方式很吻合。
然而,从语用的角度来看,经贸合同中许多表示时间的状语所表示的是某一缔约方必须在何时承担某一种义务和享有某一种权利,因为在合约的语境条件下,该承担的义务和享有的权利已经是很清了,或者说是相互间已是“心照不宣”,无须过多的叙说,而关键的是其时效性。
因此整个句子的重心不是句子的动作,而是发生动作的时间。
换言之,此类句子的语义中心不是该做什么,而是该在什么时限内做什么。
所以翻译成中文时不宜将它们放在句首,而应采用汉语中“主语一时间状语一谓语一宾语”结构,使时间状语尽量靠近表示义务责任的关键词“须”,以便更好地表达原文在合约这一特定语用环境下的含义,突出行为的时效性。
即译成:买方须于本合同签字并生效后三十天内通过出口地银行开立以卖方为收益人的不可才扣肖信用证支付全部货款计30000美元,以便卖方及时提取款项。
(3)If the technical documents are found lost,damaged or mutilated during air transportation,Party B shall supply Party A free of charge with a second set of the documents within the shortest possible time but not later than thirty days after it has received from Party A the written notice。
此句中的时间状语位于句末,从语用功能上来看它严格限定了乙方必须承担的义务的时效性,所以同上例一样译成中文时应置于它所修饰的动词之前,全句译成:若技术资扦在空运中去失、损坏、缺损、或短缺,乙方须于收到甲方的书面通知后三十天内尽快免费向甲方重新邮寄该技术资朴一套。
(4)The Buyer shall pay the Seller US$350,000 within 20 days after the Bank of China has received the following documents from the Seller and found them in order,but not earlier than 12(twelve) months after the date the Contract Plant for the first time reached 95% of guaranteed quality indices as per Annex VI to the Contract or 65 months after the date of signing the contract,whichever in earlier。
此句中含有一个非常冗长繁琐的时间状语,界定了买方承担付款义务的时间,从语用的角度来看,but后面的部分实际上是对前一部分,即within 20 days after the Bank of China has received the following documents from the Seller and found them in order的补充,同时语义上有转折关系;从英语和汉语的行文及表述方式上来看,英语的状语放在句末,如此冗长的状语结构对行文的规范及读者的理解都不构成任何问题、但如前文所述,汉语的时间状语从句通常须置于句首或句中的谓语动词之前,如果机械地将如此冗长的状语结构原封不动地译成汉语并置于谓语动词之前,就会使译文显得拖泥带水,而且难以达意。
因此,翻译此句时可以采用化整为零的手法,将表示补充内容的较长部分转换成汉语的并列句,并将原文中时间状语所修饰的谓语部分的核心,即“支付款项”移植为并列句的主语这样全句可译成:买方须于中国银行收到卖方下列单据,并经审核证实无误后的二十天内向卖方支付350,000美元但此款项的支什不得早于合同工厂第一次达到附件VI所规定之质量保证指标的95%以后的12个月,或本合同签字后的65个月,以早到的日期为准。
(5)The Buyer after receiving the notice shall inform the Seller of the date of inspection at least 20 days before the date of openpackage inspection。
本句中有两个并列的时间状语,共同修饰句中的谓语动词,明确限定了买方必须承担的义务的时效性,两者在时间上有先后,同时,两个状语的语用功能也不尽相同,前者是说明性的,后者则为规定性的。
译成中文时,由于汉语中状语不能像英语那样灵活,则以把它们蹂合在一起为佳,即译成:买方收到该通知后须于开箱检脸日前至少二十天将开箱检验日期通知卖方。
2.条件状语经贸合同中常见的条件状语有以下三种:1.由if、should、in case、in the event of等连接词引导的表示假设条件的状语,此类状语从语用的角度来看,通常表示的是在某一假设条件下合约的某一方须承担的义务和责任,或享有的权益,因此句子的语义重心在主句部分。
2.由provide(that)所引导的表示某种先决条件的状语,从语用角度来看,它们所表示的是只有在出现或具备了某种条件的情况下合约的某一方才有义务承担某一责任或享有某一权益,或者才有可能采取某一行动,因此,句子的语义重心在从句上,或者至少说状语从句表示的信息为相对而言比较重要的新信息。
3.由expect、with the exception of that、in the absence of和unless等引导的表示例外情况的状语从句,从语用的角度来看,它们表示合约某一方在某种特殊情况下可以例外地不受某一合约条款制约的特殊条件,它们通常用来作为某一合约条款的补充说明。
2.1表示假设条件的状语从句英语中条件状语的位置十分灵活,可以位于句首,句末或句中,根据行文的需要以上下文的连贯性为依据任意摆布,汉语占主导地位的行文方式则是通常将表示假设条件的状语从句放在句首。
同时,由于汉语的句式结构以偏正结构为主,即通常是复句的主句在后,从句在前。
所以,在一般的情况下,我们在翻译经贸合同中含有表示假设条件的状语的疑难长句时,可以首先虑将状语的位置移到句首,从而使句子的核心部位突出,而且使其结构简化。
此外,经贸合同中含有假设条件的条款通常又含有其自己的时间状语和原因状语来界定该假设条件发生的时效性以及其原因,对于此类条件状语中所含有的时间状语和原因状语,我们一般都可以按照前文所述置于所修饰的动词之前。