第一篇:略論國(guó)際商務(wù)合同的翻譯
略論國(guó)際商務(wù)合同的翻譯
Brief Discussion of the Translation of International Business Contracts 外國(guó)語(yǔ)學(xué)院09級(jí)英語(yǔ)2班:蔣文利
20093363 摘要:在國(guó)際經(jīng)濟(jì)貿(mào)易活動(dòng)中,商務(wù)合同是一種重要的法律文件依據(jù),商貿(mào)英語(yǔ)已成為必不可少的語(yǔ)言交際工具,它也是英文經(jīng)濟(jì)貿(mào)易合同的基點(diǎn)。越來(lái)越多的英語(yǔ)和法律的愛(ài)好者也希望能盡快熟悉合同英語(yǔ),從而準(zhǔn)確理解,翻譯、制作英語(yǔ)合同。這種需求隨著中國(guó)加入WTO(世界貿(mào)易組織)而劇增,用英語(yǔ)解決商務(wù)合同問(wèn)題的愿望也會(huì)隨之越來(lái)越迫切。國(guó)際商務(wù)合同的種類繁多,涉及面廣,內(nèi)容復(fù)雜。這類合同都是涉外交易性質(zhì),需要英漢兩種版本,因此大多需要翻譯。商務(wù)合同有其自身的特點(diǎn),即條理性、規(guī)范性和專業(yè)性。商務(wù)合同對(duì)翻譯的質(zhì)量提出很高的要求,也增加了其難度。本文用大量的例句,對(duì)商務(wù)合同英語(yǔ)的準(zhǔn)確性、嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)性、規(guī)范性及翻譯技巧與內(nèi)容的完善還有翻譯中常見(jiàn)錯(cuò)誤、成因及其對(duì)策等作了全面分析和論述,并分析其翻譯方面所應(yīng)注意的問(wèn)題。
Abstract: In the activities of international business trade, business contract has become an important legal document.Nowadays, business English has become not only a necessary tool for communication, but also the base of English business contracts.More and more English-learners and law-majors hope they can know something about English business contracts so as to understand them correctly, translate them exactly and make them perfectly.China?s entering the WTO enhances their desire to use English to solve the problems of business contracts.There are many different kinds of international business contracts, whose contents are diversified and complicated.In international trade, translation is compulsory since contracts usually need two versions: English and Chinese.The international business contract has its own characters, such as proper arrangement, standardization and specialty.All these make the translation of them very difficult and thus demand good skills to ensure a high quality.This article analyzes the preciseness, strictness and standardization of business contracts and explores the skills of translating them by citing many examples.It also points out some common translation errors, the reasons and the methods to correct the errors.Finally some advice is given to call readers attention to the problems in translation.關(guān)鍵詞:國(guó)際商務(wù)合同;翻譯;原則
Key words:International business contract;Translation;Principle
一、引言:在世界經(jīng)濟(jì)闊步邁向21世紀(jì)的今天,國(guó)際經(jīng)濟(jì)貿(mào)易活動(dòng)日益頻繁 自中國(guó)加入WTO,用英語(yǔ)解決商務(wù)合同問(wèn)題的愿望也會(huì)隨之越來(lái)越迫切。合同,也叫契約。“契”,即意思相投或相合,“約”是用語(yǔ)言或文字互定共守的條件。合同的意思是愿意訂立共同遵守的條件、合作共事?!吧虅?wù)合同(business contract)是自然人或法人之間為實(shí)現(xiàn)一定的商務(wù)目的,按一定的合法手續(xù)達(dá)成的規(guī)定相互權(quán)利和義務(wù)的契約,它對(duì)簽約各方都具有法律約束力。”正因?yàn)楹贤哂蟹尚в?,合同雙方都必須嚴(yán)格按照合同的約定,全面履行自己的義務(wù),這就需要合同的文字斟詞.多種貿(mào)易方酌句,力求準(zhǔn)確無(wú)誤。譯應(yīng)遵循忠實(shí)、準(zhǔn)確、統(tǒng)一的原則,即表達(dá)要忠實(shí)原文,用詞要準(zhǔn)確,整個(gè)譯文要融為一體。因此,商務(wù)合同的翻譯原則應(yīng)遵守把忠實(shí)原義放在首位;譯文應(yīng)符合目標(biāo)語(yǔ)體裁和格式;選詞應(yīng)準(zhǔn)確無(wú)誤,以免誤解,產(chǎn)生歧義;注意專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)和公文語(yǔ)言的慣用法;還有在翻譯方法上,主要采取直譯加調(diào)整的方法本文擬從文體角度提出:合同英漢翻譯時(shí),應(yīng)做到譯文準(zhǔn)確、嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)和規(guī)范。
二 商務(wù)合同的翻譯
(一)翻譯的原則和要點(diǎn)
商務(wù)合同是一種特殊的應(yīng)用文體,重在記實(shí),用詞行文的一大特點(diǎn)就是準(zhǔn)確與嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)。由于商務(wù)合同又是具備法律效應(yīng)的文件,它要嚴(yán)格規(guī)定合同雙方的義務(wù)、權(quán)力、行為準(zhǔn)則等明確條款,所以“絲毫不能允許語(yǔ)義的模棱兩可而使人誤解,被人鉆了法律的空子,它寧可犧牲文字流暢也要保持文意斬釘截鐵的確鑿性”?!笆紫纫⒁夤牡母袷?,原則上原文的體例應(yīng)當(dāng)保留,因?yàn)檫@些格式是一種語(yǔ)體(語(yǔ)域)標(biāo)識(shí),自有其形式意義。此外,要正確把握詞義,尤其要認(rèn)清一些common words 在公文中的特定含義。在措辭上,還要注意詞語(yǔ)的正式程度及專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)和公文習(xí)用語(yǔ)的使用?!?而劉法公也強(qiáng)調(diào):商貿(mào)翻譯應(yīng)遵循忠實(shí)、準(zhǔn)確、統(tǒng)一的原則,即表達(dá)要忠實(shí)原文,用詞要準(zhǔn)確,整個(gè)譯文要融為一體。因此,商務(wù)合同 2 的翻譯原則應(yīng)遵守把忠實(shí)原義放在首位;譯文應(yīng)符合目標(biāo)語(yǔ)體裁和格式;選詞應(yīng)準(zhǔn)確無(wú)誤,以免誤解,產(chǎn)生歧義;注意專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)和公文語(yǔ)言的慣用法;還有在翻譯方法上,主要采取直譯加調(diào)整的方法。只有基于以上這些原則才能出色地完成工作,更好地服務(wù)于社會(huì)經(jīng)濟(jì)的發(fā)展。
1、譯文準(zhǔn)確
譯文準(zhǔn)確是指合同譯文表達(dá)清楚、明晰,詞義確切。“判斷譯文正確與否的基本標(biāo)準(zhǔn)和是? 3C ?(Correctness, Completeness,concreteness)即正確性、完整性、具體性?!倍⑽纳虡I(yè)合同的用詞特征之一是頻繁使用專業(yè)詞匯、縮略詞及情態(tài)動(dòng)詞等。因此,合同英漢翻譯時(shí),應(yīng)對(duì)這些詞有深刻地理解,把握其確切的含義,絲毫不能有模棱兩可、含糊不清的地方,否則會(huì)引起合同一方的曲解,甚至?xí)?dǎo)致雙方的經(jīng)濟(jì)糾紛。請(qǐng)看合同專業(yè)詞匯、縮略詞及情態(tài)動(dòng)詞的英漢翻譯: 1.1 專業(yè)詞匯
合同中會(huì)涉及到許多專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ),這些詞在合同中都有單
一、明確的含義,不能理解為普通、常用的意思,如collection, confirm,acceptance, tolerance, more or less, 這些詞通常分別理解為“收集”,“確認(rèn)”,“接受”,“承受”,“大約”;而在合同中這些詞可用作術(shù)語(yǔ),其含義則分別為“托收”,“保兌”(confirmed L/ C),“承兌”(Documents against Acceptance),“公差”及“溢短裝”等。請(qǐng)
看下面例句:The ① Seller shall present the following documents required for negotiation/ collection to the banks.這是支付條件中經(jīng)常出現(xiàn)的句子,句中negotiation 和collection 是專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ),如果理解為“談判”和“收取”等常用 意思,譯文則會(huì)含糊不清,令人費(fèi)解。而此處的意思應(yīng)為“議付”和“托收”。句子可譯為:賣方必須將下列單據(jù)提交銀行議付或托收。② Partial shipment is allowed.這是合同中有關(guān)貨物裝運(yùn)的規(guī)定,如果把partial shipment 譯為“部分裝運(yùn)”,此條款則會(huì)出現(xiàn)明顯的漏洞,合同一方可理解為只需部分發(fā)貨,其余不裝運(yùn)亦可。而準(zhǔn)確的譯文則為“允許分批裝運(yùn)”,即賣方可以幾次發(fā)貨。1.2 縮略詞
英文商業(yè)合同中經(jīng)常會(huì)使用縮略詞,如FOB, W.A, D/A, D/ P 等等,與專業(yè)詞匯一 樣,縮略詞也有明確的含義,不能憑主觀意測(cè),譯文必須完整、準(zhǔn)確地表達(dá)該詞 3
所代表的意思,例如:① US.500 per metric ton CIFC2%Ningbo.CIFC2% 是縮略詞,表示CIFincluding 2% commission。譯文:寧波港全額到岸價(jià)每噸500 美元,含2 % 傭金。② CN.500.00 per case FOBD1% Shanghai.CN.表示Chinese yuan,F(xiàn)OBD1%表示less1% discount。譯文:上海港離岸價(jià)每箱500元人民幣,扣除1% 折扣。1.3 情態(tài)動(dòng)詞
英文商業(yè)合同中經(jīng)常會(huì)出現(xiàn)情態(tài)動(dòng)詞shall,把握該詞的確切含義,必須理解其用法上的特殊性。Shall 在合同等法律文書中是一個(gè)法律詞匯,相當(dāng)于漢語(yǔ)中“應(yīng)當(dāng)”或“須”,表示法律責(zé)任或義務(wù),而不是一般的道義責(zé)任。同樣,其否定式表達(dá)則相當(dāng)于漢語(yǔ)中的“不得”,不能理解為“不應(yīng)該”或“不能”。請(qǐng)看下面例句中Shall 的不同譯法:The L/ C shall reach the seller 30 days before the shipment.譯文1:信用證將在裝船前30天到達(dá)賣方。譯文2:信用證應(yīng)該在裝船前30天到達(dá)賣方。譯文3:信用證須在裝船前30天到達(dá)賣方。譯文1 把shall 當(dāng)作“將來(lái)”理解,完全是誤譯;譯文2 則把shall 理解為一般道義責(zé)任,沒(méi)有顯示合同的嚴(yán)肅性;因此譯文1、2 容易使合同一方憑借文字的模糊性逃避責(zé)任譯文3 準(zhǔn)確表達(dá)了shall 的含義,強(qiáng)調(diào)了買方應(yīng)履行的義務(wù),體現(xiàn)了合同是一種契約性很強(qiáng)的法律文書。
2、譯文嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)
翻譯中的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)既是翻譯實(shí)踐的原則問(wèn)題,又是一個(gè)作風(fēng)問(wèn)題。這在商務(wù)合同翻譯中尤為重要。合同中使用的語(yǔ)言屬法律語(yǔ)言范疇,強(qiáng)調(diào)語(yǔ)言結(jié)構(gòu)、措辭的嚴(yán)密。英文合同中用詞的另一個(gè)特點(diǎn)是使用正式詞語(yǔ),古體詞語(yǔ)、重復(fù)詞語(yǔ)、并列連接詞及表示時(shí)間的并列介詞等,以確保合同文字的嚴(yán)密性,無(wú)懈可擊,體現(xiàn)合同這種法律性文書的莊重和嚴(yán)肅。譯文的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)性主要體現(xiàn)在其用詞的嚴(yán)密性和句子構(gòu)的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)性兩個(gè)方面: 2.1 用詞嚴(yán)密
合同是一種契約性很強(qiáng)的法律文書,其文字力求規(guī)范、準(zhǔn)確、明晰和嚴(yán)密,以避免因文字的不確定性和模糊性所引起的合同糾紛。因此翻譯時(shí),不能采用普通的譯法,必須考慮到合同的專業(yè)性和嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)性。請(qǐng)看合同中有關(guān)表示時(shí)間、金額用語(yǔ)的英漢翻譯:
2.1.1 時(shí)間的英漢翻譯
合同中的裝船,支付等條款對(duì)時(shí)間的要求十分嚴(yán)格,因此,譯文中的有關(guān)時(shí)間的規(guī)定必須與原文吻合,否則合同一方會(huì)利用時(shí)間上的漏洞有意拖延交貨或貨款的支付。請(qǐng)看例句:
1、Payment: By irrevocable L/ C at sight to reach the sellers 30 days before the time of shipment.The L/ C shall be valid for negotiation in China until the 15th day after the date of shipment.譯文1:付款:不可撤銷的即期信用證裝船前30天開(kāi)到賣方,裝船后第15天前信用證在中國(guó)議付有效。譯文2:支付:買方應(yīng)當(dāng)在裝船前30天將不可撤銷的即期信用證開(kāi)到賣方。信用證在中國(guó)議付的有效期至裝船后的第15天。這是外貿(mào)合同有關(guān)支付的條款,涉及到信用證開(kāi)到賣方的時(shí)間以及信用證議付的時(shí)間,這兩個(gè)時(shí)間都有明確的規(guī)定,時(shí)間介詞before, after 及until 起限定作用。顯然譯文1 是普通譯法,文字不夠嚴(yán)密,而且易使信用證支付的時(shí)間產(chǎn)生歧義?!暗?5天前”可理解為“不含第15天”。譯文2 則充分考慮到合同文字的嚴(yán)密性,體現(xiàn)了原文用詞的風(fēng)格和含義。
2、Shipment: To be shipped on or before Feb.28, 1998譯文1:裝船:1998 年2 月28 日前裝船。譯文2:裝船:1998 年2 月28 日前(含28日)裝船。這是有關(guān)裝船的條款,因?qū)ρb船對(duì)間的理解不一,往往會(huì)使交貨延誤,因此當(dāng)事人對(duì)合同中裝船的時(shí)間特別重視,句中并列介詞on or before 對(duì)裝船時(shí)間作出明確無(wú)誤的規(guī)定。而譯文1 則會(huì)導(dǎo)致合同一方的曲解,對(duì)時(shí)間的規(guī)定不夠嚴(yán)密。2.1.2 金額的英漢翻譯
金額詞的英漢翻譯合約中的最重要方面是有關(guān)支付款項(xiàng)的規(guī)定,這也是合同當(dāng)事人最為關(guān)心的。為杜絕漏洞,合同金額英譯時(shí),必須同時(shí)大小寫,不能隨意省略請(qǐng)看例句:Total value: US.5, 200, 000.00(Say:USDollars Five Million Two Hundred Thousand only)譯文1:總價(jià):5,200,000.00 美元。譯文2:總價(jià):5,200,000.00 美元(大寫:伍佰貳拾萬(wàn)美元)譯文1 與譯文2 意思完全一樣,但譯文1省去了括號(hào)中的大寫部分,存在著嚴(yán)重的隱患,如果合同一方任意改動(dòng)數(shù)字,則會(huì)導(dǎo)致嚴(yán)重的后果。而譯文2 則完整、規(guī)范,無(wú)懈可擊。合同操作是一項(xiàng)專業(yè)性很強(qiáng)的業(yè)務(wù),而合同的起草及翻譯應(yīng)體現(xiàn)合同的專業(yè)性及嚴(yán)密性,如果譯文存在漏洞,則 5
會(huì)給合同的操作帶來(lái)諸多不便,甚至?xí)鸾?jīng)濟(jì)糾紛。2.2 結(jié)構(gòu)嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)
合同語(yǔ)言的句法特點(diǎn)是結(jié)構(gòu)嚴(yán)謹(jǐn),強(qiáng)調(diào)句子結(jié)構(gòu)的完整和嚴(yán)密,很少用省略句或省略詞。如etc, and the like 等,而且一般也不用表示“大概”、大約”意思的詞,如about,approximate 等,以防止出現(xiàn)歧義。由于英漢兩種語(yǔ)言思維、表達(dá)方式不同,英文合同中經(jīng)常會(huì)有冗長(zhǎng)的句子,使合同語(yǔ)意的傳遞更加細(xì)致嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)這些長(zhǎng)句英譯時(shí),不能照句直義,把握句子的中心思想及中文表達(dá)的時(shí)間順序和邏輯關(guān)系。請(qǐng)看例句:
1、The prices stated are based on current freight rates, any increase or decrease in freight rates at time of shipment is to be the benefit of the buyer, with the seller assuming the payment of all transportation charges to the point or place of delivery.例句共傳達(dá)了三層意思:合同價(jià)的計(jì)算,買方對(duì)運(yùn)費(fèi)的責(zé)任,賣方對(duì)運(yùn)費(fèi)的責(zé)任。這三層意思密切相連,一層緊接一層。根據(jù)英文的表達(dá)習(xí)慣,用with 介詞結(jié)構(gòu)把第三層與前兩層意思緊密地連在一起,可謂結(jié)構(gòu)嚴(yán)密,滴水不漏??紤]到中英文表達(dá)習(xí)慣的不同,英譯時(shí)可用拆句法,從with 處切斷,把這個(gè)長(zhǎng)句譯為兩個(gè)獨(dú)立的句子。譯文:合同價(jià)格是以現(xiàn)行運(yùn)費(fèi)計(jì)算,裝運(yùn)時(shí)運(yùn)費(fèi)的增減均屬買方。賣方則承擔(dān)至交貨地的全部運(yùn)費(fèi)。
3、譯文規(guī)范
譯文規(guī)范是指譯文的結(jié)構(gòu),條款及語(yǔ)句符合合同文書的程式及約定俗成的要求。一個(gè)完整的涉外商業(yè)合同的條款多達(dá)二十幾項(xiàng),對(duì)買賣雙方的權(quán)利和義務(wù)做出明確的規(guī)定。但就合同的整體結(jié)構(gòu)而言,經(jīng)過(guò)長(zhǎng)期的譯,應(yīng)理解句中短語(yǔ)、修飾詞、連接詞的含實(shí)踐、檢驗(yàn),已經(jīng)相對(duì)固定。無(wú)論是中文本還是英文本,合同大體上可分為標(biāo)題、序言、正文及結(jié)尾四個(gè)部分,而且正文中的各個(gè)條款也較固定,各部分的語(yǔ)句也有其約定的表達(dá)模式。因此,合同英譯時(shí),首先應(yīng)遵循其約定俗成、規(guī)范的格式及規(guī)范的語(yǔ)句模式。
(二)翻譯技巧
1、狀語(yǔ)的翻譯 1.1 目的狀語(yǔ)
國(guó)際條約用語(yǔ)中的目的狀語(yǔ)通常由in order to, for the purposes of, so as to, so(such)…that 引導(dǎo),可以位于句首,也可以位于句末。其所在的位置取決于它 6
傳遞的信息在條約內(nèi)容中的重要性和目的狀語(yǔ)的結(jié)構(gòu)。一般目的為次要信息或者目的狀語(yǔ)含有多個(gè)平行結(jié)構(gòu),行文時(shí)以位于句末為主。例如:The General Assembly shall initiate studies and make recommendations for the purposes of:A.Promoting international cooperation in the political field and encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification;B.Promoting international cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, educational,and health fields, and assisting in the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race,sex, language, or religion。句中for the purposes of 引導(dǎo)的目的狀語(yǔ)含有兩個(gè)平行結(jié)構(gòu),而句子的主干部分相對(duì)短小,若翻譯時(shí)把目的狀語(yǔ)放在前面則有“頭重腳輕”的感覺(jué),不如用“以”字把狀語(yǔ)拖后:聯(lián)合國(guó)大會(huì)應(yīng)發(fā)起研究并做成建設(shè)以促進(jìn):(A)政治上之國(guó)際合作,并提倡國(guó)際法之逐漸發(fā)展編纂。(B)以促進(jìn)經(jīng)濟(jì)、社會(huì)、文化、教育及衛(wèi)生多部門之國(guó)際合作,且不分種族、性別,語(yǔ)言或宗教,助成全體人類之人權(quán)及基本自由之實(shí)現(xiàn)。1.2 方式狀語(yǔ)
為了避免造成歧義,方式狀語(yǔ)通常放于它所修飾的動(dòng)詞之前或之后,由副詞或介詞短語(yǔ)來(lái)充當(dāng),結(jié)構(gòu)上有的比較簡(jiǎn)短,有的比較冗長(zhǎng)。方式狀語(yǔ)通常都是規(guī)定性的,作用是規(guī)定條約各方履行義務(wù)或行使權(quán)力時(shí)必須采取的方式或手段。因此,方式狀語(yǔ)有時(shí)盡管簡(jiǎn)單,但作用卻比較重要。下面的例一:A treaty shall be interpreted in good faith in accordance with the ordinary meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in the light of its object and purpose.此句的方式狀語(yǔ)相當(dāng)冗長(zhǎng),但為了體現(xiàn)其語(yǔ)用特征---條約約文的嚴(yán)密性和莊重性,我們還是要把方式狀語(yǔ)放在動(dòng)詞之前:“條約應(yīng)依其用語(yǔ)按其上下文并參照條約之目的及宗旨所具有之通常意義,善意解釋之?!狈诺秒x動(dòng)詞更近。1.3 條件狀語(yǔ)
條件狀語(yǔ)的情況比較復(fù)雜,有表假設(shè)的條件狀語(yǔ),有表先決條件的條件狀語(yǔ),還有表示例外情況的條件狀語(yǔ)。引導(dǎo)條件狀語(yǔ)的詞語(yǔ)有if, unless, except, subject to, in case,provided(that)等等,所以在翻譯中不可一概而論,針對(duì)不同的條件狀語(yǔ)要采取不同的翻譯技巧。遇到表假設(shè)的條件狀語(yǔ),我們一般考慮將其放到句首,使句子主干部分更加緊湊,結(jié)構(gòu)也更加簡(jiǎn)化。
2、使用插入手法
合同英語(yǔ)的表達(dá)往往句子冗長(zhǎng),結(jié)構(gòu)復(fù)雜?!胺捎⒄Z(yǔ)慣于使用插入法、調(diào)換法,將狀語(yǔ)、同位語(yǔ)或定語(yǔ)插入到主語(yǔ)、謂語(yǔ)、賓語(yǔ)之間,或句子其它位置,這是合同英語(yǔ)的另一大特色。”例如:“申請(qǐng)人應(yīng)自接到主管機(jī)關(guān)的批準(zhǔn)之后30日內(nèi)辦理工商登記手續(xù)”。一般人很可能譯為:“Applicant should go through industrial and commercial registration within 30 days upon receipt of notice of approval from competent authority.” 而合同英語(yǔ)一般表達(dá)為:“Applicant, within 30 days upon為了句子的連貫和順暢,我們把in good faith receipt of notice of approval from competent authority, shall go through industrial and commercial registration.” 合同英語(yǔ)之所以使用插入調(diào)換手法,用逗號(hào)隔開(kāi)的處理方法,主要是為了引起當(dāng)事人對(duì)特殊部分的重視。
(三)內(nèi)容完善
當(dāng)翻譯人員在完成國(guó)際商務(wù)合同的文字翻譯后,除了檢查譯文是否已忠實(shí)地按中文原稿譯出,有無(wú)錯(cuò)譯、漏譯外,最重要的還有對(duì)合同內(nèi)容仔細(xì)加以推敲、勘漏。國(guó)際商務(wù)經(jīng)濟(jì)合同是交易雙方的利益所在,如果合同制定得過(guò)于簡(jiǎn)單或不夠嚴(yán)密,就容易給外國(guó)不法分子以可乘之機(jī),而使國(guó)和業(yè)蒙受重大損失。所以,幫助合同草擬者完善合同條款,是譯員義不容辭的責(zé)任。請(qǐng)看如下一名譯者的一條質(zhì)量保證條款:“賣方保證貨物全新、未曾使用過(guò)、料質(zhì)優(yōu)、做工一流,并在質(zhì)量、規(guī)格和性能等諸方面均符合本合同規(guī)定,并保證貨物自到達(dá)目的港日起6 個(gè)月內(nèi)運(yùn)轉(zhuǎn)正常。原譯:The Sellers shall guarantee that the commodity is made of best materials, with first-class workmanship, brand-new, unused and complies in all respects with the quality,specifications and performance as stipulated in this Contract.The Sellers shall guarantee that the commodity shall perform satisfactorily for a period of six months beginning form the date on which the commodity arrives at the port of destination.”譯完后對(duì)這一條款內(nèi)容進(jìn)行推敲,會(huì)發(fā)現(xiàn)質(zhì)量保證期內(nèi),貨物發(fā)生運(yùn)轉(zhuǎn)不良,也不一定是賣方的責(zé)任,因?yàn)橛锌赡苁怯捎谫I方安裝不當(dāng)、操作不善、不注意保養(yǎng)及直接或間接的意外事件引起的,以及貨物材料及做工規(guī)定中使用“質(zhì)優(yōu)”、“一流”等詞語(yǔ),顯得太籠統(tǒng)含糊。這些詞在廣告中還勉強(qiáng)可以使用,但在嚴(yán)肅的法律文體中,由于無(wú)法確定衡量標(biāo)準(zhǔn),故易引起糾紛。于是將中文原 8
文修正如下:“賣方保證貨物全新、未曾使用過(guò),在質(zhì)量、規(guī)格和性能等諸方面均符合本合同規(guī)定,并保證貨物在安裝、操作正確和適當(dāng)保養(yǎng)條件下,自到達(dá)目的港日起6個(gè)月內(nèi)運(yùn)轉(zhuǎn)正常。但對(duì)于直接或間接意外事故所造成的損失、損壞,賣方概不負(fù)責(zé)?!备淖g:The Sellers shall guarantee that the commodity is brand-new, unused and complies in all respects with the quality,specifications and performance as stipulated in this Contract.The Sellers shall guarantee that the commodity, when correctly mounted and properly operated and maintained, shall perform satisfactorily for a period of six months beginning form the date on which the commodity arrives at the port of destination.The Sellers shall not be held liable for any losses and/or damages due to direct or indirect accidents.(四)翻譯中常見(jiàn)的錯(cuò)誤、成因及其對(duì)策
1、錯(cuò)誤
英語(yǔ)合同翻譯中的錯(cuò)誤很多,大體表現(xiàn)在兩個(gè)方面:一方面,對(duì)合同英語(yǔ)詞或句子的理解停留在字面意思上或機(jī)械對(duì)應(yīng)上,對(duì)其本質(zhì)的涵義了解不夠準(zhǔn)確;另一方面,翻譯表達(dá)上的錯(cuò)誤常常出現(xiàn),造成理解上的概念不清,內(nèi)容混淆。
2、成因 2.1 專業(yè)背景
在我國(guó),部分從事國(guó)際貿(mào)易的業(yè)務(wù)并非經(jīng)濟(jì)類或法律專業(yè)的畢業(yè)生,相當(dāng)一部分畢業(yè)于外語(yǔ)類。盡管他們擁有語(yǔ)言上的優(yōu)勢(shì),在詞語(yǔ)的專業(yè)含義把握上尚可,但是對(duì)專業(yè)背景知識(shí)的了解上卻有欠缺。2.2 文化差異
即便是許多與國(guó)際貿(mào)易直接相關(guān)的專業(yè)出身,具有扎實(shí)的語(yǔ)言和專業(yè)基礎(chǔ)的業(yè)務(wù)骨干也難免在涉外合同的翻譯過(guò)程中出現(xiàn)各種疏漏,因?yàn)橐龅綄?duì)對(duì)方國(guó)家語(yǔ)言文化的深層把握是非常困難的。盡管他(她)們掌握了一定的專業(yè)背景知識(shí),但不同國(guó)家地區(qū)間的文化內(nèi)涵、民俗風(fēng)情都存在著巨大差異。有一些詞語(yǔ)由于文化內(nèi)涵的差異,其英語(yǔ)涵義與漢語(yǔ)涵義并不對(duì)等。因此,文化差異所造成的思維模式、傳統(tǒng)觀念等差異,使得一份英語(yǔ)合同的理解差異成為可能,翻譯 成的理解距離也是引發(fā)誤解或誤譯的觸點(diǎn)之一。
3、對(duì)策
每一份英語(yǔ)合同的翻譯對(duì)促成和確保每一筆業(yè)務(wù)的簽定和順利履行都是十分重要的。應(yīng)牢記合同英語(yǔ)翻譯所應(yīng)該注意的兩個(gè)主要要求:“
1、忠實(shí)于原文的內(nèi)容,將原文的內(nèi)容充分表達(dá)出來(lái),無(wú)任意增減刪略或歪曲背離。
2、使用規(guī)范的譯文語(yǔ)言形式,力求簡(jiǎn)明易懂、文理正確、嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)通順,無(wú)生硬晦澀之處?!痹谶@兩個(gè)要求的基礎(chǔ)上貫通理順每一份合同所涉及的專業(yè)背景和文化背景,先將著眼點(diǎn)放在對(duì)原文的忠實(shí)、準(zhǔn)確的理解上,然后再盡可能精確地翻譯出每一項(xiàng)條款,尤其是具體條款的真正涵義。為了準(zhǔn)確翻譯,避免理解歧義,業(yè)務(wù)人員往往在合同的一開(kāi)始就使用大量的定義條款,把合同中的重要名詞的含義加以界定,給予充分解釋,以免日后發(fā)生分歧。這種在草擬合同時(shí)嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)?shù)淖龇?,?duì)合同的翻譯有很大幫助,并有助于雙方順利達(dá)成交易。而理解對(duì)于翻譯的重要性是毋庸置疑的。翻譯中理解常常是第一位的,沒(méi)有對(duì)合同每一項(xiàng)條款準(zhǔn)確、到位的把握和理解,就很難有忠實(shí)、精確的翻譯表達(dá)。為此,僅有扎實(shí)的語(yǔ)言基本功在英語(yǔ)合同翻譯中是遠(yuǎn)遠(yuǎn)不夠的,更需要有一定的專業(yè)知識(shí)背景,以及對(duì)不同合同翻譯中的錯(cuò)誤所造成業(yè)務(wù)上的損失等文化背景的了解,這樣才可能盡力避免由于不具備一定 專業(yè)背景知識(shí),不了解文化差異所造成的合同翻譯中的錯(cuò)誤。
三、結(jié) 語(yǔ)
通過(guò)以上對(duì)合同語(yǔ)言特點(diǎn)的翻譯,我們發(fā)現(xiàn)合同的語(yǔ)言不同于日常語(yǔ)言。合同語(yǔ)言專業(yè)性強(qiáng),句子冗長(zhǎng)而復(fù)雜,用詞偏僻,晦澀難懂。合同英語(yǔ)表達(dá),除有上述優(yōu)點(diǎn)外,還有拉丁語(yǔ),古英語(yǔ)等特色語(yǔ)言,這樣會(huì)使人們?cè)诶斫庥⒄Z(yǔ)合同的時(shí)候出現(xiàn)困難。合同是約定當(dāng)事人權(quán)利義務(wù)的正式文件,行文非常嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)而確切,英文的理解或表達(dá)欠缺準(zhǔn)確,很有可能給合同的理解、履行埋下禍根,給爭(zhēng)議的解決帶來(lái)更大的麻煩。合同英語(yǔ)有其特點(diǎn)。對(duì)已經(jīng)掌握英語(yǔ)基本語(yǔ)法和技能的專業(yè)人士或?qū)W生來(lái)說(shuō),初始可以從比較國(guó)外英文合同與國(guó)內(nèi)中文合同的格式入手,然后從句式結(jié)構(gòu)和用詞兩個(gè)方面理解兩種文本的異同,體會(huì)國(guó)外英文合同的特點(diǎn),尤其應(yīng)關(guān)注中文合同一般未包括的而同類英語(yǔ)合同中又約定的合同事項(xiàng),這就要求我們不斷地在實(shí)際應(yīng)用合同的過(guò)程中不斷學(xué)習(xí)合同的特點(diǎn)。若了解合同英語(yǔ)的基本特點(diǎn),既可以使人在閱讀合同的過(guò)程中有的放矢,為快速準(zhǔn)確地閱讀、理解、翻譯各類合同打下基礎(chǔ)。提高翻譯能力,絕無(wú)捷徑。翻譯人員應(yīng)不斷提高 10
漢英兩種語(yǔ)言的水平,在實(shí)踐中摸索,學(xué)習(xí)涉外經(jīng)濟(jì)合同翻譯理論和常用技巧,切實(shí)提高翻譯能力。只有遵循“實(shí)踐——認(rèn)識(shí)——再實(shí)踐——再認(rèn)識(shí)”這一規(guī)律,不斷總結(jié),逐步認(rèn)識(shí)漢英兩種語(yǔ)言的異同。國(guó)際商務(wù)合同漢英翻譯的異同,才能積極有效地提高翻譯能力與水平。
[參考文獻(xiàn)] [1]王浩杰.商務(wù)合同的特征與翻譯策略[J].河北科技大學(xué)學(xué)報(bào).1999 年第2 期 [2]閻善明.商務(wù)英語(yǔ)寫作[M].北京:對(duì)外經(jīng)濟(jì)貿(mào)易大學(xué)出版社.2001 年 [3]傅偉良.商務(wù)合同寫作指要[M].北京:商務(wù)印書館.2001 年
[4]譚艷芳.商務(wù)英語(yǔ)合同的翻譯方法[J].江門職業(yè)技術(shù)學(xué)院學(xué)報(bào).2006 年第3 期 [5]李惠.商務(wù)英語(yǔ)讀本[M].上海:上??萍汲霭嫔?2000 年
[6]張艷麗.商務(wù)英語(yǔ)合同的常見(jiàn)翻譯錯(cuò)誤及其解決對(duì)策[J].齊齊哈爾高等??茖W(xué)校學(xué)報(bào).2002 年第1 期
[7] 吳蓉花.商務(wù)合同翻譯的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)與策略[J].湖南城市學(xué)院學(xué)報(bào),2007.28.
第二篇:淺論國(guó)際商務(wù)合同翻譯原則
淺論國(guó)際商務(wù)合同翻譯原則
摘要:改革開(kāi)放以來(lái),我國(guó)的國(guó)際經(jīng)貿(mào)活動(dòng)日益頻繁,需要簽署的商務(wù)合同和需要書寫的法律文書越來(lái)越多,商務(wù)合同作為一種媒介,就顯得越來(lái)越重要。商務(wù)合同屬于法律文件,對(duì)簽約雙方都具有法律約束力。譯文稍有差錯(cuò)就會(huì)給雙方當(dāng)事人造成巨大的經(jīng)濟(jì)損失。本文列舉了大量的實(shí)例來(lái)對(duì)國(guó)際商務(wù)合同翻譯的原則加以分析,希望能對(duì)大家有所幫助。
關(guān)鍵詞:國(guó)際; 商務(wù)合同; 翻譯原則
Abstract: Since the reform and opening up,we have more and more international economic and trade activities,thus we need to sign and write more and more legal documents.Business contracts are very important as a media.Business contracts are legal documents and are binding on both sides.Small errors in contract will caused huge losses.This paper lists a lot of examples to analysis the principle of the international business contract translation,hoping to be of help.Keyword: International ; Business contract ; The principle of translation 前言
21世紀(jì)是一個(gè)催人奮進(jìn)的時(shí)代,科技革命迅猛發(fā)展,知識(shí)更替日新月異,國(guó)際競(jìng)爭(zhēng)力日趨激烈。中國(guó)加入世貿(mào)組織以來(lái),與它國(guó)經(jīng)濟(jì)交流越來(lái)越多,經(jīng)濟(jì)發(fā)展日益國(guó)際化。與國(guó)內(nèi)經(jīng)濟(jì)不同,國(guó)際經(jīng)貿(mào)活動(dòng)要涉及兩個(gè)或兩個(gè)以上國(guó)家或地區(qū)的當(dāng)事人,因此需要一個(gè)媒介來(lái)促使雙方達(dá)成共識(shí).國(guó)際商務(wù)合同作為媒介的作用突現(xiàn)出來(lái)。
合同,也叫契約,“契”意思相投或相合,“約”是用語(yǔ)言文字互相遵守約定,合同是指自愿訂立共同遵守的條件,合作共事。《中華人民共和國(guó)》第二條規(guī)定“合同是平等主體的自然人,法人,其他組織之間設(shè)立,變更,終止民事權(quán)利義務(wù)關(guān)系的協(xié)議〔contracts referred to in this law are agreements between equal natural persons,legal persons and other organizations for the purpose of establishing,altering and terminating mutual civil rights and obligations〕。而國(guó)際商務(wù)合同作為其中的一種,也具有合同具有的一般的法律特征。對(duì)一國(guó)而言,國(guó)際商務(wù)合同也指涉外合同,涉外合同的當(dāng)事人可以選擇合適適用的法律。我國(guó)國(guó)際商務(wù)合同法有以下幾類:1,國(guó)際貨物買賣合同;2,代理合同;3,來(lái)件裝配合同;4,融資租賃合同;5,合資經(jīng)營(yíng)企業(yè)合同;6,勞務(wù)合同;7,國(guó)際技術(shù)咨詢服務(wù)合同;8,國(guó)際借貸合同;9,國(guó)際土木建筑工程承包合同;10,外包合同;11,服務(wù)合同;12,風(fēng)險(xiǎn)投資管理協(xié)議;13,股權(quán)轉(zhuǎn)讓協(xié)議。此類合同都是涉外交易性質(zhì)需要英漢兩種版本,因此需要翻譯。下面就讓我們一起看一下翻譯時(shí)應(yīng)該注意的方面。
一﹑商務(wù)合同的語(yǔ)言特征
商務(wù)合同是依法成立的法律文件,有其特殊的文體特征。所謂“文體(style)”就是指人們使用語(yǔ)言時(shí),會(huì)根據(jù)一定的交際內(nèi)容,交際目的和交際場(chǎng)合,來(lái)選擇一定的表達(dá)方式,即語(yǔ)言風(fēng)格,這種風(fēng)格既要適應(yīng)交際對(duì)象也要適應(yīng)特定的語(yǔ)言環(huán)境。根據(jù)美國(guó)語(yǔ)言學(xué)家Martin Joos(1962)年的分類,合同屬于莊重文體(the
frozen style),是各種英語(yǔ)文體中正式程度最高的一種??傮w來(lái)說(shuō),這種正式性體現(xiàn)在內(nèi)容的專業(yè)性,語(yǔ)言的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)性和結(jié)構(gòu)的完整性等方面。因此,我們?cè)谶M(jìn)行翻譯或者攥稿時(shí),必須要從各個(gè)方面把握國(guó)際商務(wù)合同的語(yǔ)言特征。
1﹑詞匯特征
作為一種正式的文體,在選詞方面應(yīng)該做到嚴(yán)謹(jǐn),準(zhǔn)確,規(guī)范,不能添加任何感情色彩,要能準(zhǔn)確無(wú)誤的表達(dá)出合同雙方的權(quán)利,義務(wù)以及雙方的要求。
(1)﹑多用大詞(Big word)
我們?cè)谶x擇詞語(yǔ)時(shí),要盡量選擇正式規(guī)范的詞語(yǔ),俗語(yǔ),俚語(yǔ),方言,日常生活用語(yǔ)是絕對(duì)不允許出現(xiàn)的。例如:“In convening a general meeting of shareholders,notice shall be dispatched to shareholders?!盵1]顯然句子中的convening和dispatch比同義詞holding和spread out更為正式。
(2)﹑多用商務(wù)法律術(shù)語(yǔ)
為了保持合同語(yǔ)言的規(guī)范正式性,我們有時(shí)寧愿犧牲語(yǔ)言的流暢性也要確保語(yǔ)言的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)莊重性。國(guó)際商務(wù)合同本質(zhì)上就是具有法律效力的文本,在長(zhǎng)期的實(shí)踐過(guò)程中,形成了一些獨(dú)有的商務(wù)法律專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)。例如:“imputed negligence(轉(zhuǎn)嫁的過(guò)失責(zé)任)特指可向與行為人有利害關(guān)系的人或有合同關(guān)系的另一方追究責(zé)任的過(guò)失?!鄙虅?wù)合同中這類狹義的法律專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)不以大眾是否理解或接受為轉(zhuǎn)移,它是商務(wù)合同語(yǔ)言準(zhǔn)確表達(dá)的保障。還有一些介詞短語(yǔ),“in accordance with ”,“whereas”,“subject to”等等詞組和搭配已經(jīng)是商務(wù)合同專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)的一部分了。
(3)﹑多用外來(lái)詞和古體語(yǔ)
國(guó)際商務(wù)合同中還有一些外來(lái)詞和古體詞作為專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)。外來(lái)詞有不少源于拉丁語(yǔ)或法語(yǔ),它們的意義比較穩(wěn)定,可以精確地表達(dá)概念,例如:ad valorem duty(拉丁語(yǔ))從價(jià)(關(guān))稅,bona fide holder(拉丁語(yǔ))匯票的善意持票人,pro rata tax rate比例稅率(拉丁語(yǔ),即proportional tax rate),insurance premium per capita(拉丁語(yǔ))人均保險(xiǎn)費(fèi),force majeure(法語(yǔ))不可抗力。商務(wù)合同英語(yǔ)具有古體特點(diǎn),主要標(biāo)志是古體詞語(yǔ)的使用。古體詞(archaism)是一種具有鮮明文體色彩的詞匯成分。雖然這類詞語(yǔ)在現(xiàn)代英語(yǔ)口語(yǔ)和一般書面語(yǔ)中極少使用,但在商務(wù)合同等法律文體中,卻大量出現(xiàn),充分體現(xiàn)出嚴(yán)肅的文體風(fēng)格。合同英語(yǔ)最具特色的古體詞形式當(dāng)數(shù)自由詞素where、here和there與in、by、with和after等構(gòu)成的復(fù)合副詞。如:here +介詞:如,hereto,hereof,herein,hereinafter等。這里here相當(dāng)于this,指本文獻(xiàn)、合同或有關(guān)文件,因此,“hereto”(本合同)相當(dāng)于to this,依此類推。
2﹑句式特征
(1)﹑常用長(zhǎng)句,陳述句,條件句
商務(wù)合同中的句子與普通英語(yǔ)句子相比,句子長(zhǎng)度,結(jié)構(gòu)和使用從句的連貫性要復(fù)雜的多。為了避免遺漏或誤解,因此在合同文本中有很多的限定詞,修飾詞,定義以及復(fù)雜狀語(yǔ),所以句子較長(zhǎng)。有時(shí),一個(gè)條款的解釋或一個(gè)句子就能成為一段。為了使合同雙方明確自己的權(quán)利和義務(wù),會(huì)經(jīng)常使用一些復(fù)雜的重疊的狀語(yǔ)。在合同中常用陳述句和條件句,而感嘆句和疑問(wèn)句等幾乎不被使用,這是因?yàn)榍罢哒Z(yǔ)言平實(shí)客觀,能更準(zhǔn)確的反應(yīng)事實(shí)。陳述句多用來(lái)描述,闡述和作出說(shuō)明或判斷。條件句多用來(lái)描述買賣雙方在一定條件下應(yīng)該采取的措施。
(2)﹑多用插入語(yǔ)
在商務(wù)英語(yǔ)合同中,較多的使用插入語(yǔ)對(duì)句子內(nèi)容進(jìn)行補(bǔ)充說(shuō)明或者強(qiáng)調(diào)。如:“The buyer must,whenever he is entitled to determine the time for shipping the goods,give the sufficient notice thereof.”句子中的“ whenever he is entitled to determine the time for shipping the goods”就是插入語(yǔ)來(lái)對(duì)句子內(nèi)容作出更詳細(xì)的說(shuō)明。
二﹑商務(wù)合同翻譯的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)
商務(wù)英語(yǔ)合同翻譯雖然和普通英語(yǔ)翻譯有很大的差別,但本質(zhì)上還是一樣的。筆者認(rèn)為劉法公先生提出的“忠實(shí)(faithfully)﹑準(zhǔn)確(exactness)﹑統(tǒng)一(consistence)”則從根本上適應(yīng)了商務(wù)英語(yǔ)這一特性。忠實(shí),即準(zhǔn)確的將原文語(yǔ)言的信息用譯文表達(dá)出來(lái),不求語(yǔ)法與句子結(jié)構(gòu)的一致,但要求信息內(nèi)涵上的對(duì)等。準(zhǔn)確,即再將原文語(yǔ)言內(nèi)容轉(zhuǎn)換到譯文語(yǔ)言內(nèi)容的過(guò)程中選詞準(zhǔn)確,做到概念表達(dá)確切﹑物與名所指準(zhǔn)確,數(shù)碼與單位所指精確,準(zhǔn)確是商務(wù)英語(yǔ)翻譯的核心。統(tǒng)一,即漢英翻譯過(guò)程中的譯名﹑概念﹑術(shù)語(yǔ)在任何時(shí)候都應(yīng)該保持統(tǒng)一,不允許將同一概念或術(shù)語(yǔ)隨意變換譯文。
三﹑商務(wù)合同翻譯的原則
商務(wù)合同是一種特殊的應(yīng)用的文體,它具有用詞準(zhǔn)確、正式,句式嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)、規(guī)范,文體結(jié)構(gòu)固定的特點(diǎn)。而且大量使用法律詞匯,來(lái)顯示合同的正規(guī)、莊嚴(yán)、準(zhǔn)確規(guī)范以及威嚴(yán)的語(yǔ)言特色。因此,作為一名合格的譯者,不僅要有過(guò)硬的專業(yè)知識(shí)與語(yǔ)言功底,還需要了解必要的翻譯原則。這樣才能翻譯出合格的譯文,成為一名合格的譯者。
1﹑譯文準(zhǔn)確嚴(yán)謹(jǐn),忠實(shí)原文
鑒于商務(wù)合同是具有法律效力的文件,它嚴(yán)格的規(guī)定合同雙方當(dāng)事人的權(quán)利與義務(wù),所以“絲毫不允許語(yǔ)義的模凌兩可而使人誤解,被人鉆了法律的空子,它即使?fàn)奚淖值牧鲿承砸脖仨毐3衷牡闹覍?shí)性?!狈駝t,對(duì)原文意思的曲解,會(huì)造成嚴(yán)重的商貿(mào)糾紛。此外,商務(wù)合同中有許多法律術(shù)語(yǔ)和專業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ),在文本中有特定的含義,因此我們?cè)诜g時(shí)要嚴(yán)格的貼近合同所涉及的專業(yè)性內(nèi)容,準(zhǔn)確根據(jù)已有的商貿(mào)專業(yè)知識(shí)和對(duì)課文的理解來(lái)翻譯文中的詞,而不是僅僅借助英漢詞典,翻譯出模糊的句子或文章。例如:“The China shall bear all relevant taxes and levies upon the personnel by Chinese Government,whereas the Employer shall bear the same imposed upon the personnel by the government or by an agency or by an official body.[1]此句翻譯為:“中國(guó)政府應(yīng)負(fù)責(zé)繳納中國(guó)政府對(duì)人員所征收的一切稅金,雇主應(yīng)負(fù)責(zé)繳納項(xiàng)目所在國(guó)政府對(duì)人員所繳納的一切稅金?!本渲械摹皊hall”是法律詞匯,相當(dāng)于我們漢語(yǔ)中的“應(yīng)當(dāng)”,“必須”。句中還有兩個(gè)關(guān)于“稅金”的單詞,taxes 和 levies。其中tax在表示“稅”時(shí),主要強(qiáng)調(diào)money taken compulsorily by the government or by an official body to pay for government services;levy作為名詞,主要表示一種“征稅”的行為,即money which is demanded and collected by the government or by an official body。[1]所以,我們?cè)谶M(jìn)行翻譯的時(shí)候要注意分清這兩個(gè)單詞的具體意思,千萬(wàn)不能混淆所給,模糊翻譯。例如:“The contract is concluded in case of acceptance of the offer.”其中acceptance 和offer平常譯為“接受”和“提供”,然后在商務(wù)合同中是專有術(shù)語(yǔ),應(yīng)譯為 “承諾”和“要約”,所以譯文為:“要約一旦承諾,合同立即訂立?!边€有一些縮略詞(FOB,CIF等)都應(yīng)該引起我們足夠的重視,不能主觀臆斷,這樣才能保證譯文準(zhǔn)確嚴(yán)
謹(jǐn),忠實(shí)原文。
2﹑譯文具體清楚,用詞嚴(yán)密
鑒于商務(wù)合同所使用語(yǔ)言都屬于法律語(yǔ)言范疇,多是法律詞匯,以顯示合同的正規(guī)﹑嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)﹑規(guī)范。所以,我們?cè)谶x擇詞匯的時(shí)候不能選擇一些有歧義的或有多重意思的。例如:“As to the steamer sailing from Shanghai to Los Angeles,we have bimonthly direct services.”[2]句中的“bimonthly”可以指“兩月一次或一月兩次”,這個(gè)時(shí)候就會(huì)給對(duì)方造成誤解,是絕對(duì)不允許的。例如:“We wish to confirm our telex dispatched yesterday.”句中的“yesterday”是一個(gè)相對(duì)的概念,在這里用不合適。我們應(yīng)該使用具體的時(shí)間,如:“We confirm our telex of May 20,2014.”還有一些時(shí)間和金錢方面的翻譯,要做到翻譯時(shí)具體清楚,切不可想當(dāng)然,而丟失了一些重要信息,造成不必要的麻煩。例如:“Terms of Payment :The Buyers shall open with a bank acceptable to the Sellers an Irrevocable Sight Letter of Credit to reach the Seller 30 days before the month of shipment,valid for negotiation in China until the 15th day after the month of shipment.”[1]翻譯為:“付款條件:買方應(yīng)由賣方可接受的銀行于裝運(yùn)月份前30天開(kāi)立并送達(dá)賣方不可撤銷即期信用證,至裝運(yùn)月份后第15天在中國(guó)議付有效?!贝司涫呛贤嘘P(guān)于支付的條款,涉及到兩個(gè)重要的時(shí)間,我們應(yīng)該看清具體介詞,進(jìn)行具體清楚的翻譯。
3﹑譯文完整規(guī)范,達(dá)意通順
所謂完整規(guī)范,達(dá)意通順,就是把理解了的內(nèi)容用合乎合同要求的規(guī)范語(yǔ)言與形式表達(dá)出來(lái)。合同文書經(jīng)過(guò)長(zhǎng)期的實(shí)踐﹑檢驗(yàn),其整體結(jié)構(gòu)已經(jīng)相對(duì)固定,大體由標(biāo)題﹑前言﹑正文及結(jié)尾組成,而且正文中的各個(gè)條款也相對(duì)固定,只需做稍許改變。因此,譯者在翻譯的時(shí)候要特別注意已經(jīng)約定俗成的一些規(guī)定及詞語(yǔ)。例如:“documentary bill at sight ”可以翻譯為“即期付有單據(jù)的票據(jù)”雖然表達(dá)的意思符合原文意思,但是概念模糊不清。因?yàn)椤捌睋?jù)”本來(lái)涵義就十分廣泛,而在商務(wù)英語(yǔ)中的“票據(jù)”大多數(shù)指“匯票”,因此可譯為“跟單匯票”。而且中英文在語(yǔ)言結(jié)構(gòu)上存在很大的差別,中文結(jié)構(gòu)較為松散,英文結(jié)構(gòu)較為嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)些,這些都會(huì)造成文章不通順。再者,商務(wù)合同的條款本來(lái)就比較繁瑣,翻譯時(shí)要首先弄清全文,在弄清各個(gè)條款之間的內(nèi)在聯(lián)系,切不可拘泥于原文的句法和條條框框,來(lái)達(dá)到譯文的條理清晰,通順。切不可像初學(xué)者一樣,不加斟酌,生掰硬套,致使譯文更加晦澀難懂。
結(jié)語(yǔ):
通過(guò)以上對(duì)合同翻譯原則的探討,我們發(fā)現(xiàn)合同語(yǔ)言不同于日常生活用語(yǔ)。合同語(yǔ)言專業(yè)性強(qiáng),句子復(fù)雜難翻譯,專業(yè)詞匯多,涉及的知識(shí)面范圍廣。因此,作為一名譯者,擁有過(guò)硬的語(yǔ)言功底是遠(yuǎn)遠(yuǎn)不夠的,還需要有一定的專業(yè)知識(shí)背景,了解一定的翻譯原則,與時(shí)俱進(jìn),不斷充實(shí)自己。在實(shí)踐中摸索,不斷總結(jié)英漢兩種語(yǔ)言翻譯的異同,切實(shí)提高翻譯能力,語(yǔ)言水平和審美情趣。
第三篇:商務(wù)合同翻譯
1)為了便于甲方及時(shí)開(kāi)展工作,乙方應(yīng)于2009年12月31日前將第一批寄售貨物運(yùn)到甲方處。在2010年3月十五日左右,甲、乙雙方應(yīng)就剩下的寄售期限可能銷量達(dá)成共識(shí)。
In order to facilitate Party A’s work of starting the consignment sales on time, Party B should ship the first lot of consignment goods to Party A before Dec.31, 2009.On or about March 15, 2010, Party A and Party B shall meet to mutually determine on acceptable sales level for the remainder of the consignment period.2)在寄售合同到期后的一個(gè)月內(nèi),甲方將按合同單價(jià)把已售出的貨物以美元形式全額匯給乙方。如果有銷售額總額超過(guò)15萬(wàn)美元的情況,甲方應(yīng)在一月內(nèi)將銷售款以美元形式匯給乙方。
Within one month after expiration of the consignment period, Party A shall remit Party B the total sum in U.S Dollars based on the contracted unit price for those items which have been sold.If at any time the total value of goods sold exceeds the amount of U.S.Dollars 150000, Party A shall remit the total sum in U.S.Dollars to Party B within one month’s period of time.3)裝配所需的主要零件、消耗品及部件由甲方運(yùn)至廣州。如有零部件短少或破損,甲方應(yīng)負(fù)責(zé)補(bǔ)充替換。
甲方應(yīng)于成品交運(yùn)1個(gè)月前開(kāi)出不可撤銷的信用證以支付全部裝配費(fèi)和乙方在廣州購(gòu)買零件、消耗品和部件的費(fèi)用。
The main parts, consumption articles and components required for assembling will be sent in time to Guangzhou by Party A and if there is any shortage of , or damage to these parts and components , Party A shall be responsible for supplying replacements.Party A shall pay Party B by opening an irrevocable L/C covering the full amount of assembling charges and costs of parts , consumption articles and components purchased in Guangzhou by Party B , one month before the shipment of the finished products concerned.4)一切與本合同有關(guān)的進(jìn)出口手續(xù),均由乙方辦理。
乙方將所裝配的晶體管收音機(jī)運(yùn)交甲方指定的外國(guó)買主。有關(guān)運(yùn)費(fèi)和保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)由甲方負(fù)擔(dān)。All import and export procedures in connection with this contract shall be taken care of by Party
B.All transistor radios assembled by Party B will be shipped to foreign buyers designated by Party A.The relevant freight and insurance premium shall be borne by Party A.5)晶體管收音機(jī)的商標(biāo)由甲方供給,如有法律糾紛,甲方應(yīng)負(fù)完全責(zé)任。
如因裝配需要,由乙方在廣州購(gòu)買的零部件必須達(dá)到品質(zhì)標(biāo)準(zhǔn),并應(yīng)事先經(jīng)過(guò)甲方核準(zhǔn)。The trade marks of transistor radios will be supplied by Party A and should there be any illegal involvement, Party A is to be held fully responsible.All parts and components purchased by Party B in Guangzhou, if necessary for assembling transistor radios, must measure up to the quality standards of, and be approved by Party A beforehand.6)本合同自受聘方到校之日起生效,到聘期屆滿時(shí)失效。如一方要求延長(zhǎng)聘期,必須在合同期滿前一個(gè)月用書面向?qū)Ψ教岢?,?jīng)雙方協(xié)商同意后另簽延聘合同。
This Contract comes into effect on the first day of the engaged party’s arrival at the AA University and ceases to be effective at its expiration.If either party wishes to renew the Contract, the other
party shall be notified in writing one month before it expires.Upon agreement by both parties through consultation, a new contract may be signed between two parties.7)公司為一有限責(zé)任公司及在中華人民共和國(guó)法律下的法人,公司的所有活動(dòng)應(yīng)遵守中華人民共和國(guó)頒布的法律、法令及條例,公司的所有合法權(quán)益及利益受中華人民共和國(guó)的法律管轄及保護(hù)。
The Company is a limited liability company and a legal person under the laws of the People’s Republic of China.All the activities of the Company shall comply with the laws, decrees and regulations promulgated by the People’s Republic of China.All the lawful rights and interests of the Company are subject to the jurisdiction and protection of the laws of the People’s Republic of China.8)合營(yíng)的一方如不履行本合同或公司章程的義務(wù),違約一方得賠償另一方因此而遭受的經(jīng)濟(jì)損失。
在合營(yíng)期限內(nèi),雙方都無(wú)權(quán)單方面宣布撤銷或終止本合同。
If either of the Parties fails to fulfil its obligations under this Contract , it shall compensate the other party for all its economic losses resulting therefrom.During the term of operation of the Company, neither Party has the right to announce unilaterally the cancellation or termination of this Contract.9)公司注冊(cè)資本為9000萬(wàn)美元。由中方在簽約后30天內(nèi)提供土地使用權(quán)。外方在2001年3月1日以前提供辦公樓、廠房、必須的設(shè)備、設(shè)備、機(jī)器、工具、儀器、工業(yè)產(chǎn)權(quán)、非專利技術(shù)、生產(chǎn)資金、流動(dòng)資金等。
The registered capital of the Company is USD 90 million.The Chinese Corp provides the right to use land within 30 days after signing the Agreement.The Foreign Co.provides the office building, factory premises, necessary facilities, equipment, machines, tools, instruments, industrial property rights, non-patent technology, production funds, operating funds, etc.before March 1, 2001.10)如因不可抗力事件使公司無(wú)法繼續(xù)營(yíng)業(yè)時(shí),本協(xié)議可通過(guò)雙方協(xié)商予以提前終止。如果中方或外方想要把本協(xié)議規(guī)定的權(quán)利和義務(wù)進(jìn)行全部或部分轉(zhuǎn)讓,另一方有優(yōu)先購(gòu)買權(quán)。轉(zhuǎn)讓必須得到審批機(jī)關(guān)的批準(zhǔn)。
In case of Force majeure, which makes it impossible for the Company to continue its business, this Agreement may be terminated ahead of schedule through consultation between the two parties.If the Chinese or foreign party wishes to make an assignment of all or part of its rights and obligations prescribed in this Agreement, the other party shall have the preemptive right to purchase the same.The assignment must obtain the approval of the examination and approval authority.11)如果在保證期內(nèi)發(fā)現(xiàn)運(yùn)交的設(shè)備有缺陷,投資人必須按中方的要求,及時(shí)適當(dāng)解決
In case defect of the delivered equipment is found within the warranty period.INVESTOR shall take appropriate action for settlement without delay ,upon SINO`s request
12)在上述情況下,該缺點(diǎn)經(jīng)鑒定是由于中方操作經(jīng)驗(yàn)不足,搬運(yùn)不當(dāng)或某一物品的消耗所致,則投資人應(yīng)要求中方支付實(shí)際運(yùn)輸費(fèi)用
In the above instance investor shall request SINO for payment of the actual costs of transportation ,when such defect is judged to be due to inexperienced operation by sino or due to inappropriate handling ,or due to an article of consumption
13)在投資人派遣工程師的任務(wù)完成以后,中方如有必要仍可要求投資人繼續(xù)給以技術(shù)支持,但投資人應(yīng)要求中方為這種增加的合作支付費(fèi)用,合作的條款由雙方將來(lái)討論約定。
Sino shall be able to request for continued technical support from investor , if necessary, even after completion of the above despatchofinvestor`sengineers.however ,in this instance.investor shall be able to request sino for the cost of such additional technological cooperation.terms and conditions shall be subject to mutual discussion and agreement between sino and investor ,in future
14)乙方確認(rèn)由其所生產(chǎn)的許可證產(chǎn)品必須嚴(yán)格按照甲方所提供的設(shè)計(jì),圖紙及規(guī)格生產(chǎn),除依第C條第一款規(guī)定的修改內(nèi)容以外,在任何情況下許可證產(chǎn)品均具備與 所生產(chǎn)的產(chǎn)品相同的質(zhì)量與運(yùn)動(dòng)性能。如果乙方未嚴(yán)格依照甲方的設(shè)計(jì),圖紙及規(guī)格生產(chǎn),則甲方對(duì)于乙方的許可證產(chǎn)品不承擔(dān)任何擔(dān)保責(zé)任。
15)GTT是中方和投資人之間的橋梁GTT應(yīng)協(xié)助中方用展銷會(huì),研討會(huì),技術(shù)培訓(xùn)等辦法在中國(guó)銷售產(chǎn)品GTT應(yīng)在產(chǎn)品品質(zhì)合格時(shí)考慮把這些產(chǎn)品銷往歐洲和非洲
1)GTT shall act as a bridge between SINO and INVESTOR
2)GTT shall assist SINO in marketing in china of products finished by SINO by means fo trade show ,seminar ,technical traning program ,ect
3)GTT shall consider marketing finished products to Europe and Africa when the quality turns out to be satisfactory
16)如果初次檢驗(yàn)不合格應(yīng)進(jìn)行第二次檢驗(yàn),如果第二次檢驗(yàn)仍不合格,則投資人贏在2個(gè)月內(nèi)自費(fèi)調(diào)換有關(guān)設(shè)備如果檢驗(yàn)合格,雙方應(yīng)簽署檢驗(yàn)證明書一式二份,雙方各執(zhí)一份
1)In case initial test is unsatisfactory ,a second test shall be carried out.if the second test is again unsatisfactory ,INVESTOR shall replace the equipment involved atits own cost ,within two months after the second text
2)in case text results are satisfactory ,SINO and INVESTOR shall sign a text certificate in duplicate and each party shall keep one copy
17)本合同的訂立,效力,解釋,執(zhí)行及由其引起爭(zhēng)議的解決均適用中華人民共和國(guó)頒布的法律,法令,和條例規(guī)定
The making ,validity ,interpretation and implementation of this contract and the settlement of disputes arising thereform shall shall be governed by laws ,decrees and regulations promulgated by the people`s republic of china
18)受聘方的工作時(shí)間每周5天,每天7小時(shí),受聘方按照中國(guó),澳大利亞兩國(guó)政府規(guī)定的節(jié)假日放假,寒假按本校校歷規(guī)定。
The engaged party works five days a week and seven hours a day ,the engaged party have legal holidays as prescribed by both Chinese and Australian governmentthe winter vacation is fixed by the school calenderf
19)聘方每月支付給受聘方工資2000澳元,并按照澳大利亞政府對(duì)在澳工作的外籍教師的規(guī)定提供各種福利待遇
The engaginfg party pays the engaged party a monthly salary of 2000 australian dollars and provides him with various benefits as prescribed by Australian government for foreign teachers working in Australia
20)受聘方在入境,離境,或過(guò)境時(shí),必須遵守澳大利亞政府有關(guān)外國(guó)人居住,工資福利以及旅行等的法律,規(guī)章,并遵守聘方的工作制度。
The engaged party shall abide by the laws and regulations of the Australian government concerning residence ,wages and benefits ,and travel for foreigners when entering ,leaving and passing through the territory of the country ,and shall follow the working system of the engaging party
21)雙方均不得無(wú)故撤銷合同如果聘方要求中途終止合同,除按上述條款承擔(dān)工資福利待遇外,需給受聘方增發(fā)3個(gè)月的工資作為補(bǔ)償金,并于1個(gè)月內(nèi)安排受聘方及其家屬回國(guó)并承擔(dān)有關(guān)費(fèi)用
若受聘方中途提出辭職,聘方自同意之日起即停發(fā)工資,受聘方不再享受各項(xiàng)福利待遇,受聘方及其家屬回國(guó)的一切費(fèi)用均由本人自理
Neither party shall cancel the contract without reasonable causes ,if the engaging party finds it
22)乙方在簽約后15天內(nèi),為加工設(shè)備開(kāi)出以甲方為受益人的銀行承兌信用證,其金額不得少于2220萬(wàn)日元,見(jiàn)票180天付款。這份信用證,只有在乙方收到甲方為蘆筍罐頭對(duì)開(kāi)的信用證后才能生效,甲方在收到這份信用證后,應(yīng)及時(shí)裝運(yùn)加工設(shè)備,提供本協(xié)議第七條所需的單證和180天到期的匯票,以便取得他的銀行承兌。
Party b shall within 15 days after signing this agreement establish in favour of party a an banker`s acceptance l/c in payment for the equipment ,for an account not less than J 22200000,available by draft at 180 days sight ,the l/c will be effective only after receipt by party b of a satisfactory reciprocal l/c opened by party a for payment of canned asparagns ,after receipt of the l/c ,party a shall effect shipment of the equipment of the equipment in time ,provide the required documents according to article 7 of this agreement together with the draft at 180 days sight ,and obtain its bank`s acceptance
23)乙方將向甲方提供上述貨物在香港和日本市場(chǎng)的市級(jí)零售價(jià)以供甲方參考,乙方無(wú)權(quán)干涉甲方的銷售價(jià),銷售場(chǎng)所,和銷售辦法,但有權(quán)提出積極地建議,甲方有責(zé)任向乙方提交銷售報(bào)告(包括零售價(jià))銷售過(guò)程中出現(xiàn)的問(wèn)題和為提高銷售額而提出的建議,乙方應(yīng)向甲方提供各種有利于銷售(包括免費(fèi)樣品,試銷貨物,化妝品促銷資料,技術(shù)交流和有貯存條件等)便利。
Party b will submit to party a the actual retail prices of aforesaid articles in hongkong and Japanese markets for party a`s reference.Party b has no right to interfere with a`s selling
price ,spot and method ,but it has the right to make positive proposals , partya is responsibleto submit party b regular reports on selling situation(covering retail price), problems arising in the course of selling and making proposals to improve sales ,party b should provide party a with various arrangements which are conductive to sales(including samples free of charge ,articles for trial sales ,data for promoting cosmetic sales ,technical exchange and conditions for storage etc.
第四篇:商務(wù)合同翻譯
? Tranlation of Business Contract
一、商務(wù)合同概述
? A contract is an agreement, which legally binds the parties concerned.? 在由Steven H.Gifts編著的“Law Dictionary”中,contract被定義為 “a promise, or a set
of promises, for breach of which the law gives remedy, or the performance of the which the law in some way recognize as a duty.”
? 合同是一種承諾,違反承諾可以得到法律救助,在某種意義上,法律將履行該承諾
看作是一種補(bǔ)償。綜上可見(jiàn),合同是平等主體之間設(shè)立的確定民事權(quán)利和義務(wù)的法律協(xié)議。
? 合同英語(yǔ)屬于莊重文體(the frozen style),是各種英語(yǔ)文體中正式程度最高的一種。
總體來(lái)說(shuō),這種正式性體現(xiàn)在內(nèi)容的專業(yè)性、語(yǔ)言的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)性和結(jié)構(gòu)的完整性等方面。合同種類
? 正式合同 Contract(P197)
? 協(xié)議書 Agreement
? 確議書 Confirmation
? 備忘錄 Memorandum
? 訂單 Order
? 意向書 Letter of intent
二、商務(wù)合同的構(gòu)成部分
一.約首(the head)
1.合同名稱 Title
2.前文(前言)Preamble
1)Date of signing
2)Signing parties
3)Each party’s authority 當(dāng)事人的合法依據(jù)
4)Place of signing
5)Recitalsor WHEREAS clause 定約緣由
二.本文(Body)
① 定義條款(Definition clause)
② 基本條款(Basic conditions)
③ 一般條款(General terms and conditions)
a.合同有效期限(Duration)
b.終止(Termination)
c.不可抗力(Force Majeure)
d.合同的讓與(Assignment)
e.仲裁(Arbitration)
f.適用法律(governing law)
g.訴訟管轄(Jurisdiction)
h.通知手續(xù)(Notice)
i.合同的修改(Amendment)
j.其他(Others)
三.約尾(the tail)
① 結(jié)尾語(yǔ)包括合同的份數(shù)、使用的文字和效力等(Concluding sentence)
② 簽名(Signature)
③ 蓋?。⊿eal)
三、Features of legal documents
1.common words with unusual meaning
?action訴訟alienation轉(zhuǎn)讓 avoid取消 counterpart有同等效力的副本
? Prejudice提案 save除了vacation休庭期間 limitation時(shí)效 minor未成年人
? review審查案件,復(fù)審 tort侵權(quán)
Eg.1.Thank you for your consideration.?No consideration, no contract.合同無(wú)對(duì)價(jià)不成立。
Eg.2.The testator died without issue.立遺囑人死亡時(shí)沒(méi)有子嗣.?The parties could not agree on the issue.?The passport was issued by the Liverpool office.2.Old English
To make the compound words by adding after, by, in, of, on, to, under, upon, or with after here,there, or where
? Hereafter: in this document and after this point 此后, 以后
? Hereby: in this way or by this letter以此, 特此, 由此
? Thereby: by that 按此, 借此, 從而, 由此
? Therefrom: from that從那里
Whereas Party A is willing to employ Party B and Party B agrees to do as Party A’s engineer in
Beijing, it is hereby agrees as follows.鑒于甲方愿聘請(qǐng)乙方,乙方同意應(yīng)聘為甲方在北京的工程師,雙方協(xié)議如下:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreement herein contained, the parties agree
as follows.雙方考慮到在此提出的契約和協(xié)議, 同意如下條款.3.Use the synonymous word with its relevant words
? Terms and conditions 條件 null and void 無(wú)效free and clear of 無(wú)
?able and willing 能夠并愿意any duties, obligations or liabilities所有責(zé)任
? applicable laws, regulations, decrees, directives,and rules 適用法律法規(guī)
?charges, fees, costs and expenses 各種費(fèi)用any and all 全部
?covenants and agreements 合同,協(xié)議customs and usages 慣例
? import duty and tax 進(jìn)口稅捐keep secret and confidential保密
? licenses and permits 許可packing and wrapping expenses 包裝費(fèi)
? rights and interests 權(quán)益settle claims and debts 清理債務(wù)
? ships and vessels 船只sign and issue 簽發(fā)
? support and maintenance 維護(hù)use and wont習(xí)慣,慣例
1)This Agreement made and entered into by and between ABC Co.and XYZ Co.ABC 公司和XYZ公司雙方簽訂本協(xié)議。
2)All documents, letters, telegrams and telexes interchanged between both parties before the
signing of the Contract shall become null and void automatically from the date on which the
Contract comes into force.雙方在簽約前交換的所有文件、書信、電報(bào)和電傳,應(yīng)從本合同生效之日開(kāi)始自動(dòng)失效。
4.Latinate words
?alibi—不在犯罪現(xiàn)場(chǎng)ad hoc – 專門地de facto---事實(shí)上的?bona fide---真誠(chéng)的alias---別名 versus---對(duì),訴
eg.He established an alibi to the charge of murder.?他提供了謀殺案發(fā)生時(shí)不在場(chǎng)證明。
?他證實(shí)在謀殺案發(fā)生時(shí),他不在場(chǎng)。
5.Formal words
? Compare the following two kinds of words and expressions
1)At the request of Party B, Party A agrees to send technicians to assist/help Party B to install
the equipment.應(yīng)乙方要求,甲方同意派遣技術(shù)員幫助乙方安裝設(shè)備
2)Party A shall send back/repatriate the patient to China and bear the cost of his passage to
Beijing.甲方應(yīng)將病人遣返中國(guó),負(fù)責(zé)病人回到北京的旅費(fèi)。
Failure to notify Party A shall be deemed to be/ be regarded as a material breach of this
agreement.?未能按上述要求通知甲方的,則視為構(gòu)成實(shí)質(zhì)違約。
Enclosed is our new Quotation NO.475 in lieu of/in place of the previous one.?隨附我公司第475號(hào)報(bào)價(jià)替代前發(fā)的報(bào)價(jià)單。
Prices are subject to change/alteration with or without notice.?不管是否事先通知,價(jià)格可隨時(shí)變動(dòng)。
憲法優(yōu)先于其他一切法律
? Constitution is before/ prior to all other laws.? 任何一方不得在不預(yù)先通知的情況下終止合同
?Either party shall not terminate /stop the contract without notice in advance.–Terminate, stopcommence, begin
– be deemed to,be regarded asin lieu of, in place of
– prior to, beforewhatsoever, whatever
– accomplish, doadditional, extraacquire, get
– alteration,changeapplication, useassistance, help
注意may、shall、should、will、may not、shall not等詞語(yǔ)的法律內(nèi)涵
? May、shall、should、will、may not、shall not等詞的確很常見(jiàn),但是在合同中這些
詞具有特殊的意義,所以翻譯起來(lái)要極其謹(jǐn)慎,避免引起糾紛。
a.May:在表示合同上的權(quán)利(Right)、權(quán)限(Power)或特權(quán)(Privilege)的場(chǎng)合中
使用。若表示某種權(quán)利在法律上具有強(qiáng)制性的時(shí)候,更多的是“be entitled”。
b.Shall:在合同中并不是單純的將來(lái)時(shí),一般用它來(lái)表示法律上可以強(qiáng)制執(zhí)行的義務(wù)
(Obligation)。如未履行,即視為違約,并構(gòu)成某種賠償責(zé)任。所以,shall在譯文里,通常
表示“應(yīng)該”或“必須”,當(dāng)然,也有不翻譯的時(shí)候。例如:
? The quality and prices of the commodities to be exchanged between the ex-importers in
the two countries shall be acceptable to both sides.? 貨物的質(zhì)量和價(jià)格必須使進(jìn)出口雙方都能接受。
? The formation of this contract, its validity, interpretation, execution and settlement of
the disputes shall be governed by related laws of the People’s Republic of China.? 本合同的訂立、效力、解釋、履行和爭(zhēng)議的解決均受中華人民共和國(guó)法律的管轄。
shall沒(méi)有譯出。
c.Should:在合同中通常只用來(lái)表示語(yǔ)氣較弱的假設(shè),多翻譯成“萬(wàn)一”或“如果”,極少譯成“應(yīng)該”。
? The board meeting shall be convened and presided over by the Chairman.Should the
chairman be absent, the vice-Chairman shall, in principle, convene and preside over the
board meeting.? 董事會(huì)會(huì)議應(yīng)由董事長(zhǎng)召集、主持;若董事長(zhǎng)缺席,原則上應(yīng)由副董事長(zhǎng)召集、主
持。
? The parties hereto shall, first of all, settle any dispute arising from or in connection with
the contract by friendly negotiations.Should such negotiations fail, such dispute may be
referred to the People's Court having jurisdiction on such dispute for settlement in the
absence of any arbitration clause in the disputed contract or in default of agreement
reached after such dispute occurs.? 雙方首先應(yīng)通過(guò)友好協(xié)商,解決因合同而發(fā)生的或與合同有關(guān)的爭(zhēng)議。如果協(xié)商未
果,合同中又無(wú)仲裁條款約定或爭(zhēng)議發(fā)生后未就仲裁達(dá)成協(xié)議的,可將爭(zhēng)議提交有
管轄權(quán)的人民法院解決。
d.Will:一般使用在沒(méi)有法律強(qiáng)制的情況下,也用做表示承擔(dān)義務(wù)的聲明,但語(yǔ)氣和
強(qiáng)制力比Shall弱。
e.May not(或shall not):用于禁止性義務(wù),即“不得做什么”。
? 6.Terminology
?cause of action案由defendant 被告appeal 上訴
? damages損失,賠償金force majeure不可抗力 …
Indemnity n.a promise to protect someone from money lost or goods damaged;賠償?shù)谋WC
repayment for this;賠償金
An insurance contract that promises to pay for the replacement or repair of lost of
damaged goods賠償物
e.g.to arrange an ~ against loss辦理?yè)p失賠償
to demand an ~ for the delayed payment因延期付款要求賠償
Money demanded by a victorious nation at the end of awar as a condition of peace is an ~.戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)結(jié)束時(shí),戰(zhàn)勝國(guó)作為和平條件索取之款項(xiàng)稱為“賠款”。
Infringement: violation n.違反;違背;侵犯;侵害
Force majeure: an unexpected and unavoidable event that causes or allows a contract to
be changed or cancelled if it has a force majeure clause.e.g.As a result of force majeure the transaction was not completed.基于不可抗力的因素,交易未能完成。
Arbitration : the settling of a dispute by means of a neutral third party rather than by a
court of law.仲裁(通過(guò)中立的第三方不通過(guò)法庭解決糾紛)
e.g.They decided to settle the dispute by ~.他們決定通過(guò)仲裁解決爭(zhēng)議。
Translation requirements
?1.Adequate & precise
?Eg.Unless it is legally or physically impossible, the contractor shall execute and
complete the works and remedy the defects therein in strict accordance with the
contract to the satisfaction of the engineer.?除法律或條件不允許的情況之外,承包方應(yīng)嚴(yán)格按合同施工和竣工,并改進(jìn)工作中的任何缺陷,達(dá)到工程師滿意的程度。
?Party A shall send technicians atParty B’s expense to train Party B’s personnel withindays after signing the Contract.? 甲方應(yīng)于簽約后三十天內(nèi)派遣技術(shù)員培訓(xùn)乙方的人員,有關(guān)費(fèi)用由乙方承擔(dān)。
?This Contract can only be altered, amended or supplemented in accordance with
documents signed and sealed by authorized representatives of both parties.?本合同的修改補(bǔ)充應(yīng)有雙方授權(quán)代表簽名蓋章的文件,才能進(jìn)行
?合營(yíng)企業(yè)的一切活動(dòng)應(yīng)遵守中華人民共和國(guó)法律、法令和有關(guān)條例規(guī)定。
?All the activities of the joint venture, shall comply with the provision of the laws,decrees and pertinent regulations of the Republic of China.? 拘役的期限,為十五日以上六個(gè)月以下。
?A term of criminal detention shall not be less than 15 days and no more than 6 months.2、expressiveness & smoothness
?合同文本是一種法律文件,屬于莊嚴(yán)性文體。翻譯商務(wù)合同時(shí)還應(yīng)該把規(guī)范通
順視為另一大原則。所謂“規(guī)范”,是指譯文必須符合法律語(yǔ)言的特點(diǎn),盡量體現(xiàn)出
契約文體的特點(diǎn)。而所謂“通順”,是指譯文應(yīng)當(dāng)符合漢語(yǔ)的語(yǔ)法要求,使譯文清晰
易懂。
? During the period from the date of effectiveness to the termination of the Contract, the
two Parties shall hold a meeting very year to discuss problems arising form the execution
of the Contract.原譯:在合同生效之日起到合同終止之日的期間內(nèi),雙方每年舉行一次會(huì)議,討論合同
發(fā)行中出現(xiàn)的問(wèn)題。
? 原文在理解上沒(méi)有什么特別困難的地方,譯文意思也算正確,但只對(duì)原文逐字逐句
翻譯,顯得呆板,改譯為:
? 本合同有效期間,雙方應(yīng)每年正式會(huì)晤一次,以討論本合同履行期間存在的問(wèn)題。
? The date of Bill of Lading shall be taken as the conclusive proof of the date of shipment,six(6)days grace shall be allowed for shipment earlier or later than the time agreed
upon by the Parties.In the event of the goods for one order being shipped in more than
one lot, each lot shall be deemed to be a separate sale on Contract.? 原譯:提單的日期應(yīng)為交貨日期的最后證明。雙方允許交貨比約定的時(shí)間早交或遲
交六天。一次訂貨多于一批裝運(yùn),那么,每批貨應(yīng)被當(dāng)作是合同的單獨(dú)買賣。
? 原譯文表達(dá)累贅,結(jié)構(gòu)松散,不合乎漢語(yǔ)契約文體的簡(jiǎn)約風(fēng)格。改譯為:
? 交貨日期以提單所載日期為準(zhǔn),雙方同意在合同約定的交貨期的基礎(chǔ)上,允許有前
后六天的裝運(yùn)寬限期。若一次訂貨分批裝運(yùn),則每一批貨為合同項(xiàng)下的單獨(dú) 買賣。
? One-third of the total amount shall be paid with the order when the Contract is signed,one third by documentary bill when shipment is effected, and the balance by clean bills
when the goods have arrived.? 合同簽訂時(shí)先預(yù)付貨款總額的三分之一,裝船后憑跟單匯票再付三分之一,剩余的三分之一在貨物抵達(dá)時(shí)憑光票一次性付清。
? 譯文充分利用添加的橫線部分充分表明了原條款的三個(gè)付款階段:交貨前、交貨時(shí)、交貨后,使得層次清楚,表達(dá)通順。
合同的訂立、生效和履行
? 1.This contract is made in two originals that should be held by each party.?此合同一式二份,由雙方各持一正本。
? 2.What is left unmentioned in contract may be added there as an appendix.? 本合同未盡事宜,可由雙方增補(bǔ)作為合同附件。
? 3.本合同一式四份(正副本各兩份)自簽署后生效
? The Contract is written in quadruplicate(two for original and copy respectively)which
shall become valid on the date of signature.? 4.本合同為中英文兩種文本,兩種文本具有同等效力。本合同一式兩份。自雙方簽
字(蓋章)之日起生效。
? This Contract is executed in two counterparts each in Chinese and English, each of which
shall be deemed equally authentic.This contract is in 2 copies effective since being signed by
both parties.?5.Unless the terms or context of this contract otherwise provide, all term used in this
Contract shall have the meanings set out in Schedule A hereto.? 除本合同條款或上下文另有所指,本合同中所有相關(guān)用語(yǔ)的定義見(jiàn)附錄甲。
?6.it has full authority to enter into this Contract and to perform its obligations
hereunder;
? 該方有全權(quán)訂立本合同以及履行本合同項(xiàng)下義務(wù);
2.Modification
? 7.債務(wù)人將合同的義務(wù)全部或者部分轉(zhuǎn)接給第三方的,應(yīng)當(dāng)經(jīng)債權(quán)人同意。
?If the debtor intends to transfer all or part of his obligations under the contract to a
third party, consent shall be obtained from the creditor.?Where the obligor delegates its obligations under a contract in whole or in part to a
third party, such delegation shall be subject to the consent of the obligee.? 8.債權(quán)人轉(zhuǎn)讓權(quán)利的,應(yīng)當(dāng)通知債務(wù)人。未經(jīng)通知,該轉(zhuǎn)讓對(duì)債務(wù)人不發(fā)生效力。
?Any transfer of rights by a creditor shall be notified to the debtor.The transfer
shall not bind the debtor without such notification.?Where the obligee assigns its rights, it shall notify the obligor.Such assignment will
have no effect on the obligor without notice thereof.3.Termination of contracts
? 9.This Contract may be terminated at any time prior to expiration of the Term by the
mutual written contract of the Parties.? 本合同期限屆滿之前,雙方可通過(guò)書面協(xié)議隨時(shí)終止本合同。
? 10.This Contract shall terminate upon the expiration of the Term unless extended
pursuant to Article.(Term).? 本合同于合同到期日終止,除非雙方按照第[]條(合同期限的續(xù)展)的規(guī)定續(xù)約。
? 11.當(dāng)事人可以約定一方解除合同的條件。解除合同的條件成就時(shí),解除權(quán)人可以
解除合同。
?The parties may agree upon conditions under which either party may terminate the
contract.Upon satisfaction of the conditions, the party who has the right to terminate
may terminate the contract.? 12.Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall be without prejudice to any
right of action vested in either Party at the date of termination.? 本協(xié)議無(wú)論因何原因終止,不得損害任何一方在終止協(xié)議時(shí)的任何的行動(dòng)權(quán)利。
? 13.合同的權(quán)利義務(wù)終止,不影響合同中結(jié)算和清理?xiàng)l款的效力。
? The termination of rights and obligations under a contact shall not affect the validity of
clauses that related to the final settlement of accounts and winding-up.4.Liability for Breach of Contract
? 14.當(dāng)事人雙方都違反合同的,應(yīng)當(dāng)各自承擔(dān)相應(yīng)的責(zé)任。
? If both parties breach a contract, each party shall bear its own respective liabilities.? 15.If a party fails to perform its obligations under a contract, or its performance fails to
satisfy the terms of the contract, it shall bear the liabilities for breach of contract such as to continue to perform its obligations, to take remedial measures, or to compensate for losses.? 當(dāng)事人一方不履行合同義務(wù)或者履行合同義務(wù)不符合約定的,應(yīng)當(dāng)承擔(dān)繼續(xù)履行、采取補(bǔ)救措施或者賠償損失等違約責(zé)任。
? 5.Applicable law and dispute resolution
? 16.Where other laws provide otherwise in respect of a contract, such provisions shall
prevail.? 其他法律對(duì)合同另有規(guī)定的,依照其規(guī)定。
? 17.本合同的訂立、效力、解釋、履行受中華人民共和國(guó)法律的管轄。
? The formation, validity, interpretation and execution in respect of this contract shall be
governed by the relevant laws of the People's Republic of China.? 18.仲裁裁決是終局的,對(duì)雙方都有約束力。
?The arbitral award is final and binding upon both parties.
第五篇:國(guó)際商務(wù)函電翻譯
※我們?cè)敢庠谄降然ダネㄓ袩o(wú)的基礎(chǔ)上與貴公司建立業(yè)務(wù)聯(lián)系
1.We are willing to enter into business relations with your firm on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and to exchange what on has with what one needs.承蒙中國(guó)外貿(mào)組織的介紹,我們得知貴公司有意在本地市場(chǎng)做生意
2.Through the courtesy of Chinese External Trade Organization, we have your name as a firm who is interested in doing business with us in this market.我們是世界上最大的絲綢進(jìn)口商之一。我們過(guò)去一直是從日本進(jìn)口的,現(xiàn)在我們想到中國(guó)市場(chǎng)訂購(gòu)
6.Please be informed that we are one of the largest importers of silk in the world.We have been importing this item from Japan and now intend to extend our business to import the same from China.為了使你們對(duì)我們可供出口的各類紡織品有一個(gè)總的概念,隨函寄上樣本和價(jià)格單各一份,供你們查閱
8.In order to give you a general idea of our various textiles available for export, we are enclosing herewith sample books and a copy of price list for your information.※我們收到你方6月4日對(duì)我們電子玩具的詢價(jià),現(xiàn)高興地向你方報(bào)盤如下,供你參考
5.We have received your inquiry of June 4 for our electronic toys and now take pleasure in making you the following offer for your consideration 考慮到貴方將開(kāi)出大量的訂單,對(duì)于我們最近的報(bào)價(jià)將允許一定的折扣
10.We will allow certain discount on our recent quotation considering your large order.為了開(kāi)展雙方間具體的業(yè)務(wù),我們很高興向你方報(bào)特盤,以我方最后確認(rèn)的為有效報(bào)價(jià)
11.In order to start the concrete business between us, we are glad to make you a special offer, subject to our final confirmation.按照你們的要求,我們報(bào)50公噸大豆的實(shí)盤如下,以自本日起一周之內(nèi)向你方復(fù)到為準(zhǔn)
15.At the request of you, we offer you firm, subject to your reply reaching here within one week, 50m/t soybeans as follows.※現(xiàn)附上我方第101號(hào)合同正本兩份,請(qǐng)會(huì)簽并早日寄回一份
2.Enclosed please find Contract No.101 in two originals.Please counter sign and return one copy at earliest.你公司2005年9月20日來(lái)函內(nèi)附1000臺(tái)縫紉機(jī)訂單一紙已收到。茲附寄第346號(hào)銷售確認(rèn)書一式兩份,請(qǐng)會(huì)簽一份以便存檔
5.We have received your letter of 20th September 2005 enclosed an order of 1000 sets of sewing machines.We hereby enclose the sales contract No.346 in duplicate.Please countersign and return one copy to us for our file.你方8月14日的來(lái)函及隨附的訂單已受到。茲附寄第235號(hào)銷售確認(rèn)書一式兩份,請(qǐng)會(huì)簽一份以便存檔
7.Your letter of August 14 and the enclosed order have been received.We are enclosing our Sales Confirmation No.235 in duplicate, one of which please sign and return for our file.請(qǐng)注意,信用證條款與合同條款必須嚴(yán)格相符,以免日后修改
8.Please note that the terms and conditions of / in the L/C must strictly comply with those of / in the contract so as to avoid future amendments.※如能收到貴方訂單,我們將非常感謝
1)We shall be pleased to receive your kind orders.應(yīng)你方要求,我方破例接受即期付款交單方式,但下不為例
5)In compliance with your request, we exceptionally accept delivery against D/P at sight, but this should not be regarded as a precedent.我方將以托收方式開(kāi)出向你方支取的即期跟單匯票
6)We will draw on you by our documentary draft at sight on collection basis.我們只接受在簽約后3天內(nèi)以電匯預(yù)付發(fā)票總金額的20%,余下的80%以即期信用證方式付清,要求該信用證必須在裝運(yùn)前15-30天內(nèi)送達(dá)我方
7)We can only accept 20% T/T in advance within 3 days upon signature of the S/C, and the other 80% of the total invoice value shall be made by L/C at sight to reach us 15-30 days before the delivery.※裝運(yùn)期將近,如果能盡快開(kāi)立以我方為受益人的信用證將不勝感激
1.The date of shipment is approaching, we should be grateful if you will open an L/C in our favor as soon as possible.經(jīng)詳閱,我們對(duì)第276號(hào)信用證按貴方要求進(jìn)行了必要的修改 4.On perusal we made necessary amendments to the L/C.按照你方4月10日來(lái)信要求,我方已通知銀行將信用證展證至10月31日
6.As requested in your letter of 10 April, we have advised the bank to extend the L/C to 31 October.由于我方訂不到艙位,我方要求將信用證交貨期和有效期分別展期到4月10日和4月25日
7.As we cannot obtain the shipping space, we would like to have the delivery date and validity of L/C extended to 10 April and 25th April respectively.※請(qǐng)確保此包裝牢固,足以承受粗魯?shù)陌徇\(yùn)
4.Please be assured that the packing is strong enough to withstand rough handling.我們通常把每件男襯衫裝入一個(gè)盒子里,半打裝一箱,10打裝一個(gè)木箱
5.We usually pack each piece of men’s shirt in a box, half dozen to a carton and 10 dozen to a wooden case.請(qǐng)把每臺(tái)電視機(jī)裝一紙板箱,每4臺(tái)裝一適合于出口的木箱
6.Please pack one TV set to a cardboard box, 4 sets to a wooden case suitable for export.我們要求內(nèi)包裝小巧而精美以有助于銷售,外包裝輕便而堅(jiān)固以易于搬運(yùn)
8.We require the inner packing to be small and exquisite to help sales and the outer packing to be light and strong to be easy to carry.※本函隨寄了有關(guān)包裝和貨物價(jià)值的一些材料。如果貴方能報(bào)從港口到港口一切險(xiǎn)的保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)率,本公司不勝感激 4.Details with regards to packing and values are attached, and we would be grateful if you could quote a rate covering all risks from port to port.我們已向中國(guó)人民保險(xiǎn)公司將100公噸羊毛按發(fā)票金額的110%投保一切險(xiǎn),保險(xiǎn)費(fèi)用為3% 6.We’ve covered insurance with the People’s Insurance Company of China on the 100 metric tons of wools for 110% of the invoice value against All Risks at the rate of 3%。
將由我方按照到岸價(jià)的發(fā)票金額110%辦理該貨的保險(xiǎn),如果需要,額外增加保險(xiǎn)的費(fèi)用將由買方承擔(dān)
7.Insurance on the goods shall be covered by us for 110% of the CIF value, and any extra premium for additional coverage, if required, shall be borne by the buyers.很遺憾,我們不能接受這一索賠,因?yàn)槟銈兊谋kU(xiǎn)沒(méi)有包括破碎險(xiǎn)
17.Much to our regret, we cannot accept this claim as you have not covered the risk of breakage.※我們沒(méi)法取得艙位,所以要求轉(zhuǎn)運(yùn)
1.We cannot obtain the shipping space, so we ask for transshipment.另一種方法就是我們將貨物分批裝運(yùn)
2.An alternative is to make partial shipment.開(kāi)往你地的輪船非常少,我們很難在直達(dá)輪上訂到艙位
3.As the steamer to your port is few and far between, it is difficult for us to book shipping space on a direct line.第E493號(hào)合同和第2864號(hào)信用證項(xiàng)下3000臺(tái)彩電到目前為止仍未收到任何裝船消息,這給我們帶來(lái)很大麻煩 4.We haven’t received any news about shipment of 3,000 sets color TV under contract No.E493 and No.2864, which involve us in big trouble.※經(jīng)檢查發(fā)現(xiàn)近30%的包裝破爛,顯示由于包裝不妥所致
2.The inspection found that nearly 30% of the packaging broken, due to packaging is wrong.很遺憾貴方到貨的質(zhì)量與雙方商定的不符。由于該貨不能出售,對(duì)我方也無(wú)用,我方向貴方索賠金額xx 3.Unfortunately the inconsistent quality of your arrival to that agreed upon by both parties.Since the goods can not be sold and also useless to us, we place our claims for xx.經(jīng)目的港復(fù)檢,維多利亞號(hào)運(yùn)來(lái)的羊毛的質(zhì)量與第3215號(hào)合同所規(guī)定的完全不符
4.The re-examination of the port of destination shows the quality of the wool shipped in S/S “Victoria” is completely incompatible to that stipulated under No.3215 contract.我方對(duì)東風(fēng)輪裝運(yùn)的1000噸小麥水分過(guò)多提出索賠
6.We make claims due to moisture content of 1000 tons of wheat shipped by S/S “Dongfeng” more than the required level.※我們?cè)敢鈸?dān)任你們現(xiàn)行出口商品的代理,因?yàn)槲覀儞碛幸粋€(gè)廣闊的國(guó)內(nèi)市場(chǎng)。
1)We would like to act as your agent for ruling export goods, as we own a wide domestic market./We would like to represent you under agency for your ruling exports, for we retain a great share of our domestic market.代理問(wèn)題尚在考慮中,希望在現(xiàn)階段繼續(xù)努力推銷我們的產(chǎn)品
3)The issue of agency is under consideration and we hope you will do your best to push the sale of our products at present stage.對(duì)你們想擔(dān)任獨(dú)家代理的請(qǐng)求,我們正在仔細(xì)考慮。同時(shí),我們很想了解你方推銷我們產(chǎn)品的計(jì)劃
7)We are taking your request of acting as our sole agent into account and at the same time we are keen to know your plan for promoting our products./While taking your request of working as our sole agent under careful examination, we need to learn in detail about your plan to push our products.在產(chǎn)品的廣告方面我們盡了很大努力,營(yíng)業(yè)額仍不能令人滿意
8)We have done much efforts in advertising the products but the volume of trade is not satisfactory./Though much efforts have been taken in advertising the product, we still feel dissatisfied about out turnover.