摘 要:法律文本的翻譯是法律語言的轉(zhuǎn)換,譯語須準(zhǔn)確無誤地表達(dá)源語言的真正含義,以體現(xiàn)法律文件的權(quán)威性。熟練地掌握介詞的使用與翻譯可幫助譯者更精確、更完整地表達(dá)源語言的內(nèi)容。文章擬通過探討在訴訟文本中含有介詞的句型的使用與翻譯,使法律英語的翻譯更準(zhǔn)確到位。
關(guān)鍵詞:法律英語 介詞與介詞詞組 翻譯
中圖分類號(hào):G420 文獻(xiàn)標(biāo)識(shí)碼:A 文章編號(hào):1673-9795(2013)08(b)-0083-03
The Use and Translation of Prepositions in Legal Litigation Texts
Zhang Lan
(Shanghai open University, Huangpu Branch,Shanghai,China 200127)
Abstract:The legal text translation is the conversion of legal language,the target language shall express the true meaning of the source language accurately to reflect the authority of the legal documents.Proficient in the use and translation of prepositions can help translators express the contents of the source language more accurately and completely.This article intends to explore the use and translation of the sentences containing prepositions in the text of litigation to make legal English translation more accurate.
Key Words:legal English;Prepositions and Prepositional phrase;Translation
作為ESP(English for Special Purpose)一種,法律英語指的是表述法律科學(xué)概念及訴訟或非訴訟法律事務(wù)時(shí)所用的語種或某一語種的部分用語,它是以英語共同語為基礎(chǔ),在立法和司法等活動(dòng)中形成和使用的具有法律專業(yè)特點(diǎn)的語言。法律英語具有獨(dú)特的風(fēng)格和鮮明的語言特征,如文本意思艱深晦澀、用詞準(zhǔn)確嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)、句子結(jié)構(gòu)冗長復(fù)雜等等,使得法律文本的翻譯難度大大高于其他類型的翻譯。
為了使法律英語的文本行文嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)、措詞準(zhǔn)確,會(huì)大量使用到介詞或介詞短語,介詞對(duì)法律文本語義的理解往往起到非常微妙而重要的作用。對(duì)介詞的處理常常是法律英語翻譯的一個(gè)難點(diǎn)。本文通過訴訟文本中含有介詞和介詞短語的多種句型的例舉,來具體闡釋介詞的使用與翻譯方法。
1 大量使用介詞和介詞短語是法律英語的顯著特點(diǎn)
為了保證法律文本的嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)和避免產(chǎn)生歧義,律師在訴訟文本中常常大量使用介詞和介詞短語,來確保條款所涉及和包括的范圍。例如:
(1)The main point of the discussion between the parties was the acquisition issues,especially the purchase price of HW by AMF,rather than the purchase of HW’s bowling products by AMF.
譯文:訴訟雙方之間討論的重點(diǎn)是收購問題,特別是AMF對(duì)于HW的購買價(jià)格,而不是由AMF購買HW的保齡球產(chǎn)品。
(2)In view that it is difficult for your company to cause the current directors to sign the relevant resolution and documents, we tried our best to ask for the help of AIC and other authority.
譯文:鑒于由貴公司敦促現(xiàn)任董事簽署有關(guān)決議和文件,這是困難的,我們盡力尋求工商局和其他權(quán)威機(jī)構(gòu)的幫助。
(3)In the view of BSK,HW was already an existing competitor in PRC, having a huge market share in PRC bowling market.
譯文:在BSK看來,HW已經(jīng)是其在中國現(xiàn)有的競(jìng)爭對(duì)手,在中國保齡球市場(chǎng)上擁有巨大的市場(chǎng)份額。
(4)Therefore,the termination conduct of BSK on 15th October 2001 was in breach of the Contract.
譯文:因此,在2001年10月15日,BSK的終止行為是違反合同的。
(5)HW provided,free of charge, sufficient office space and facilities for BSK,including but not limited to three offices and one warehouse and other necessary facilities.
譯文:由HW提供免費(fèi)的、足夠的辦公空間和設(shè)施給BSK,包涵但不限于3個(gè)辦事處、1個(gè)倉庫和其他必要的設(shè)施。
2 使用帶前綴的介詞(古體詞副詞)
法律英語古體詞是指古英語時(shí)期和中古英語時(shí)期的英語詞匯。因?yàn)槲鞣椒扇谌肓讼ED的思辨精神和羅馬的法律精神,而且英語從拉丁語、法語和希臘語中借用的外來法律詞匯70%仍沿用至今。這類古體詞的使用可以避免重復(fù)、誤解或歧義,使語言精練直觀,行文簡練準(zhǔn)確,在法律文書、商務(wù)合同中的使用可體現(xiàn)其嚴(yán)肅性和正式性,故法律界人士對(duì)其有著特殊的情結(jié)。
這類古體詞如herein(在此處,于此), herebefore(到此以前,到現(xiàn)在為止),hereafter(以下),thereof(由此,關(guān)于這個(gè)), hereby(特此,因此,藉此,茲)hereinabove(在上文)等。這類詞實(shí)際上是由after、by、in、of、 below等介詞加上前綴here、there、where等副詞,構(gòu)成一體化形式的古體詞副詞。古體詞在句子中修飾動(dòng)詞時(shí)其位置與普通副詞類似,而修飾名詞一般放在后面。
(1)It is averred that BSK knew or ought to have known that the alleged patent infringement claims which were repeated as set out here in below were without reason able basis and it is further averred that the same was made in bad faith.
譯文:可以斷言,BSK知道或應(yīng)該知道,被指控的專利侵權(quán)索賠的重復(fù)列于下文是沒有合理的依據(jù)的,這進(jìn)一步證明其同樣是存心不良。
(2)As regards your proposals and questions,we would like hereby to provide our answers and raise our questions at the same time.
譯文:針對(duì)您的提案和問題,我們想在此提供我們的答案,同時(shí)提出我們的問題。
(3)Paragraph 133 is denied and BSK is put to strict proof thereof.
譯文:訴訟第133段被否認(rèn),BSK必須提出關(guān)于此處的嚴(yán)格證據(jù)。
(4)As to Paragraphs 182 to 187,HW repeat their Amended Statement of Defense and Counterclaim herein and each and every allegation contained therein is denied.
譯文:在訴訟第182~187段,HW重復(fù)了修訂抗辯并在此提出反訴以及否認(rèn)在彼文中所包含的每項(xiàng)指控。
(5)BSK wrongfully terminate the Contract prior to the expiration of the 18-month term,without cause and without providing the requisite notice and opportunity to cure alleged breaches thereby repudiating the Contract.
譯文:BSK于合同的期限屆滿前18個(gè)月非法終止合同,沒有原因也沒有提供必要的通知和機(jī)會(huì)彌補(bǔ)其宣稱的關(guān)系破裂,從而拒絕履行合同。
3 復(fù)雜的介詞短語的使用
由于國際貿(mào)易中訴訟文本關(guān)系到案件雙方的的經(jīng)濟(jì)利益,所以對(duì)訴訟文本的翻譯格外要求精確、嚴(yán)謹(jǐn),譯文一定要忠實(shí)于原文,不能隨意增減。為了增強(qiáng)法律文本的準(zhǔn)確性,避免含糊不清、模棱兩可的狀況,法律英語中常用復(fù)雜的介詞短語來代替簡單的介詞。如“因?yàn)椤背Wg作“by virtue of”,很少譯作“due to”,一般不譯作“because of”;“關(guān)于”常譯作“with regard to”“in respect of”“with reference to”,而不譯作“about”;“根據(jù)、依據(jù)、鑒于”常譯作“in accordance with”“in the light of”“by virtue of”,而不譯作“by”或“under”。
用according to,等來代替by和under。這是法律英語保持鮮明的語言特點(diǎn)的重要之處。例如:
(1)關(guān)于附件5.2。
譯文:With respect to Attachment 5.2.
(2)關(guān)于你最近為我們提供的文件和一些與案件相關(guān)的重要事情,我們會(huì)提供您以下信息和意見。
譯文:In respect of the documents you recently provided to us and some important matters of the case,we would render you the following information and comments.
(3)然而,BSK還沒有給HW就其質(zhì)量低劣的產(chǎn)品提供正式的通知。
譯文:However,BSK has yet to provide an official notice to HW in regard to its poor quality products.
(4)除了本圖提供的關(guān)于系統(tǒng)的具體訂單的評(píng)論,法庭應(yīng)該注意以下幾點(diǎn):
譯文:In addition to the comments provided in this chart with regard to specific Orders in System,the Tribunal should take note of the following points:
(5)所有民族都有自決權(quán)。他們因?yàn)檫@種權(quán)利自由決定他們的政治地位,并自由謀求他們的經(jīng)濟(jì)、社會(huì)和文化的發(fā)展。
譯文:All peoples have the right of self-determination.By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic,social and cultural development.
4 法律文本中一些常用介詞的翻譯
根據(jù)奈達(dá)所提出的功能對(duì)等論,翻譯就是要在接受語中以最自然的方式重現(xiàn)原文中的信息。首先是意義,然后是風(fēng)格。(譚載喜,2002)在法律文本的翻譯過程中,譯者常常會(huì)遇到“根據(jù)、依照、憑……”“據(jù)……”“按照”等詞語的翻譯。這些介詞或介詞短語往往處于法律條款的關(guān)鍵部位,所以對(duì)于介詞短語的理解的正確與否決定了句子翻譯的準(zhǔn)確與否。通過法律文本中大量存在的介詞短語進(jìn)行分析,我們不難發(fā)現(xiàn)一條規(guī)律,即大多數(shù)介詞短語均用作條件狀語。介詞短語在法律英語和法律漢語中都可以做狀語,但是通過對(duì)比研究,在英語中介詞短語的量更大,結(jié)構(gòu)更復(fù)雜,位置更靈活。在漢語中,介詞短語如果放在謂語之前,就做狀語;如果放在謂語動(dòng)詞之后,就是補(bǔ)語了。例如:
(1)as per按照、根據(jù),常用于報(bào)價(jià)單、規(guī)格表等合同單證中。
例:質(zhì)量完全以BSK提供的樣品為準(zhǔn)。
Quality should be strictly as per the sample submitted by BSK.
(2)in accordance with依據(jù)、依照,該詞是典型的書面語詞,包含“遵循”的意思。
例:按照合同約定,BSK同意由HW生產(chǎn)的產(chǎn)品應(yīng)在BSK的商標(biāo)下銷售。
In accordance with the Contract, BSK agreed that the Products manufactured by HW shall be sold under the trademark of BSK.
例:根據(jù)香港法律,口頭協(xié)議將被視為“集體合同”的合同。
In accordance with Hong Kong law, the oral agreement would be deemed as “collective contract”to the Contract.
(3)according to按照、根據(jù)、依照,該詞組與in accordance with同義,但according to更口語化。
例:該評(píng)價(jià)的結(jié)論是根據(jù)上述規(guī)定、參考文獻(xiàn)、前提條件、方法、程序,以及根據(jù)現(xiàn)有的規(guī)定來建立的。
This assessment conclusion is done according to the above regulations, references,preconditions,methods, procedures,as well as established under the existing requirements.
(4)against憑、依據(jù),以……為條件,該詞常使用在合同的支付條款中,相當(dāng)于subject to.
例:在購買周期第1年2001年8月3日結(jié)算方面的確認(rèn)信表明,銷售金額在本合同已由BSK對(duì)其保證的最低申購金額。
The confirmation letter in respect of settlement for Purchase Period 1 dated August 3,2001 indicates that the sales amount under this contract has been credited to BSK against its guaranteed minimum purchase amount.
(5)By virtue of按照、依據(jù)。
例:VIA網(wǎng)站上介紹的產(chǎn)品不侵犯BSK主張的任何專利,在任何情況下,BSK授予的默示許可的銷售和制造這些產(chǎn)品均依據(jù)合同執(zhí)行。
The products described on VIA’s site do not infringe upon any patents held by BSK and,in any event,BSK granted an implied license for the sale and manufacture of these products by virtue of its execution of the Contract.
(6)on the basis of 以……為根據(jù)、依據(jù)。
例:本報(bào)告的發(fā)布是建立在由委托方,資產(chǎn)占用及其他有關(guān)評(píng)估人員的管理部門提供的相關(guān)資料的基礎(chǔ)上。
The publish of this report is built on the basis of the relevant information provided by entrusting party, the management department of the assets occupier and other staffs concerning the assessment.
(7)pursuant to根據(jù)、按照,這是一個(gè)典型的契約書面語,一般文體很少使用。
例:盡管根據(jù)系統(tǒng)中的訂單附錄5.2(第6.1條)中列出的買方集團(tuán)應(yīng)占的銷售信貸,買方集團(tuán)并沒有購買足夠的產(chǎn)品以滿足最低采購要求。
Notwithstanding the credit of the sales pursuant to the Orders in System Attributable to Purchaser Group as listed in Appendix 5.2(Clause 6.1),the Purchaser Group had not purchased sufficient Products to meet the Minimum Purchase Requirement.
(8)in the light of根據(jù)、依據(jù),該詞組常與condition,principle,theory,spirit等詞連用。
例:依據(jù)互利的原則,為了滿足最低購買要求,HW提前下定單并采購的原材料以滿足任何須采購訂單。
In the light of the principle of mutual benefits,and in order to meet the Minimum Purchase Requirement,HW made orders and purchased raw materials in advance to meet any purchase orders that should be made.
(9)In conformity with遵照、按照。
例:應(yīng)該指出的是,根據(jù)AIC的規(guī)定,若干文件包括董事會(huì)決議,應(yīng)當(dāng)由現(xiàn)有董事而不是新獲委任的董事來簽署的。
It should be noted that,In conformity with AIC's regulations,certain documents including the resolution of board should be signed by the existing directors other than the new directors to be appointed.
(10)subject to根據(jù)、依據(jù)、服從,該詞主要強(qiáng)調(diào)“以……為依據(jù)”,相當(dāng)于on the basis of.
例:然而,必須依據(jù)2個(gè)條件:(1)經(jīng)典球道應(yīng)限于HW的產(chǎn)品;(2)經(jīng)典球道應(yīng)僅在中國市場(chǎng)銷售。
However,there were subject to 2 conditions:(1)Classic Line shall be limited to HW’s products;(2)Classic Line shall only be sold in China’s market.
(11)under根據(jù)、按照。
例:事實(shí)上,根據(jù)本合同的規(guī)定,AMF和HW之間的合同仍然會(huì)被執(zhí)行,這與Alain在上面所說的是不同的。
In fact,under the provisions of the Contract,the contract between AMF and HW would still be performed,which were different from what Alain above said.
5 結(jié)語
要想使法律文本規(guī)范、準(zhǔn)確、地道,就要對(duì)英語介詞的復(fù)雜性、多變性和靈活性進(jìn)行充分的研究和深入的了解,并將理論運(yùn)用到翻譯實(shí)踐中去。法律文本中介詞的翻譯絕不是機(jī)械地保持原文和譯文之間用詞量的等值,它的譯法是復(fù)雜多樣的,譯者要付出艱辛的勞動(dòng)。
參考文獻(xiàn)
[1]Foundation Press Inc.Federal rules of civil procedure[M].Foundation Press,1990.
[2]譚載喜.新編奈達(dá)論翻譯[M].北京中國對(duì)外翻譯出版社,2002.
[3]王建.影響法律英語翻譯的因素[J].中國科技翻譯,2003(1):1-5.
[4]陳建平.國際經(jīng)貿(mào)法律英語[M].杭州:浙江大學(xué)出版社,2006.
[5]業(yè)子南.高級(jí)英漢翻譯理論與實(shí)踐[M].北京:清華大學(xué)出版社,2008.
作者簡介:張嵐,上海開放大學(xué)黃浦分校英語系講師,碩士,主要研究方向?yàn)樯虅?wù)英語教育理論,法律英語翻譯研究,成人教育理論研究。