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固定结构的翻译

时间:2022-04-01 理论教育 版权反馈
【摘要】:第七章 法律文本程式化、固定结构的翻译法律文本中程式化语言结构是人们在长期使用民族共同语的过程中,由于立法和司法工作的需要,逐渐形成的一套具有法律专业特色的语言结构。汉语表达方式为:“有……义务、必须”等。

第七章 法律文本程式化、固定结构的翻译

法律文本中程式化语言结构是人们在长期使用民族共同语的过程中,由于立法和司法工作的需要,逐渐形成的一套具有法律专业特色的语言结构。

从语篇结构这个层次上看,古今中外立法语篇的结构大致相同,最突出的特点是它的高度程式化。整体结构形式上都采用了分条列款的方式,“条”以下设“款”、“项”、“目”、“点”,内容都是由描写性成分过渡到规定性成分;由颁布命令和/或前言过渡到具体条文;其结构层次分明,都是采用从宏观到微观;从总论/总则到条文;从重要条文到次要条文的语篇结构。这种程式化语篇是保持法律规范的庄严性及其内容的严谨合理和准确规范的必要手段,能使法律规范的内涵得到最充分的体现。程式化的语篇结构的另一个重要优点是它可以给所涉及的法律条文、专业术语和概括性词语设定具体的阐释语境,减少曲解或误解法律条文和概括性词语的可能性,瓦解那些想钻法律漏洞者的企图。(张新红,2000)下面首先从四个方面谈谈立法语言的程式化语言结构。

一、表达禁止性的程式化语言结构

禁止性规范是指禁止法律关系主体为某种行为的法律规范。汉语的表达方式通常是“严禁”、“禁止”、“不得”、“不能”等;英语的程式化语言结构有:

1.be prohibited/not allowed

2.be not obliged/permitted

3.shall/may/must not+v

例如:

1.“禁止对任何民族的歧视和压迫,禁止破坏民族团结和制造民族分裂的行为”

可译为“Discrimination against and oppression of any nationality are prohibited;any act which undermines the unity or instigates division between or among any nationality is prohibited”;

2.“A person cannot at the same time be both landlord and tenant of the same premises”

可译为“任何人不得在同一项地产上同时既是出租人又是承租人”;

3.“No security may be offered or sold to the public unless it is registered with the SEC”

可译为“如未在证券交易(管理)委员会登记,任何证券不得上市或向大众出售”。

4.“国家保护野生动物及其生存环境,禁止任何单位和个人非法猎捕或者破坏。”

可译为“The state shall protect wildlife and the environment for its survival,and shall prohibit the illegal hunting,catching or destruction of wildlife by any unit or individual.”

5.“The state ensures the rational use of natural resources and protests rare animals and plants.Appropriation or damaging of natural resources by any organization or individual by whatever means is prohibited.”

可译为“国家保障自然资源的合理利用,保护珍贵动物和植物。禁止任何组织或者个人用任何手段侵占和破坏自然资源。”

6.“被认为(入境后)可能危害中国的国家安全、社会秩序的外国人,不准入境。”

可译为“Aliens who are considered a possible threat to China’s state security and public order shall not be permitted to enter into China.”

7.“State property is sacred and inviolable,and no organization or individual shall be allowed to seize,encroach upon,privately divide,retain or destroy it.”

可译为“国家财产神圣不可侵犯.禁止任何组织或者个人侵占、哄抢、私分、截留破坏。”

二、表达义务性的程式化语言结构

义务性规范,是指规定人们必须依法作出一定行为的法律规范。汉语表达方式为:“有……义务、必须”等。其英语的程式化语言结构有:

must/shall + v.(2)fulfill one’s obligation to+v.(3)have the duty to+v.(4)It is the duty of/to+v.

例如:

1.“公司必须保护职工的合法权益,加强劳动保护,实现安全生产”

可译为“Companies must protect the lawful rights of their staff and workers,and strengthen labor protection so as to achieve safety in production”;

2.“The seller owes a duty to the buyer to use due care in production,packing,and sale of his or her goods so that foreseeable harm,...will be avoided”

可译为“为使可预见的伤害……得以避免,卖方在其生产、包装、销售中负有做到适当谨慎之义务”。

3.“中华人民共和国公民有维护国家统一和全国各民族团结的义务。”

可译为“It is the duty of citizens of the People’s Republic of China to safeguard the unification of the country and the unity of all its nationalities.”

4.Parents have the duty to rear and educate their children who are minors,and children who have come of age have the duty to support and assist their parents.

可译为“父母有抚养教育未成年子女的义务,成年子女有赡养扶助父母的义务。”

5.“夫妻双方有实行计划生育的义务。”

可译为“Both husband and wife fulfill their obligation to practice family planning.”

三、表达授权性的程式化语言结构

授权性规范指的是“规定法律关系主体依法有权自己为某种行为以及要求他人为或不为某种行为的法律规范”。

其汉语的表达方式为“享有……的权利”、“有权……”等等,其英语的程式化语言结构为:(1)have the right/power to +v/n.(2)enjoy the right of…(3)be entitled to+v./n.(4)be authorized to+v.(5)may/shall +v.

例如:

1.“当事人依法享有自愿订立合同的权利,任何单位和个人不得非法干预”

可译为“The parties shall have the right to be voluntary to enter into a contract in accordance with law.No unit or individual may illegally interfere”;

2.“When one of the parties to the Contract fails to perform his or her obligations under the contract and the other party thereby sustains some injury,the injured party is entitled to be put,as nearly as possible,in the same position as if the contract had been performed”

可译为“当一方未按约履行其义务并使对方由此受到损害,该受损方享有获取(尽可能)接近于合同已履行之(有利)状况”。

3.“Enterprises as legal persons,individual businesses and individual partnerships shall have the right to use and lawfully assign their own names.”

可译为“企业法人、个体工商户、个人合伙有权使用、依法转让自己的名称。”

4.“公民、法人享有著作权(版权),依法有署名、发表、出版、获得报酬等权利。”

可译为“Citizens and legal persons shall enjoy the right of authorship(copyrights)and shall be entitled to sign their names as authors,issue and publish their works and obtain remuneration in accordance with law.”

5.“Under any of the following circumstances,an enterprise as regal person shall bear liability,its legal representative may additionally be given administrative sanctions and fined and,if the offence constitutes a crime,a criminal responsibility shall be investigated in accordance with the law.”

可译为“企业法人有下列情形之一的,除法人承担责任外,对法定代表人可以给予行政处分、罚款,构成犯罪的,依法追究刑事责任。”

四、表达法律效力的程式化语言结构

表达法律效力的汉语表达方式为”施行(实施)”和”废止(废除)”等。其英语的程式化语言结构为:(1)come/enter into force(2)become effective(3)go into effect(4)be put into effect(5)be abolished(6)be abrogated(7)be null and void

例如:

1.“本法自公布之日起施行。”

可译为“This law shall come/enter into force on the day of its promulgation.”

2.“These Regulations shall become effective as of July l,2002.”

可译为“本条例自2002年七月一日起施行。”

3.本通则经国务院发布施行。过去各地原有检查办法与本通则有抵触者,即予以废除。

可译为“These General Rules shall go into effect after their promulgation by the Government Administration Council.If any former inspection procedures adopted in various regions conflict with these General Rules,the former shall be abolished.”

格式化也是司法文书的重要语篇特征,再谈谈司法语言的程式化语言结构。

遗嘱为例,如:

Will of Howard Brown(霍华德布朗的遗嘱)

  Article I    (条款一)

I,Howard Brown,hereby make my will,and I revoked all over wills and codicils that I have previously made.(我,霍华德布朗本人在此立遗嘱。我撤销我预先立下的所有遗嘱和遗嘱附录。)

I have signed this will,which is typewritten on—sheets of paper,on the—day of—,19—,and for the purpose of identification,I have also written my name on the margin of all pages before this signature page.(我已在……张纸上签署本遗嘱和立遗嘱日期。为了便于识别我已在签名页前所有各页的页边空白处上签名。)

以聘用律师合同(Retaining Agreement)为例,如:

That I,( )have employed( )as my attorney to present me to prosecute through settlement or judge certain claims I have and hold against( )and/or any all other persons,firms and corporations for or arising out of personal injuries to( )as well as damages to property caused by or growing out of a certain accident which occurred on or about the( )day( )of( )20( ).

我,×××,特聘请××为我的律师,以代表我提起诉讼并通过调解或审判方式,就我在20××年×月×日所发生的事故中所遭受的人身伤害及财产损失向××、和/或其他任何和所有个人、商号和公司提出索赔。

第一节 Shall的使用和翻译

在法律英语中,情态动词主要用来表达当事人的权利和义务及其范围和程度。法律语言的社会功能,使得法律英语动词使用的语气、语态和时态与普通英语有所区别。

由于法律、法规代表统治阶级的意志,表现司法主体对司法客体的行为制约,它通常要求司法客体“必须”、“可以”、“应该”或“不许”、“不能”、“不得”作什么,用词通常带命令语气。因此,法律的这种强制性,使得祈使语句在法律英语中很普遍,所以shall,may,must,should的使用频率很高。例如:

1.A party may suspend the performance of his obligation.

一方当事人可以中止履行义务。

2.Nothing in this article shall prejudice any right of recourse as between the carrier andthe actual carrier.

本条规定不得妨碍承运人和实际承运人之间的任何追索权

在普通英语中shall是典型的表示未来的情态动词,传统语法规定shall只能用于第一人称,否则用will会更合适。在美国英语中一般不用shall表示将来,几乎已被废弃,所以表示将来的唯一情态动词只能用will。在法律英语中shall并不表示将来,而有着与普通英语完全不同的含义。Frederick Bowers(1989)认为shall被广泛运用于法律英语的真正原因是shall被看作是具有法律权威特征的一种象征。

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English中shall的解释为:(fml.used esp.in official writing to show a promise,command,or law)。在具体翻译中,一般肯定形式应译为“应当”,否定形式应译为“不得”。例如:

1.The reward shall be fixed with a view to encouraging salvage operations,taking into full account the following criteria:The reward shall not exceed the value of the ship and other property salved.

确定救助报酬,应当体现对救助作业的鼓励,并综合考虑下列各项因素:救助报酬不得超过船舶和其他财产的获救价值。

虽然在法律英语中,情态动词“shall”通常表述各项具体的规定与要求,带有指令性和强制性,充分体现了法律文件的权威性和约束性。中文通常译为“应当”,但在具体行文中,还是应该根据上下文来界定“shall”的含义。

以下是“shall”在法律英语翻译中常见的几种处理方法:

1.表示某种命令或某种法律义务,相当于普通英语中的“must”,通常翻译为“必须”

例1:All the activities of a joint venture shall comply with the provisions of the law,decrees and pertinent regulations of the People’s Republic of China.

合营企业的一切活动必须遵守中华人民共和国的法律、法令和有关的条例规定。

(这里所用“shall”并不表示对将来事件的预测,而是设定了企业的活动必须遵守法律规定的义务。使整个句子更具法律权威性。)

例2:Under California law,someone who qualifies as a sex offender shall register with the chief of police or sheriff within a special time.

依据加利福尼亚州法律,一个被指控为性骚扰的人必须在特定的时间到警察局长或地方法官那里去登记。

2.表示法律上的正式“宣告”、“宣布”

例1:The Contract Law of the People’s Republic of Chinashall take effect on Oct .1,1999.

《中华人民共和国合同法》将于1999年10月1日生效。

例2:This Act shall be known as The Penal Code of California.

这部法律被正式宣布为加利福尼亚州的刑法典。

3.用于表述合同条款,表述一定要做到的事,表示“一定会”(promise to)或“将会”(will or to be to)

例1:The Publisher shall pay the Author...an advance,which shall be a charge of allsums to the Author under this Agreement.

出版商应当预付作者稿酬,这笔稿酬是按合同规定的总稿酬中的一部分。

(这里“shall”为合同中的一方设定了给付报酬的义务。这里shall为合同中的一方设定了给付报酬的义务。句中的第一个shall指“一定会”;第二个shall是指一种“承诺”或一种正式“声明”,但没有“命令”的含义。)

当然,shall在法律英语中的含义并不一定就限于以上三种情况。李克兴(2007)归纳了shall不译的两种情况:

1)其对象为广大民众的表示概括性的立法性文本;

2)在法律和普通合同文本中,当shall之后所跟的动词本身就能表示权利、义务或责任以及主句的基本结构为shall+be+predicative(表语)时。例如:

① All Hong kong residents shall be equal before law.

香港居民在法律面前一律平等。

② The homes and other premises of Hong Kong residents shall be inviolable.Arbitrary or unlawful search of,or in intrusion into,a resident’s home or other premises shall be prohibited.

香港居民的住宅和其他房屋不受侵犯。禁止任意或非法搜查、侵入居民的住宅和其他房屋。

③ The(arbitration)board shall have such jurisdiction and powers as are conferred on it by this or any other Ordinance.

仲裁处具备本条例或任何其他条例授予的管辖权及权力。

④ If the Buyers fail to provide such letter of credit in the Seller’s favour as prescribed above,the seller shall have the option of reselling the contracted goods for the account of the Buyers or delaying any shipment and/or canceling any others at any time on the Buyer’s account and risk.

如果买方未能向卖方提供上规定的这种信用证,卖方有权选择把合同规定的买方账上的货物转售或随时推迟付运和(或)撤销任何订单,损失和风险由买方承担。

⑤ The landlord shall not be in any way responsible to the Tennant for any damages caused to be said premises or the contents thereof arising as a result of the negligence of any other tenant of the said building.

由于该大厦其他任何住户的过失而产生的对该楼宇或其里面的东西的任何损坏,业主对租户不负任何责任。

下面谈谈“shall”与“should”在法律文本中的区别:

shall在合同文件中是使用频率最高的词,在合同文件中shall表示强制性承担法律或合同所规定的义务,在表达“应该”或“必须”做某事时,应用“shall”,而不能用“must”,或“should”,但有时可用“will”,力度比shall弱。Should在法律文件中往往作“if”解,只表示“如果”之意。例如:

⑥ The board meeting shall be called and presided over by the Chairman.Should the Chairman be absent,the vice-Chairman shall,in principle,call and preside over the boardmeeting .

董事会会议应由董事长召集、主持;如董事长缺席,原则上应由副董事长召集、主持。

同样,在汉译英中,在翻译像“应”、“应该”、“必须”、“非……不可”之类的,表示法律上可以强制执行的义务的时候,应该用“shall”来翻译。例如:

例1:承运人应在开航前和开航当时恪尽职守,使船舶适航。

The carrier shall,before and at the beginning of the voyage,exercise due diligence to make the ship seaworthy.

例2:货物由承运人接收或者装船后,应托运人的要求,承运人应当签发提单。

When the goods have been taken over by the carrier or have been loaded on board,the carrier shall,on demand of the shipper,issue to the shipper a bill of loading.

第二节 英文成对词的用法与翻译

英文法律文本中经常出现成对的同义词和近义词,看似重复却可以使意思更加精准,这是出于严谨和杜绝漏洞的考虑,有的也属于法律文本用语的固定模式。例如:

1.本合同由甲方和乙方签订

译文:This contract is made and entered into by and between Party A and Party B.

其中的“签订”使用了:made and entered into 动词同义并列,表明是由双方共同制订并在双方之间形成权利和义务关系。

2.依法成立的合同,受法律保护

The contract concluded and entered into under the law shall be protected by the law.

其中的“成立”使用了:concluded and entered into同义并列表达。

其他经常可以使用的同义词语并列还有:make and sign:“签订,订立”,terms and conditions:“条款”,cover and include:“包括”等等。

一、“成对词”的语义分析

成对的同义词和近义词简称“成对词”,语义定义:“A binomial is a sequence of two words pertaining to the same form-class,placed on an identical level of syntactic hierarchy,and ordinarily connected some kind of lexical Link.”.

据Mellinkoff等法律语言学家的研究,“成对词”在法律文本中的出现频率是其他一般文体的4~5倍。

下面是一例英文法律文本中“成对词”套语使用的例子:

Under no circumstances shall the company be liable to pay compensation and damages to any person or persons for any loss,injury,or damage whatsoever occasioned by this product or as a result of the use,misuse,or abuse of this product,whether arising in contract or in tort,and all warranty express or implied(save as above)is specifically excluded.

在该英文法律文本中,就连续使用了6个and 或or 连接词或短语,它们分别是:

compensation and damages 赔偿或赔偿金(连接近义词,表示互补关系)

person or persons 一人或多人(连接同义词,表示选择关系)

injury,or damage 损伤或损坏(连接近义词,表示递进关系)

misuse,or abuse 误用或滥用(连接近义词,表示递进关系)

in contract or in tort 在合同中或在侵权行为中(连接相对词,表示补充关系)

express or implied 明示的或暗示的(连接反义词,表示对照关系)

英文法律文本中由or或and连接的“成对词”套语有一个明显的语法特征,既or或and连接的词的词类基本一致,如名词or/and名词,动词or/and动词等形式。从语法的角度看,用and连接的近义词表示“平列关系”,用or连接的近义词则常常表示“选择关系”,用and和or同时连接的近义词则表示“并列关系”和“选择关系”。

1.名词or/and名词

单数or/and单数

the object and purpose of this Agreement 本协定的目的和宗旨

goods are“of the same class or kind”货物属“同级别或同种类”

loss or damage 损失或损坏

benefit or interest 收益或利益

bond or guarantee 保证书或保函

liability or obligation under the agreement 协定下的任何责任或义务

单数or/and复数(连接一个相同的名词,翻译时应分别译出)

the Member or Members in question 所涉及一个或多个成员

policy or policies of insurance 一份或多份保险单

at any other place or places 其他地方或若干地方

sum or sums 一项或多项费用

any part or parts of the works 工程的任何一部分或几部分

复数or/and复数

“Other duties or charges”omitted from a Schedule 减让表中遗漏的“其他税费”

duties or obligations 责任或义务

powers and authorities 权利或职权

instructions and directions 指示和指令

ambiguities or discrepancies 多义性或不一致性

rates and prices 单价和价格

2.形容词and/or形容词

identical or similar imported goods 相同或类似进口货物

false and untrue 虚假的和不真实的

answerable and accountable 应负责任及有责任的

proper and adequate 合理和恰当的

separate and independent contract 分立的和独立的合同

trustworthy and reliable 可靠地;可信任的

3.动词and/or动词

comply with and adhere to 遵守和坚持

appear or arise 出现或上升

repair and make good the defective works 修理和修复有缺陷的工程

delay or disrupt the project 延误或打乱工程

make and enter into 制定并签订

govern and construe 规定和解释

4.介词and/or介词

by or on behalf of the domestica industry 由国内产业或代表国内产业提出

on or before March 15th 在3月15日当天或3月15日前

touching or concerning the agreement 涉及或与协定有关的

save and except the risks 除意外风险之外

with due expedition and without delay 迅速且毫不拖延的

5.连接词and/or 连接词(下例中有的不是近义词,但却是and连接的法律惯用语)

The member,as and when called upon to do so in writing 当成员国被书面要求进行该项工作时

unless and until the contract is terminated 除非合同终止及在合同终止前

except if and so far as the agreement provides otherwise除非合同另有规定及在合同规定的范围外

except if and to the extent otherwise provided by the contract除非合同另有规定及在合同规定的范围外

6.副词词and/or 副词

benefit or interest therein or thereunder 合同中或合同下的任何收益和利益

jointly and severally 联合地和个别地

as soon as practicable and whenever possible 只要可行、可能就尽快

从语义的角度分析,“成对词”又可以分为“求同型近义词”和“求异型近义词”两类。“求同型近义词”如:null and void(无效),terms and conditions(条款),fit and proper(适合的),false and untrue(虚假、不真实的),extra or additional work(额外或附加的工作),acknowledge and confess(承认),save and except the excepted risks(除意外风险之外),……等。这类词表示平衡关系,目的是为了使法律文本所表达的意思不被曲解。

“求异型近义词”通常表示互补或递进的关系,如:repair and make good the defective works(修理和修复有缺陷的工程),compensation or damages(补偿或补偿金),touching or concerning the works(涉及或与工程有关的),separate and independent contract(分立的和独立的合同),inspect and examine the site(对现场进行视察和考察),as subsequently rectified,amended or modified(hereinafter referred to as“GATT 1947”)[以后进一步更正、修正或修改(下称“GATT1947”)],等等。

二、“成对词”的翻译方法和技巧

一般说来,“成对词”中的or 多译为“或”,and多译为“和”,and/or多译为“和/或”,如:Any significant changes and/or developments in the agreements should be reported as they occur.(协议中任何重大变更和/或进展一发生即应报告。)

夏康明(2007)认为:翻译英文法律文本“成对词”一定要清楚近义词完全同义还是部分同义。如果完全同义,可以采取综合的方法,找出合适的中文概况词,涵盖其他的并列近义词;反之,则应认真体会其差异,将其正确译出;但如果这类词语如果表示的意思是平衡的,有时也不必把每个词都译出来。如:affirm and confirm(确认),而具有递进关系的词语则需要全部译出,如:rectify,amend or modify(更正、修正或更改)。

再举例说明:

1.The contract is made and entered into by and between Party A and Party B.

原译:合同由甲乙双方签订。

改译:合同由甲乙双方之间制定并签订。

分析:原译中分别漏译了原文中的made(制定合同)和between(在……之间),改译将其补上。英文原句中使用by and between是为了特别强调:本合同是由合同的甲方和乙方之间制定并由双方签署,而不涉及到第三方,因此双方必须严格遵守“有约必守”的神圣契约责任。

2.No work shall be covered up or put out of view without the approval of the Engineer.

原译:没有工程师的批准,任何工程均不得覆盖起来。

改译:没有工程师的批准,任何工程均不得覆盖或掩藏起来。

分析:原译漏译了“掩藏”,covered up 和 put out of views 虽然意思接近,但仍然存在意差。covered up 多指将地下工程覆盖起来,而put out of view 则用来指承包人将其可能不合格的工程暂时掩藏起来,将其置于工程师的视野之外,以逃避工程师的质量检查。

在翻译or和and同时连接的词时也需要格外注意和当心。虽然它们连接的不一定是近义词,有时甚至可能是反义词。但and/or必须同时译出,不可漏掉任何一个;否则,就会导致不必要的误解和争执。

3.Panels shall be composed of well-qualified governmental and/or non-governmental individuals who have experience in issues related to the General Agreement on Trade in Services and/or trade in services,including associated regulatory matters.Panelists shall serve in their individual capacities and not as representatives of any government or organization.

专家组应由对《服务贸易总协定》和/或服务贸易问题,包括管理问题具有经验的资深政府和/或非政府个人组成。专家应以个人身份而不作为任何政府或组织的代表任职。

分析:上文出现了两个由and/or同时连接的词语,它们分别是:well-qualified governmental and/or non-governmental individuals(具有经验的资深政府和/或非政府个人)和the General Agreement on Trade in Services and/or trade in services(《服务贸易总协定》和/或服务贸易)。由and/or同时连接的词语表示的是两种选择,以well-qualified governmental and/or non-governmental individuals为例,第一层意思是:具有经验的资深政府和或非政府个人;第二层意思是:具有经验的资深政府或非政府个人。两种选择可择其一。

第三节 模糊词语的功能与翻译

一、模糊词语的概念与成因

模糊词语是指那些语义局部(边界)模糊的词语。如:高、矮、好、坏、轻、重等。模糊词语产生的根源,实质在于客观事物自身的模糊性和人对客观事物认识的不确定性。客观事物本身的模糊性,这是自然的普遍现象,人们认识事物把握对象时,无法运用语言准确定义、指称或描述,采用多种解释的表达手段进行表达。“模糊”作为人们认知世界的一条重要途径,不同于“含混不清”,后者常指人们运用语言不当而产生的消极结果,是尽量要避免的现象。模糊性则是不确定性,有消极的效应,也有积极的作用。法律文本中之所以要使用模糊语言,有以下主要原因:

1.模糊性是法律文本语言所具有的归属不完全的属性

模糊性是主客体相互作用的必然结果。主客体关系错综复杂、瞬息万变,因此反映主客体的自然语言不会绝对精确,非此即彼,具有固有的模糊性。形式逻辑有一条基本规律——排中律。排中律认为,两个互相矛盾的概念,不能同时都是假的,必须一真一假,没有第三种可能性。而我们所说的模糊则恰好是对排中律的突破,法律语言所表达的概念既可以属于甲又可以属于乙。1965年美国加利福尼亚大学札德(L.Zaden)教授提出了模糊集理论。依照札德的模糊集合论来推导,法律语言的模糊性是指法律所具有的归属不完全的属性,是指法律语言所表达的概念没有明确的边界,它和对立的概念之间不存在截然分隔的界限,而是存在一个相互交融的中间区。从集合A(罪)到非A(非罪)的过渡不是突然的,而是逐渐的。几乎所有的由语言表达的法律问题,如:法律还是道德、权利还是义务、合法还是非法、罪还是非罪、公权还是私权、抽象还是具体、宏观还是微观等等最后都会终极到界限的模糊性问题上。恩格斯曾撰文称唯物辩证论者“不承认世上有什么绝对分明和固定不变的界限”并认为“辩证法使固定的形而上学的差异可以相互过渡”,除了‘非此即彼’,辩证法还在“适当的地方承认‘亦此亦彼’,并且使对立互为中介。”恩格斯的这段话揭示了法律语言模糊性的“亦此亦彼”的特征。

2.法律规范概括性的特点决定了法律文本语言必须使用模糊词语

法律规范的概括性是指法律规范为一般人的行为提供了一个模式、标准或方向,它的对象是抽象的、一般的人,而不是具体的、特定的人,它是在同样的情况下可以反复适用,而不是只适用一次(范健等1995:291)。以美国宪法(The Constitution of the United States of America)第五修正案(Amendment V)规定为例:

No person shall be held to answer for a capital,or otherwise infamous crime,

unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury,...nor shall any person be subjectfor the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb;nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.(除非受到大陪审团之起诉,任何人不得被强制回答死罪或其他重大罪行……任何人不得对同一罪名,受到生命或人身多重惩罚;也不得在任何刑事案件中,被强制作为反对自己之证人。)

这里“any person(任何人)”与“any criminal case(任何刑事案件)”有着最大的概括性,同时也有极大的模糊性;概括性有助于增强包容性,但同时也导致了模糊性。

3.法律现象的复杂性、人类认识的局限性决定了法律文本语言必须使用模糊词语

法律现象是指法律规定的,能够导致法律后果的,能够引起法律关系产生、变更和消灭的现象。有些法律现象本身边缘模糊、分界不明,剪不乱理还乱;还有一些法律事务(现象)在人们的主观世界中边界是模糊的。如果将前者称作客观的模糊事物,那么这后者便是主观的模糊事物。表达这样的模糊事物,无论是客观的模糊事物,还是主观的模糊事物,别无选择,只能使用相应的模糊词语。

西方学者曾就“abortion(堕胎)”是否构成“杀人罪”这一问题进行研究和讨论,结果是不了了之。根本原因就在于胎儿与受精卵之间没有明确的边界。这种边界不明的现象在法律活动领域屡见不鲜:英国法律中为了区分夜盗罪(burglary)与为抢劫而侵入住宅罪(house-breaking),立法上采用了“night”一词,然后将其解释为“日落后一小时至日出前一小时”;然而各地所处时区不一样,实际中难以把握“day”与“night”之间的界限。

即便是“罪”与“非罪”这样的最常见、最重要的法律概念,人们对它们的主观认识也只有相对的大致的边界,没有绝对的说一不二的边界。《中华人民共和国刑法》第十三条规定:

一切危害国家主权、领土完整和安全,……以及其他危害社会的行为,依照法律应当受刑罚处罚的,都是犯罪,但是情节显著轻微危害不大的,不认为是犯罪。

且不说其中的“显著轻微”、“危害不大”本身就是语义边界模糊的词语,但说“显著轻微”和“轻微”之间、“不大”与“较大”之间也还有一个定位与分界的问题。由此而来的问题是:那些介于“显著轻微”和“轻微”之间,即比“显著轻微”重,又比“轻微”轻的违法行为,算不算犯罪?是归于“罪”,还是归于“非罪”?(姜剑云1995:275)这可是让法律人士饶头的问题。然而,这却是无法回避的问题,因为事物本身就是这样模糊,因为人们的主观认识就是这样的模糊。

总之,模糊词语在法律语言中的存在主要有两个方面原因:一是法所调整的社会关系不同于有形的物体,有的往往只可意会,不可言传。海德格尔就说过:“世界的存在是不可表达的,语言永远也不能表达世界的本来面目。”法律语言无法完整将法律调整的社会关系准确表达出来。这样就会使主体产生不知所云的模糊印象;二是语言本身具有模糊性,无法准确地将所要反映的事物——所指——再现出来,它所能表达出来的意义——能指——往往与“所指”是不一致的,有裂缝,“有时候达到二者几乎完全脱节的地步”,二者很难达到同一关系。加上法律文字语言的运用还要遵循固定的程式,表达方式、词汇大受钳制,要找到准确反映立法意图的法律文字更加困难。(陈云良2002)

二、法律文本语言中模糊词语的功能

1.提高语言表达的效率

模糊表达是口语体和书面语中十分常见的现象,因为语言交际讲究效率,用模糊的方式有利于提高语言表达的效率。大家都知道语言符号有局限性,其传达的信息和符号所寓指的对象之间永远不可能达成完全同一的关系。模糊语言能有效弥补人类语言表现力不足的缺陷,留给人们一个可供把握的空间。这种情况在描写人物特征的法律文书中最为常见,尤为突出的是公安机关缉拿犯罪嫌疑人的通缉令或寻找案件线索查找无名尸的启事。以查找无名尸体的启事为例:

……路旁发现一女性无名尸体,该人身高一米六五,体态微胖,肤色较黑,年龄二十岁左右,短发,圆脸,上穿红色T恤,下穿黑色短裙,无其他随身携带物……。

在这一段启事中,一连用了“微胖”“肤色较黑”“二十岁左右”“短发”“圆脸”等数个模糊词语,形象地描述了女尸的主要特征,使人们可以准确地运用模糊性思维来进行正确的分析、认识、判断。反之,如果硬要用精确词汇进行描述,例如把“短发”改为“发长6.5厘米”,把“二十岁左右”改为“二十岁零八个月”,把“微胖”改为“体重65公斤”,反而让人难以把握,达不到预期效果。

2.增强语言表达的灵活性

言语交际常常要受到话题、内容、交际对象、语言环境等主客观因素的影响。有时为了自我保护或尊重对方,营造一种融洽的交际气氛,说话人往往避免把话说得太直、太白。由于模糊语言能增加语言表达的灵活性,它就成了人们实现其交际目的的主要工具。(王宏2003)

这种为了避免把话说得过死、太绝,而拴住自己的手脚,说话人运用模糊语言来表达自己的观点的方法在法律事务中,特别是在外交场合经常使用。例如,在《中华人民共和国和美利坚合众国建交联合公报》中有这么一段:

...and that it intends gradually to reduce its sale of arms to Taiwan,leading,over a period of time,to a final resolution...(它(美国)准备逐步减少它对台湾的武器出售,并经过一段时间导致最后的解决。)

The two sides will maintain contact and hold appropriate consultations on bilateral and international issues of common interest.(双方将就共同关心的双边问题和国际问题保持接触并进行适当的磋商。)

对于究竟何时停止向台出售武器,用gradually reduce(逐步减少),而未说明具体时间maintain contact(保持接触)和hold appropriate consultations(进行适当的磋商)都是模糊词语,用来表示一些未定的概念。谁也说不出它们究竟意味着多大程度,但在这里用却是恰如其分,非常贴切,这比用精确的数字表示得更准确,也更有说服力。(肖云枢,2001)

法律语言描述的模糊性或不确定性有时并不是坏事,因为它能用较少的代价传递足够接收者理解的信息,给人以纲举目,一目了然的感觉,既提高语言表达的效率又增强语言表达的灵活性。比如,《中华人民共和国宪法》对设立特别行政区有以下的规定:

国家在必要时得设立特别行政区,在特别行政区内实行的制度按照具体情况由全国人民代表大会以法律规定。

“必要时”、“具体情况”这些措词都是模糊词语。因为“必要”与“不必要”之间,“具体”与“不具体”之间,都存在着模糊性。从另一方面而言,特别行政区的建立是“一国两制”方针的具体落实,是国家政治生活中的大事,将会牵扯到诸多方面,国家是很慎重的,因此措词应该留有余地,而不能说得太死。

在法庭辩论中的控辩双方律师或合议庭中的法官出于对他人的尊重及体现自身的修养,也常使用委婉语或模糊用语以表述自己的不同意见。如:

My lord,I take the strongest possible objection to the course proposed by my learned friend.

在此,strongest/opposition表达了不同意见,而possible/learned/friend显示了对他人的尊重。

Unless this account is paid within next ten days,we will take further measures.

除非在10天内把账付清,否则我们就要采取进一步的措施。

这句话中的“take further measures”就是模糊词语。律师完全可以用“start legal proceedings”或“bring suit”等词语来取代,但律师并没有这样做,因为他认为这个时候把话说得如此肯定,还为时过早,就采取一种模糊的说法。类似的例子在法律事务中举不胜举。

3.体现法律的自身特点,最大限度地打击犯罪

模糊语言高度的概括性留下了广泛和充分的空间,给执法者一定的自由裁量权,使他们有机会利用自身的智慧,遵循“自由、公平、秩序、效率”的原则,发展判例法,弥补成文法的局限与不足(董晓波,2004),从而确保法律规范即周密又完备、疏而不漏,最大限度地打击犯罪。例如我国1997的新刑法第114条:

Whoever commits arson,breaches a dike,causes explosion,spreads poison or uses other dangerous means to sabotage any factory,mine,oilfield,harbor,river,water source,warehouse,house,forest,farm,threshing grounds,pasture,key pipeline,public building or any other public or private property,thereby endangering public security but causing no serious consequences,shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than three years but not more than ten years.

放火、决水、爆炸、投毒或者以其他危险方法破坏工厂、矿场、油田、港口、河流、水源、仓库、住宅、森林、农场、谷场、牧场、重要管道、公共建筑物或者其他公私财产,危害公共安全,尚未造成严重后果的,处三年以上十年以下有期徒刑。

这里使用的“other”就是一个典型模糊词语,在列举了主要的犯罪手段和破坏项目之后,再加上“other dangerous means”和“other public of private property”这样的模糊词语,就使这一规定有了一定的限定性与概括性,使表义更加严密,从而更大限度地打击犯罪。如果把模糊词语省略掉或改用确切词语,这一方面会使立法失去严谨性,另一方面也很有可能使现实生活中的大量违法犯罪逃脱法律的制裁。(肖云枢,2001)

三、法律文本翻译中模糊词语的处理

既然模糊性是人类自然语言的一种基本属性,模糊词语在法律文本语言中普遍存在,那么在翻译中对模糊信息的处理就极为重要。针对模糊表达不同的语义、语用功能,译者可以根据具体情况,灵活处理。具体说来,可以有以下几种处理方法:

1.直译

即用一种语言的模糊语去翻译另一种语言中的模糊语,从而保留模糊信息,如:

We the People of the United States,in order to form a more perfect Union,establish Justice,insure domestic Tranquility,provide for the common defense,promote the general Welfare,and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

我们合众国人民,为了形成一个更完善的联邦,建立正义,保障国内安定,提供共同的防御,促进普遍的福利,并将自由的恩赐被及我们子孙后代,特制定与创立这部美利坚合众国宪法。

英语中的“perfect”,“common”,“general”三个模糊词语,分别译成“完善的”、“共同的”、“普遍的”。

合同无效或者被撤销后,因该合同取得的财产,应当予以返还;不能返还或者没有必要返还的,应当折价补偿。(中华人民共和国合同法第五十八条)

After a contract becomes invalid or is rescinded,any property obtained under the contract shall be returned.If it is impossible or unnecessary to return the property,compensation shall be made at an estimated price.

拘役的缓刑考验期限为原判刑期以上一年以下,但是不能少于二个月。(《中华人民共和国刑法》第七十三条)

The probation period for suspension of criminal detention shall be not less than the term originally decided but not more than one year,however,it may not be less than two months.

汉语中的“不能”、“没有必要”、“少于”和英语中的“impossible”,“unnecessary”,“less than”可谓是模糊对模糊。

特种设备发生事故,事故发生单位应当迅速采取有效措施,组织抢救,防止事故扩大,减少人员伤亡和财产损失,并按照国家有关规定,及时、如实地向……等有关部门报告。

In case of any accident of special equipment,the unit where the accident happens shall take immediate and effective measures and organize the rescue to prevent the accident from spreading and to reduce the casualties and property losses.It shall also make a prompt and truthful report to……

原文采用模糊词语“immediate”、“effective”、“prompt”对无法定量的情况进行限制,概括地规范了法律主体应该施行的法律行为,从而体现了立法的科学性。如果把模糊词语改成确定性的词语,就可能使法律失去公正性。

The registered capital shall generally be represented in Renminbi,or may be in a foreigncurrency agreed upon by the parties to the joint ventures.

合营企业的注册资本一般以人民币表示,也可以用合营各方约定的外币表示。

这里的“generally”和“may”都表达的是模糊的概念,可分别译成“一般”和“可以”。

2.意译:化模糊为精确

对于某些模糊表达,直译的效果不如意译,可根据原文的精神实质,将模糊信息翻译成相对的精确语言。例如:

The seller are allowed to load 5% more or less and the price shall be calculated according to the unit price.

卖方可溢短装5%,价格仍按上述单价计算。

句中模糊词语“more or less”没有直译为“多装或少装”,而是意译为专业术语“溢短装”。

The parties shall observe the principle of good faith in exercising their rights and fulfilling the obligations.

当事人行使权利、履行义务应当遵循诚实信用原则。

句中模糊词语“good faith”翻译成汉语成语“诚实信用”。

The production and business operating plans of an equity joint venture shall be submitted to the competent authorities for record and shall be implemented through economic contract.

合营企业生产经营计划,应报主管部门备案,并通过经济合同方式执行。

原文中的“competent”常用的意思是“有能力的、能胜任的”,这儿根据上下文采用变通译法翻译为“主管”,符合了汉语的表达习惯。

3.补充

根据原文的精神实质,在译成目的语时,进行适当的添加模糊词语,使之通顺,更易于理解和符合目的语法律语言的文体特征。例如:

签约双方的任何一方,由于台风、地震和双方同意的不可抗力事故而影响合同的执行时,则延迟执行合同的期限应相当于事故所影响的时间。

If either party is prevented from executing the contract by such causes of Force Majeure as typhoon,earthquake or other events agreed upon by both parties,the time for the execution of the contract shall be extended by a period to the effect of those causes.

台风、地震都是不可抗力,所以“和”译为“or”,并且添加了“other”进一步表明了原文中的逻辑关系。

The procuration of women and girls for purposes of prostitution,and the causing and encouraging of such persons to prostitute themselves,are offences punishable by terms of imprisonment。

介绍妇女为娼以及致使并鼓励妇女卖淫均为犯罪,应判刑期不等的徒刑。

译文中增添了具有模糊语义的词组“不等”后变得通顺。

A proposal for concluding a contract addressed to one or more specific persons constitutes an offer if it is sufficiently definite and indicates the intention of the offer or to be bound incase of acceptance.

向一个或一个以上特定的人提出的订立合同的建议,如果十分确定并且表明要约人在得到接受时承受约束的意旨即构成要约。

原文中没有“十分”,在翻译时增译表示模糊概念的数量词“十分”。

But for many,the fact that poor people are able to support themselves almost as well without government aid as they did with it is in itself a huge victory.

但对许多人来说,穷人能够不靠政府救济养活自己,而且生活得几乎和过去依靠政府救济时生活得一样好,这件事本身就是一个巨大的胜利。

原文中“many”本身就是一个表达模糊的数词,在翻译时如果把它对译成“许多”,读者会觉得译者交待得不够彻底。因此,在此处增加“人”这样会使整个结构变得清楚、明朗。另外在处理“as they did with it”结构时有必要将“as,they,it”等表示模糊概念的代词用汉语的实词表现出来以减少理解和表达上的歧义。

A proposal for concluding a contract addressed to one or more specific persons constitutes an offer if it is sufficiently definite and indicates the intention of the offer to be bound in case of acceptance.

涉及一方或多方的协议提案,只有当此意思表示的内容具体明确,并说明要约人受该意思表示的约束和受要约人承诺后,才能成为要约。

法律意义中“要约”涉及到要约人和受要约人双方。该意思表示经受要约人承诺后,要约人就受该意思表示的约束。而原文中并没表明要约涉及的双方,意义较模糊。因此对短语“the intention of the offer to be bound”的翻译此处应添加“要约人受该意思表示的约束”,而介词短语“in case of acceptance”应翻译为“和受要约人承诺”,使其符合法律条文的意义。

The procuration of women and girls for purposes of prostitution,and the causing and encouraging of such persons to prostitute themselves,are offences punishable byterms of imprisonment.

对有诱骗、容留妇女和女童卖淫的犯罪行为者,将按有关法律处于刑期不同的监禁。

文中的“terms”,其字根意义为广义的“条款”,但语境意义仍不明确。在译文中补充了“按有关法律”,“刑期不等”等表达后,使其原文中“虽无形式、却意在其中“的成分更加意义明确。

4.省略

对于一些在原文中并不具有实际意义的或者是为了不留漏洞、起防患于未然作用的模糊表达,在翻译中可以省略。例如下句中的“with respect to”和“the objectives of”:

The parties undertake to act in good faith with respect to each other’s rights under this contract and to adapt all reasonable measures to ensure the realizations of the objectives of this contract.

双方将公平地对待相互所享有的合同赋予的权利,并采取一切合理的措施保证本合同的实施。

同样,下句中的“if any”也没有翻译出来。

We as the Seller reserve the right to lodge a claim for direct losses sustained,if any.

作为卖方,我们有权对遭受的直接损失提出索赔。

Mr.Justice Douglas rejected the death penalty because it was administered in such a way as to discriminate against unpopular minorities.

道格拉斯法官先生反对这种执行死刑的方式。因为它会导致对一些“不受欢迎的”少数群体的歧视。

原文中的“in such a way”并没有指出死刑执行的具体方法,因而是一个模糊概念。如果照字面译出,势必不符合译文的语法习惯。在此使用省略法,使其更符合中文的表达习惯。

5.具体情况,灵活处理

俗话说:“翻译无定法,全在译者的匠心。”由于英汉两种语言属于不同的语系,存在差异,有时可以在不影响理解的基础上,灵活处理。例如上文提到的模糊化精确,反之,也可以精确化模糊。例如:

It’s two and two makes four that the parties shall,pursuant to law,have the right to enter into a contract on their own free will,and no unit or person may unlawfully interfere.

很明显,当事人依法享有自愿订立合同的权利,任何单位和个人不得非法干预。

原文中的“two and two makes four”是确切词语,这里译作模糊词语“很明显”。

法律语言中有些模糊词语,翻译时为了达到“通顺”的标准,可以重新释义,如:

This section sets out the scope of the installations covered by these specifications as well as specially required supplies and service,but without excluding other necessary components and services not mentioned.

本节提出了本规范中包括的设备范围以及特别要求的供货和服务,但还应该包括尚未提到的其他必要的部件和服务。

原文中的“without excluding”重新释义为“还应该包括”。

The state constitution provides that it is lawful for the citizens to carry guns.In recent years hundreds and hundreds of innocent people have died of this and one need not look for a lesson.

该州宪法规定,公民携带枪支是合法的,正因为如此,近年来有成千上万的无辜的人惨遭枪击身亡,教训历历在目。

原文中的“hundreds and hundreds of”的基本意思是“几百”、“几千”这里译成“成千上万”更符合原文的夸张程度。

第四节 法律英语文本常用句型的汉译

英文法律文本中有很多常用的句型和短语。这些句型是按照不同的句法结构形成的,在法律语言交流中有不同的功用。这些句式、短语在其他文本、尤其在日常生活英语中是极少使用的。这是英文法律文本晦涩难懂的主要原因之一,也是法律文本翻译的克星。

一、“unless otherwise”的翻译

Unless otherwise:除外。比“if not”和“otherwise”表达正式。该词由两个同义词“unless”和“otherwise”组成,有代词作用,后面一般跟动词的过去分词限定,意为:除非……另……。

如:“除非合同另有规定”可译为“unless otherwise specified in the Contract",又如:“除非信用证另有规定”可译为“unless otherwise specified in the Letter of Credit.”

再如:

1.These articles shall apply to documentary credits,including stand by letters of credit,to the extent to which the credits in question shall be applicable,and shall be binding on the Parties to the Contract,unless otherwise expressly agreed by the Parties thereto.

本条文适用于一切跟单信用证,并包括在其适用范围内的备用信用证,对合同各有关方面均具有约束力,除非另有约定。

2.Unless otherwise stipulated herein,any charges and commissions in respect to negotiation of drafts under this credit prior to presentation to us to be collected from beneficiary.

除非信用证在此另有规定,开证行见到银行提示前的任何议付费用和其他费用都向受益人收取。

3.Unless otherwise stipulated in the Letter of Credit,the expression “shipment” used in stipulating an earliest and/or latest shipment date shall be understood to include to the expression “loading on board”,“dispatch” and “taking in charge”.

除非信用证另有规定,用于规定最早及/或最迟装运期的“装运”一词应理解为包括“装运船”、“发运”和“接受监管”。

4.Unless otherwise agreed in writing,the price does not include VAT,and is not subject to price adjustment.

除非另有书面约定,货物价格不包含增值税,没有必要调整价格。

5.In this Ordinance,Unless the context otherwise requires,“state” means a territory or group of territories having its own law of nationality.(Law of Hong Kong,Cap.30,Wills Ordinance,Art.2)

在本条例中,除文意另有所指外,“国家”指拥有本身国籍法的一领域或一组领域。

6.In case of L/C transactions,Bill of Lading/Air Waybill must accompany Invoice and Packing List in triplicate and show L/C NO.,PO No.and date unless otherwise specified and be forwarded immediately by airmail after fax.

如果使用银行信用证进行交易,船运及空运的账单中必须包含货物清单和包装清单一式三份,注明信用证号、采购订单号和对应日期,除非另有说明,同时在传真告知买方后立即用空邮方式寄出。

二、“unless”的翻译

在英语中,“unless”是一个使用频率较高的连词;在英语法律文件中,“unless”的应用更为常见。在英语法律文件的汉译实践中,“unless”经常被译成“除非”。如:

1.The arbitral tribunal shall have power to issue such an order unless a party raises justifiable grounds for objection.

除非一方当事人提出合理的反对理由,仲裁庭应有权发出此项命令。(《联合国国际贸易法委员会仲裁规则》第三十四条第二款)

2.Any State may declare that it is opposed to such service within its territory,unless the document is to be served upon a national of the State in which the documents originate.

任何国家均可声明其对在其境内进行此种送达的异议,除非该文书须达给文书发出国国民。(《关于向国外送达民事或商事司法文书和司法外文书公约》第二条)

3.…withdrawal of the demand or of the election of a contracting state shall,unless the national law of that state provides otherwise,be considered to be withdrawal of the international application as far as that state is concerned.

……缔约国的要求或选定的撤回,就该国而言,应视为国际申请的撤回,除非该国的国内法另有规定。(《专利合作条约》第三十七条第四款(a)项)

“unless”有时也被译成“除……之外” 或类似词语,如:

4.No contracting party shall levy any anti-dumping or countervailing duty on the importation of any product of the territory of another contracting party unless it determines that the effect of the dumping or subsidization,as the case may be,is such as to cause or threaten material injury to an established domestic industry,or is such as to retard materially the establishment of a domestic industry.

一缔约国对另一缔约国领土产品的进口,除了断定倾销或补贴的后果会对国内某项已建的工业造成重大损害或产生重大威胁,或者严重阻碍国内某一工业的新建以外,不得征收反倾销税或反补贴税。(《关税与贸易总协定》第六条第六款甲项)

5.Unless the treaty otherwise provides,an objection to a reservation may be with-drawn at any time.

除条约另有规定外,对保留提出之反对得随时撤回。(《维也纳条约法公约》第二十二条)

6.The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate,but shall have no vote,unless they be equally divided.

合众国副总统为参议院议长,除该院全体参议员可否数相等时,无表决权。(《美利坚合众国宪法》第一条第三款第(3)项)

7.As a general rule,no special duty or penalty should be imposed by any contracting party for failure to comply with marking requirements prior to importation unless corrective marking is unreasonably delayed or deceptive marks have been affixed or the required marking has been intentionally omitted.

缔约国对于输入前未依照规定办理标记的行为,除不合理地拖延不更正,或贴欺骗性的标记,或有意不贴要求的标记以外,原则上不得征收特别税或课以特别处罚。(《关税与贸易总协定》第九条第五款)

“unless”的第3中翻译是“……不在此限”或“……不在此列”。如:

8.Persons sued on a cheque cannot set up against the holder defences founded on their personal relations with the drawer or with the previous holders,unless the holder in acquiring the cheque has knowingly acted to the detriment of the debtor.

因支票诉讼的人,不得以自己与发票人或与以前的执票人私人关系的抗辩,对抗现执票人,但现执票人于取得支票时,系明知其伤害债务人而取得者,不在此限。(《支票法统一规则》第二十二条)

9.The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended unless in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

人身保护令状的特权不得停止之,惟遇内乱或外患,在公共治安上必须停止时,不在此限。(《美利坚合众国宪法》第一条第九款第(2)项)

10.…a real action relating to private immovable property situated in the territory of the receiving state,unless he holds it on behalf of the sending state for the purposes of the mission;

……关于接受国境内私有不动产之物权诉讼,但其代表派遣国为使馆用途置有之不动产不在此列;(《维也纳外交关系公约》第三十一条第一款甲项)

“unless”的第4中翻译是译成“除非……否则……”。

11.Except where the parties have agreed otherwise,the goods do not conform with the contract unless they:

除双方当事人业已另有协议外,货物除非符合以下规定,否则即为与合同不符:(《联合国国际货物销售合同公约》第三十五条第(2)款)

三、“in accordance with”;“under”;“pursuant to”的翻译

这三个词组都作“根据”,“按照”解,是法律文件中常用的词组,比“according to”正式。试看例文:

1.On the FOB basis,the Buyer shall book shipping space in accordance with the date of shipment specified in the contract.

按照FOB条件,由买方负责根据合同规定的装运日期洽定舱位。

2.Disputes shall be adjudicated by a DAB in accordance with Sub-Clause 20.4[Obtaining Dispute Adjudication Board’s Decision].

争端应由争端裁决委员会根据第20.4款【获得争端裁决委员会的决定】进行裁决。

3.When,under the laws and approval from the rele-vant authorities,a limited liability company is converted into a company limited by shares,the total amount which shares are converted into shall be equivalent to the amount of the company’s net assets.

有限责任公司依法经批准变更为股份有限公司时,折合的股份总额应当相等于公司净资产额。

4.We instruct the Council for TRIPS to take the necessary action to give effect to this pursuant to Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement.

我们指示知识产权总理事会根据此协定第66.2条采取必要行动落实上述内容。

5.The trustee has a duty to pay money and transfer property only to persons who are entitled pursuant to the trust.

受托人有义务只向信托证书授权的人支付金钱和转让财产。

6.We reaffirm the commitment of developed-country Members to provide incentives to their enterprises and institutions to promote and encourage technology transfer to leastdeveloped country Members pursuant to Article 66.2.

根据第66.2条,我们重申发达国家成员向其本国企业和机构提供优惠措施来促进和鼓励向最不发达国家成员进行技术转让的承诺。

四、“provided that”的翻译

由provided that引导的从句常作为限制性条款,位于一项法律条款结尾。该句式与中文法律中的限制性条款的表述方式具有很强的可对译性,通常情况下可以将其译为但书句,特定情况下将其译为“如……”的条件分句。例如:

1.An irrevocable credit shall be deemed to constitute a definite under taking of the issuing bank.Provided that if the stipulated documents are presented and are complied with the terms,conditions and provisions of the credit,and if the credit provides for sight payment,the payment shall be made or shall be guaranteed to be made.

不可撤销信用证,应被认为构成开证行的规定承诺。(但规定)如提交了规定的单据并符合信用证条款,并系即期付款信用证时,则进行付款或保证该款的照付。

2.Members shall give effect to the provisions of this Agreement.Members may,but shall not be obliged to,implement in their law more extensive protection than is required by this Agreement,provided that such protection does not contravene the provisions of this Agreement.(Article 8,TRIPs)

各成员应实施本协定的规定。各成员可以。但并无义务,在其法律中实施比本协定要求更广泛的保护,但是此种保护不违反本协定的规定。

3.Members may,in formulating or amending their law and regulations,adopt measures necessary to protect public health and nutrition.and to promote the public interest in sectors of vital importance to their socio-economic and technological development provided that such measures are consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.(Article l,TRIPs)

在制定或修改其法律法规对,各成员可采用对保护公共健康和营养,促进对其社会经济和技术发展至关重要部门的公共利益所必需的措施,但是此类措旌与本协定的规定相一致。

4.This Agreement commences on the date the last party signs it and expires after 3 years,unless it is terminated earlier as provided in this Agreement.At the expiration of thisAgreement,the parties may negotiate a renewal or extension of the term,provided that the Party B is in full compliance with this Agreement at that time.

除本协议另有规定外,本协议自最后在其上签字的一方签字时生效并于三年后失效.在本协议失效之际,合同当事人可以协商延长合同期限,但是乙方在彼时应完全符合本协议的要求。

5.Whenever a Member other than the consulting Members considers that it has a substantial trade interest in consultations being heid pursuant to paragraph l of Article XXII of GATT 1994.Paragraph l of Article XXII of“GATS or the corresponding provisions in other covered agreements,such Member may notify the consulting Members and the DSB,within 10 days after the date of the circulation of the request for consultations under said Article,of its desire to be joined in the consultations.Such Member shall be joined in the consultations,provided that the Member to which the request for consultations was addressed agrees that the claim of substantial interest is well-founded,(Article 4,DSU)

分析:该条款由两个复合句构成,虽然provided引导的分句位于后一复合句的句末,但应当注意的是,其所作出的限制是针对前一复合句中的substantial interest做出的,即只有满足了“被请求磋商一方认为其实质利益的主张确有理由”这一条件,该成员才能参与磋商。若仍将其作为但书句在句末译出,则将割裂该分句与上一复合句的逻辑联系。因此,由provided引导的状语从句应翻译为“如……”或者“如果”,置于后一复合句的主句之前,这是中文法律中表述限制性条款的又一种方式。

该条款可译为:如进行磋商的成员以外的一成员认为按照GATT 1994第22条第1款和GATS第22条第1款或其他适用协定的相关规定所进行的磋商涉及其实质贸易利益,则该成员可在依上述条款进行磋商的请求散发之日起l0天内,将其参加磋商的愿望通知进行磋商的成员和DSB。如磋商请求所针对的成员同意其实质利益的主张确有理由,则该成员应被允许参加磋商。

五、“in respect of”的翻译

在法律英语中,如果要表达一个与某事物有关的概念,最常用的词就是in respect of。但由于该词本身灵活性强、黏附性与词俱来,而正式程度又高,故在法律英文中往往被过度使用。通常把它翻译成“有关”和“就”。例如:

1.The seller is obligated to warrant that the buyer will be free from any third party claim against it in respect of the subject matter delivered,except otherwise provided by law.

出卖人就交付的标的物,负有保证第三人不得向买受人主张任何权利的义务,但法律另有规定的除外。(合同法150条)

2.Under the sales contract concluded by the lessor according to the lessee’s election of the seller and the lease item,the seller shall deliver the subject matter to the lessee in accordance with the contract,and the lessee enjoys the rights of the buyer in respect of taking delivery of the subject matter.

出租人根据承租人对出卖人、租赁物的选择订立的买卖合同,出卖人应当按照约定向承租人交付标的物,承租人享有与受领标的物有关的买受人的权利。(合同法239条)

3.For the purpose of the Landlord and the Tenant Ordinance and for the purpose of these presents the rent in respect of the said premises shall be deemed to be in arrear if not paid in advance as stipulated by Clause 1 hereof.

基于租务条列并基于这些通知,有关该楼宇的租金,如果未按照合约提一条规定的那样提前缴付,就应该被认为是拖欠。

in respect of 有时也可以翻译为“对于”。

4.The Licensor shall conduct all legal proceedings in respect of any infringement or alleged infringement of the Licensed Trademarks and any claim or counterclaim brought or threatened to be brought in connection with the use or registration of the Licensed Trademarkes.

对于受许可商标所受到的侵权或侵权指控,以及就受许可商标的使用或注册提出或威胁提出的索赔或反索赔,许可方应进行一切法律诉讼(应对)。

5.The Licensee shall,at the request of the Licensor and at the Licensor’s expense,give full cooperation to the Licensor in any action or claim brought or threatened to be brought in respect of the Licensed Trademarks,including joining in as a party to any proceedings.

对于就受许可商标提起或威胁提起的诉讼或索赔,应许可方要求并由许可方支付费用,被许可方应给予许可方充分合作,包括作为当事人参与任何诉讼。

六、“save”;“except(for)”的翻译

在法律英语中,save 是一个与 except(for)相同的介词,汉语翻译为“除……外”,不管save还是 except(for),之后都可以跟一个名词性短语,也可以跟一个从句或者另一个介词短语。香港的法律常用save,而内地法律常用except/except for来表达“除……之外”的意思。下面分别举几个例子。

1.Save as is provided in this Ordinance,no claim within the jurisdiction of the Board shall be actionable in any court.

除非本条例另有规定外,则凡属仲裁司法管辖权范围内的索赔,不得在任何法庭进行诉讼。

2.Save as provided in subsection(2)……

除第(2)款另有规定外……

3.任何单位或个人实施他人专利的,除本法第十四条规定的以外,都必须与专利权人订立书面实施许可合同,向专利权人支付专利使用费。(专利法 第12条)

Except as provided in Article 14 of this Law,any entity or individual exploiting the patent of another must conclude a written contract with the patentee and pay the patentee a fee for the exploitation of its or his patent ……

4.除依照本法第七十五条的规定作出保留外,承运人或者代其签发提单的人签发的提单,是承运人已经按照提单所载状况收到货物或者货物已经装船的初步证据;……(海商法 第77条)

Except for the note made in accordance with the provisions of Article 75 of this Code,the bill of lading issued by the carrier or the other person acting on his behalf is prima facie evidence of the taking over or loading by the carrier of the goods as described therein,……

注意:save/except as(is)provided/stipulated 可以用另一个法律上常用的句式:unless otherwise provided/stipulated 取代,功能与其相同。例如:

5)Unless otherwise provided in this Ordinance,no claim within the jurisdiction of the Board shall be actionable in any court.

除非本条例另有规定,否则凡属仲裁处管辖权范围内的申索,不得在任何法庭进行诉讼。

七、“for the purpose(s)of”的翻译

“for the purpose(s)of”一般首选的翻译是“就……而言”,例如:

1.For the purposes of this Law,the one-person company with limited liability means a company with limited liability where there is only one shareholder who is a natural person or a legal person.

本法所称(也就是就本法而言)一人有限责任公司,是指只有一个自然人股东或者一个法人股东的有限责任公司。

2.For the purpose of this Agreement,“control” shall mean either the ownership of fiftyone percent or more of the ordinary share capital of the company carrying the right to vote at general meetings or the power to nominate a majority of the board of directors of the Company.

就本协议而言,“控制”系指拥有在股东大会上有投票权的百分之五十一或以上的公司普通股股本,或拥有任命公司董事会中多数董事的权力。

3.For the purposes of subsection(2),“land” does not include incorporeal hereditament;

就第(2)款而言,“土地”(land)并不包括无形可继承产;

4.For the purposes of subsection(1)permission shall be in writing.

就第(1)款而言﹐许可须为书面形式

其次,“for the purpose(s)of”可以翻译为“为了……目的”。例如:

5.A judge may,on the application of an appellant who is in custody,order the appellant to be brought up to the court in custody for the purpose of attending his appeal or any application or any proceeding therein.

法官可应在羁押中的上诉人的申请,为了使上诉人能出席其上诉或任何申请或法律程序而命令将他在羁押下带上法庭。

6.为了计算机软件著作权人的利益,调整计算机软件在开发、传播和使用中发生的利益关系,鼓励计算机软件的开发与流通,促进计算机应用事业的发展,依照《中华人民共和国著作权法》的规定,制定本条例。

These Regulations are formulated in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of protecting the rights and interests of copyright owner of computer software,of adjusting the interests arising from the development,dissemination and use of computer software,of encouraging the development and circulation of computer software,and of promoting the development of computer application.

第三,“for the purpose(s)of”可以翻译为“基于”,例如:

7.For the purpose of the Landlord and the Tenant Ordinance and for the purpose of these presents the rent in respect of the said premises shall be deemed to be in arrear if not paid in advance as stipulated by Clause 1 hereof.

基于租务条例并基于这些通知,有关该楼宇的租金,如果未照合约第一条规定的那样提前缴付,就应该被认为是拖欠。

8.For the purpose of these presents any act default or omission of the agents servants workmen or licensees of the Tenant shall be deemed to be the act default or omission of the Tenant.

基于这些通知,租户的代理人、佣人、工人或许可者的任何行为违约或不作为,应被认为是租户的行为违约或不作为。

有时,“for the purpose(s)of”可以翻译为“为了实施该(条法例)”。

For the purposes of subsection(1)of this section the attestation of a will by a person to whom or to whose spouse there is given or made any such disposition as is described in that subsection shall be disregarded if the will is duly executed without his attestation and without that of any other such person.

为第(1)款的施行﹐获得该款所述的处置的任何人或其配偶﹐如为遗嘱作见证﹐而该遗嘱没有其见证或任何这些人的见证亦已属妥为签立﹐则该人所作的见证须不予理会。

八、“without prejudice to”的翻译

“without prejudice to”这个短语的功能相当于without affecting.,在汉语中,其意思相当于“在不损害……的原则下”、“在不影响……的情况下”、“……不受影响”、“不妨碍……”、以及“不规限……”等等。例如:

1.Without prejudice to section 24,the following shall be treated as properly executed

在不影响24条规定的原则下,以下的遗嘱视为正式签立。

2.Without prejudice to your powers and discretions,we hereby authorize you or your agents to take any actions including but not limited to the following:

在不妨碍贵方权力和裁量权受到损害的情况下,本公司兹授权贵方或贵方代理人采取包括但是不限于下列的任何行动。

3.The Party A shall nevertheless have the right to cancel in part or in whole of the contract without prejudice to the Party A’s right to claim compensations.

甲方取消部分或全部合同的权利并不妨碍其享有的索赔权。

4.Without prejudice to the rights of the Attorney General every complainant or informant shall be at liberty to conduct the complaint or information respectively and to have the witnesses examined and cross-examined by him or by counsel on his behalf.

在不损害总检察长权利的原则下﹐每名申诉人或告发人有权分别进行申诉或告发﹐并可亲自或由代理律师讯问和交叉询问证人。

九、“notwithstanding”的翻译

Notwithstanding在法律英语中的翻译与although,though,even if使用并没有太大区别,基本上都可以翻译成“尽管……”,“即使……”,表示一种让步,但是它引导的并不是让步状语从句,而只是一个名词性短语。例如:

1.Notwithstanding any law or practice to the contrary,it shall be lawful for,the court in any proceedings for an offence under Part II comment on the failure of the accused to give evidence on oath.

即使任何法律或者惯例有相反的规定,在因第II部所定罪行而进行的法律程序中,法庭可就被告人不宣誓做供一事予以合法评论。

2.Notwithstanding the provision in the Constitution of the United States,that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged,the black man has never had the right either to keep or bear arms;and the Legislatures of the States will still have the power to forbid it,under this Amendment.

尽管美国宪法的条款规定保留和携带武器的权利不应被剥夺,但黑人从来没有保留或携带武器的权利,根据这个修正案,各州议会仍然还有权力禁止这个权利。

3.Notwithstanding Clause 2.1 above the gear and equipment,including outboard motors,are covered subject to the provisions of this insurance while in place of storage or repair ashore.

尽管有上述第2条第1款的规定,当船舶在岸上的仓库或修理地点时,对设备及船具的保险,包括船外马达,都可依据本保险的规定承保。

尤其在合同翻译,尤其是英译中时,我们经常可以见到“notwithstanding the foregoing”之类的句子,通常这类句子可以直接译为“尽管有上述规定”。例如:

4.Notwithstanding the foregoing,this Agreement is governed by Missouri law.

除上述之外,本合约受密苏里州法律的约束。

注意:Notwithstanding最典型的用法和 subject to…,for the purpose of相似,后面跟的总是law/ordinance或者section/subsection之类法律或者法律条款的指代词,对应的汉语就是千篇一律的“尽管有……法例/条款的规定”。例如:

5.Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106,the following are not infringements of copyright:

尽管有106节的规定,但如下情况不属于侵犯版权:

十、“any person who does shall”的翻译

在界定何种行为属于违法以及应受到怎样的处罚时,“any person who does…(shall)…”是最简洁明了的表达句型,这是法律文本中判处罪犯的一个基本句式。在句法上,这个句型通常会把主语和谓语用逗号分开,中间加插一个定语修饰词。例如:

1.Any person who,without lawful authority or reasonable excuse,while having dealings of any kind with any other public body,offers any advantage to any public servantemployed by that public body,shall be guilty of an offence.

任何人与其他公共机构进行任何事务往来时,无合法权限或合理抗辩而向受雇于该公共机构的公职人员提供任何利益,即属犯罪。

2.Any person who,on board a railway train,picks quarrels,stirs up troubles or insults any woman to a flagrant extent shall be investigated for criminal responsibility in accordance with Article 160 of the Criminal Law;any person who extorts money or other property from any other passenger by blackmail shall be investigated for criminal responsibility in accordance with Article 154 of the Criminal Law.

在列车内,寻衅滋事,侮辱妇女,情节恶劣的,依照刑法第一百六十条的规定追究刑事责任;敲诈勒索旅客财物的,依照刑法第一百五十四条的规定追究刑事责任。

3.Article 30.Where any person who uses a registered trademark has committed any of the following,the Trademark Office shall order him to rectify the situation within a specified period or even cancel the registered trademark:

第三十条 使用注册商标,有下列行为之一的,由商标局责令限期改正或者撤销其注册商标:

4.Any person who carries dynamite or detonator or who illegally carries firearms,bullets or controlled knives into a railway station or on board a train shall be investigated for criminal responsibility with reference to Article 163 of the Criminal Law.

携带炸药、雷管或者非法携带枪支子弹、管制刀具进站上车的,比照刑法第一百六十三条的规定追究刑事责任。

5.Article 34.Where any person who uses an unregistered trademark has committed any of the following,the local administrative authority for industry and commerce shall stop the use of the trademark,order him to rectify the situation within a specified period,and may,in addition,circulate a notice of criticism or impose a fine:

第三十四条 使用未注册商标,有下列行为之一的,由地方工商行政管理部门予以制止,限期改正,并可以予以通报或者处以罚款:

与“Any person who does shall”相对应的句式为“Whoever…is to be sentenced to not more/less than *** year(s)of fixed-term imprisonment/life imprisonment/death”.表达为“凡是/任何人……即属犯罪,一经定罪(一经公诉判决),可处(罚款……和)监禁……年。”例如:

Whoever sets fires,breaches,dikes,causes explosions,spreads poisons,or uses other dangerous means that lead to people’s serious injuries or death or cause public or private property to suffer major losses is to be sentenced to not less than ten years of fixed-term imprisonment,life imprisonment or death.

“防火、决水、爆炸、投毒或者以其他危险方式致人重伤、死亡或者是公私财产受到重大损失的,处10年以上有期徒刑、无期徒刑或者死刑。

Whoever commits the crimes in the preceding paragraph negligently is to be sentenced to not more than seven years of fixed-term imprisonment or criminal detention.

过失犯前款罪的,处7年以下有期徒刑或者拘役。”(刑事诉讼法 第106条)

十一、“subject to”的用法与翻译

Subject含义多种多样,以subject to搭配的形式使用的在词典中只有形容词和副词两种情况。subject to一般有两种用法:一、以介词短语形式出现,后跟“agreement”,“contract”“regulations”等法律文件名或文件中特定条款名等名词配合使用;通常可翻译成“根据……规定”及“在不抵触……的情况下”;二、以介词短语/动词短语(be subjected to,较少见)出现,后接法律文书或条款以外的其他名词;一般译为“使……面临/遭受……”或“……服从或接受”等,例如:

1.Subject to the provisions of Clause 5.4.1,the contributions of Party A and Party B to the Company’s registered capital shall be made in one instalment by no later than six(6)months after the Establishment Date.The Parties shall make their respective capital contributions to the registered capital of the Company on the same date.

根据5.4.1条款的规定,甲乙双方对公司注册资本的出资必须在成立日之后最晚6个月内一次性付清。双方必须在同一天支付各自对注册资本的出资。

2.员工应服从公司有关部门领导的安排与指导。

The Employee shall be subject to the reasonable arrangement and direction by appropriate officers of the Company.

再以《新牛津英语词典》为例,形容词subject第一类用法中在“predict”的语法性质说明和subject to的搭配注释之后列示了3个义项:

1.likely or prone to be affected by(a particular condition or occurrence,typically an unwelcome or unpleasant one):he was subject to bouts of manic depression.《新英汉词典》译释为“易受/常遭/易患……的”,但排为第2个义项。)

2.dependent or conditional upon:the proposed merger is subject to the approval of the shareholders(新英汉》分为第3、4两个义项,译释为“有待于/须经/需要……的、可有/将会……的”和“取决于……的、视……而定的”。)

3.under the authority of:ministers are subject to the laws of the land.(《新英汉》列为第1个义项,译释为“臣服的、隶属的、从属的;服从的;受支配的”。)

副词只有一个义项,在搭配注释subject to之后《新牛津》释义为“在……条件下”,但在例句“We shall go ahead,subject to your approval.”之后的译文却是一种“意译”的结果:“你一批准,我们就开始干。”)

不难看出,不论是以形容词身份还是以副词身份,subject与to搭配以后,其实际所指其实都是一种制约与被制约或者条件与结果的关系,只不过作为形容词时言说对象的范围更为宽泛,可以适用的语法结构种类也稍微灵活一些。

赵德玉等(2005)通过调查研究,将subject to的翻译归纳为以下4种情况:

1.译成“除……外”或类似词语

例1:Subject to sub-paragraph(b)of the first paragraph of This article,the document may always be served by delivery to an Addressee who accepts it voluntarily.

除本条第一款第(二)项规定外,均可通过将文书交付自愿接受的收件人的方法进行送达。《关于向国外送达民事或商事司法文书和司法外文书公约》第五条第二款)

例2:Every trademark duly registered in the country of origin shall be accepted for filing and protected as in the other countries of the Union,subject to the reservations indicated in this article.

凡所属国予以正式注册的商标,其他本同盟成员国也应予以注册和保护,但本条所指明的保留条件除外。(《保护工业产权巴黎公约》第六条之五)

例3:Subject to the provisions of paragraph 9,substantially The same duties and other regulations of commerce are applied by each of the members of the union to the trade of territories not Included in the union.

除本条第九款的限制以外,联盟的每个成员对于联盟以外的领土的贸易,已实施实质上同样的关税或其他贸易规章。(《关税与贸易总协定》第二十四条第八款)

例4:(b)duties or taxes on private immovable property situated In the territory of the receiving State,subject to the provisions of Article 32;

(二)对于接受国境内私有不动产课征之捐税,但第三十二条之规定不在此限;(《维也纳领事关系公约》第四十九条第一款第二项)

例5:Subject to the provisions of paragraph 9,substantially The same duties and other regulations of commerce are applied by each of the members of the union to the trade of territories not included in the union.

除本条第九款的限制以外,联盟的每个成员对于联盟以外的领土的贸易,已实施实质上同样的关税或其他贸易规章。(《关税与贸易总协定》第二十四条第八款)

例6:(b)duties or taxes on private immovable property situated In the territory of the receiving State,subject to the provisions of Article 32;

(二)对于接受国境内私有不动产课征之捐税,但第三十二条之规定不在此限;(《维也纳领事关系公约》第四十九条第一款第二项)

例7:(I)subject to the practices and procedures obtaining in the receiving State,representing or arranging appropriate representation for nationals of the sending State before the tribunals and other authorities of the receiving State,for the purpose of obtaining,in accordance with the laws and regulations of the receiving State,provisional measures for the preservation of the rights and interests of these nationals,where,because of absence or any other reason,such nationals are unable at the proper time to assume the defense of their rights and interests;

以不抵触接受国国内施行之办法与程序为限,遇派遣国国民因不在当地或由于其他原因不能于适当期间自行辩护其权利与利益时,在接受国法院及其他机关之前担任其代表或为其安排适当之代表,俾依照接受国法律规章取得保全此等国民之权利与利益之临时措施;

(《维也纳领事关系公约》第五条第九款)

2.译成“(须)遵守”、“根据”、“受……限制/管制”、“在……条件下”等表示条件关系的结构

例1:Where the use of this Treaty results in effects under a regional treaty,Article 18(2)to(5)shall apply must and is and subject to the following provisions.

如适用本条约影响到一个区域条约,则第十八条第(二)至第(五)款应加以必要的变更,并遵守以下规定。(《商标注册条约》第二十五条第二款)

例2:Furthermore,the country on whose territory the organization has its headquarters shall,subject to the provisions of Article25(7)(b),have an official seat on the committee.

此外,产权组织总部所在地国在遵守第二十五条第七款b项规定的条件下,在执委会中有一当然席位。(《保护知识产权巴黎公约》第十四条第二款a项)

例3:In order to attain the objectives described in Article 3,the organization,through its appropriate organs,and subject to the competence of each of the Unions:

为了实现第三条所述的宗旨,本组织通过其适当机构,并根据各联盟的权限:(《建立世界知识产权组织公约》第四条)

例4:The parties may exclude the application of this Convention or,subject to article12,derogate from or vary the effect of any of its provisions.

双方当事人可以不适用本公约,或在第十二条的条件下,减损本公约的任何规定或改变其效力。(《联合国国际货物销售合同公约》第六条)

例5:It may be inspected only if there is serious reason to believe that it contains articles other than those referred to in subparagraph(b)of paragraph 1of this Article,or articles the import or export of which is prohibited by the laws and regulations of the receiving State or which are subject to its quarantine laws and regulations.

倘有重大理由认为其中装有不在本条第一项第(二)款之列之物品或接受国法律规章禁止进出口或须受其检疫法律规章管制之物品,始可查验。(《维也纳领事关系公约第五十条第三款》)

例6:…… such registration shall become independent of the national mark registered earlier in the country of origin,subject to the following provisions.

……这种注册即与在原属国原先注册的国家商标无关系,但受下列规定的限制。(《商标国际注册马德里协定》第六条第二款)

例7:The provisions of the foregoing paragraphs shall apply subject to Article 6 quarter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

上述各款规定的执行,受《保护工业产权巴黎公约》第六条之四的约束。(《商标国际注册马德里协定》第九条之三第四款)

3.译成“须经……”、“须加以……”、“(但)须/需/要……”等。这种译法主要出现在该搭配用于approval和ratification等词语之前的场合,形容词和副词搭配都有,但以形容词搭配为主

例1:This Protocol shall be signed and shall be subject to ratification or acceptance,or may be acceded to,as if the provisions of Article VIII of the Convention applied hereto.

本议定书须经签字,并须经批准或接受;也可参加,如同应用一九七一年公约第八条的规定一样。(《世界版权公约》附件)

例2:The indication of classes given by the applicant shall be subject to control by the International Bureau,which shall exercise the said control in association with the national office.

申请人所作的类别说明须经国际局检查,此项检查由国际局会同本国注册当局进行。(《商标国际注册马德里协定》第三条第二款)

例3:The International Bureau shall issue to any person applying there for,subject to a fee fixed by the Regulations,a copy of the entries in the Register relating to a specific mark.

国际局得对任何提出要求的人发给某具体商标在注册簿登记事项的副本,但应征收细则所规定的费用。(《商标国际注册马德里协定》第五条之三第一款)

例4:Subject to the payment of a surcharge fixed by the Regulations,a period of grace of six months shall be granted for renewal of the international registration.

对国际注册的续展可给予六个月的宽展期,但要收根据细则规定的罚款。(《商标国际注册马德里协定》第七条第五款)

4.其他译法

《联合国国际货物销售合同公约》中有一处将subject to 译成了“易于”。

例1:If the goods are subject to rapid deterioration or their preservation would involve unreasonable expense,a party who is bound to preserve the goods in accordance with article 85 or 86 must take reasonable measures to sell them.

如果货物易于迅速变坏,或者货物的保全牵涉到不合理的费用,则按照第八十五条或第八十六条规定有义务保全货物的一方当事人,必须采取合理措施,把货物出售。(第八十八条第二款)

第五节 法律文本“如果”句式的翻译

在法律文本中,一般有四种方式可以不用“if”表达“如果”的假设关系,其中最常见的是“where”,其次是“when”,再次为“in the event”,最后为“should”。

1.Where the borrower failed to repay the loan at the prescribed time,it shall pay delayed repayment interest in accordance with the contract or the relevant stipulations of the state.

如果借款人未按照约定的期限返还借款的,应当按照约定或者国家有关规定支付逾期利息。(合同法 第二百零七条)

2.Where an employee is granted any period of annual leave,the employer shall pay him annual leave pay in respect of that period not later than the day on which he is next paid his wages after that period.

如果雇员被给与任何一段期间的年假,雇主最迟须于该期间后的第一个发薪日付给该雇员该段期间的年假薪酬。

3.Where a defendant is fined and the same is not forthwith paid,the magistrate mayorder the defendant to be searched.

如果被告人被判处罚款﹐但没有随即缴付罚款﹐裁判官可命令搜查被告人。

4.Where a claimant has a claim which exceeds the monetary amount mentioned in the Schedule and which,but for the excess,would be within the jurisdiction of the Board,the claimant may abandon the excess,and thereupon the Board shall have jurisdiction to inquire into,hear and determine the claim.

如只因索赔人的索赔超逾附表所述的款额﹐以致该索赔人超逾董事会的管辖权范围,则索赔人可放弃追讨超额的款项,而在此情况下,董事会有查讯﹑聆讯及裁决该宗索赔的管辖权。

5.When one party of the transaction makes a request for a pricelist,a catalogue,samples,quotation,proforma invoice and other terms so as to have a general idea of the commodities,he is making a general enquiry.

如果交易一方想了解商品的一般情况,索取商品目录、价目表、样品、报价单、形式发票和其他条款,他就在进行一般询盘。

6.In case of any discrepancy,the Chinese Language text shall prevail.

如有差异,以中文文本为主。

7.In case of Force Majeure the Sellers shall not held responsible for delay in delivery or non-delivery of the goods but shall notify immediately the Buyers and deliver to the Buyers by registered mail a certificate issued by government authorities or Chamber of Commerce as evidence thereof.If the shipment is delayed over one month as the consequence of the said Force Majeure,the Buyers shall have the right to cancel this Contract.Sellers’ inability in obtaining export licence shall not be considered as Force Majeure.

由于不可抗力,卖方不能在合同规定期限内交货或者不能交货,卖方不负责任。但卖方必须立即通知买方,并以挂号函向买方提出有关政府机关或者商会所出具的证明,以证明事故的存在。由于不可抗力致使交货期限延期一个月以上时,买方有权撤销合同。卖方不能取得出口许可证不得视为不可抗力。

8.In case no settlement can be reached through negotiation,the case shall then be submitted to the Foreign Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade,Beijing,China,for arbitration in accordance with its Provisional Rules of Procedure.The arbitral award is final and binding,upon both parties.

如果协商不能解决时,应提交北京中国国际贸易促进委员会对外经济贸易仲裁委员会根据该会仲裁程序暂行规定进行仲裁。仲裁是终局性的,对双方都有约束力。

9.In the event of a breach,there is a greater chance that a court will enforce explicit terms.

如有违约,则法院有较大可能执行明示的(合同)条款。

10.In the event of the Sellers’ failure in effecting shipment upon arrival of the vessel at the loading port,all losses,including dead freight,demurrage fines etc.thus incurred shall be for Sellers’ account.If the vessel fails to arrive at the loading port within the laydays.previously declared by the shipping agent,the storage charges and insurance premium from the 16th day after expiration of the free storage time at the port shall be borne by the Buyers.However,the Sellers shall be still under the obligation to load the goods on board the carrying vessel immediately after her arrival at the loading port,at their own expenses and risks.The expenses and losses mentioned above shall be reimbursed against original receipts or invoices.

买方所租船只按期到达装运口岸后,如卖方不能按时备货装船,买方因而遭受的一切损失包括空舱费、延期费及/或罚款等由卖方负担。如船只不能于船舶代理人所确定的受载期内到达,在港口免费堆存期满后第16天起发生的仓库租费,保险费由买方负担,但卖方仍负有载货船只到达装运口岸后立即将货物装船之义务并负担费用及风险。前述各种损失均凭原始单据或发票核实支付。

11.Should the Sellers fail to effect delivery on time as stipulated in this Contract owing to causes other than Force Majeure as provided for in Clause(14)of this Contract,the Buyers shall have the right to cancel the relative quantity of the contract,Or alternatively,the Sellers may,with the Buyers’ consent,postpone delivery on payment of penalty to the Buyers.The Buyers may agree to grant the Sellers a grace period of 15 days.Penalty shall be calculated from the 16th day and shall not exceed 5% of the total value of the goods involved.

除本合同第(14)条不可抗力原因外,如卖方不能如期交货,买方有权撤销该部分的合同,或经买方同意在卖方缴纳罚款的条件下延期交货。买方可同意给予卖方15天优惠期。罚款自第16天起计算。最多不超过延期货款总额的5%。

12.Should other buyers in the territory under exclusivity approach Party A for the purchase of the above-mentioned goods,Party A should refer them to Party B.

如包销地区其他买家向甲方提出购买上述货物,甲方应介绍其向乙方购买。

13.Should the Buyers not open the L/C within the time stipulated in the contract or the L/C opened not correspond to the contract terms and the Sellers fail to amend after receipt of the notification by the Sellers,the Sellers shall have the right to cancel the contract or to delay the delivery of the goods and shall also have the right to lodge claims for compensation.

若买方不在规定限期内开出信用证或所开信用证不符合合同规定的要求,而且在接到卖方通知不予修正,卖方有权撤销合同或延期交货并提出索赔。

第六节 法律文本中“的”字结构的英译

语言学家雅可布逊所说:某一语言的语法形式体现了该语言民族的生活经验。(The grammatical pattern of a language [as opposed to its lexical stock] determines those aspects of each experience that must be expressed in the given language.)与英语注重形合(hypotaxis)相比,汉语注重意合(parataxis),所以无主语条款是法律汉语的一种特征。

“的”字结构事实上是中文省略了作为逻辑主语的行为者的一种语法结构,在句子中充当主语。“的”字结构在中文法律文书中尤为常见。有学者认为,“的”字结构可以表示法律行为的主体和法律行为的所有假定因素,是实现立法要求的包容性的有效方法。例如:

1.侵害公民身体造成身体伤害的,应当赔偿医疗费,因误工减少的收入,残废者生活补助费等费用;

2.违反国家保护环境防止污染的规定,污染环境造成他人损害的,应当依法承担民事责任。

3.因正当防卫造成损害的,不承担民事责任。

4.票据活动应当遵守法律,行政法规,不得损害社会公共利益。

以上条文中主语是省略的,但句式仍然是主动的,一般情况下我们也能凭上下文推断出省略的主语。那么把这些法律条文翻译成英语时如何处理呢?英语本身的结构特点决定英语的立法句子必须有主语,而在主语缺失的情况下,翻译工作者有两种选择:一是改主动为被动,二是补全主语,但是在通常情况下我们见到的是后者。在一般的语言交际过程中主动和被动之间的转换是司空见惯的,但是在翻译法律文书中如果一见到无主语便改主动为被动则势必造成滥用被动句的局面。而且这种情况下,一方面立法本身的意图在此翻译过程中也会由于英语中主动句与被动句之间的差异而改变,另一方面也会造成译文冗长,晦涩难懂。由法律出版社出版的《中华人民共和国民法通则》的汉英双语读本中对上述例子的翻译如下:

1.Anyone one who infringes upon a citizen’s person and causes him physical injury shall pay his medical expenses and his loss in income due to missed working time and shall pay him living subsidies if he is disabled;

2.Any person who pollutes the environment and causes damages to others in violation of state provisions for environmental protection and the prevention of pollution shall bear civil liability in accordance with the law。

3.A person who causes harm in exercising justifiable defense shall not bear civil liability。

4.In activities involving negotiable instruments.people shall comply with law,and administrative rules and regulations and shall not jeopardize public interests.

在举个刑法的例子:《中华人民共和国刑法》第29条规定:教唆他人犯罪的,应当按照他在共同犯罪中所起的作用处罚。教唆不满十八周岁的人犯罪的,应当从重处罚。

译文:Anyone who instigates another to commit a crime shall be punished according to the role he plays in a joint crime.Anyone who instigates a person who is under the age of 18 to commit a crime shall be given a heavier punishment.

可见,是用“any person”,“anyone”,“a person”and“people”补全主语。美国《纽约州刑法》里也有类似的表达,例如:

5.A person may be prosecuted for conspiracy in the county in which he entered into such a conspiracy…

6.A person is guilty of tampering with a juror in the first degree,when,with intent to influence the outcome of an action or proceedings,he communicates with a juror in such action or proceedings,except authorized by law.

从具体操作层面而言,法律文本中“的”字结构有以下几种翻译方法和技巧。

1.译成由if引导的条件状语从句,强调一种假设的情况。译成if句式多为假设在某一法律过程中如果发生了某种情况(多为违法的),而下文则表示“该承担……责任”,或“履行……法律程序”,或“执行……法律规定”;“in case”、“in the event of”句式和“if”相似,但强调后果的严重性及执行某法律程序的必然性。与前两者相比,“if”最常用,表示频率高的情况。例如:

1)公司成立后无正当理由超过6个月未开业的,或者开业后自行停业连续6个月以上的,由公司登记机关吊销营业执照。

If,without justification,a company fails to commence business more than six months after establishment or ceases for more than six consecutive months after commencing business,it shall have its business license revoked by the company registration authorities.

2)仲裁员因回避或者其他原因不能履行合同职责的,应当依照本法规定重新选定或者指定仲裁员。

If,as a result of the withdrawal or any other reasons,an arbitrator is unable to perform his duties as an arbitrator,an other arbitrator shall,in accordance with the provisions of this Law,be selected or appointed.

3)公司不按照本法规定提取法定公积金、法定公益金的,责令如数补足应当提取的金额,并可对公司处以一万元以上十万元以下的罚款。

If,in accordance with this Law,a company fails to make allocations to its statutory common reserve fund or its statutory common welfare fund,the company shall be ordered to make up the exact amount which should have been allocated and shall also be subject to a fine of at least RMB 10,000 and no more than RMB 100,000.

4)要约以非对话方式作出的,承诺应当在合理期限内到达。

If an offer is not made orally,the acceptance shall reach the offer or within a reasonable period of time.

5)因不满16周岁不予刑事处罚的,责令他的家长或者监护人加以管教;在必要的时候,也可以由政府收容教养。

If a person is not given criminal punishment because he has not reached the age of 16,the head of his family or his guardian shall be ordered to discipline him.When necessary,he may be taken in by the government for rehabilitation.

6)正当防卫明显超过必要限度造成重大损害的,应当负刑事责任,但是应当减轻或者免除处罚。

If a person’s acts of justifiable defense obviously exceeds the limits of necessity and causes serious damage,he shall bear criminal responsibility;however,he shall be given a mitigated Punishment or be exempted from Punishments.

7)造成渔业污染事故或者船舶造成水污染事故的,分别由事故发生地的渔政监督管理机构或者交通部门的航政机关根据所造成的危害和损失处以罚款(《水污染防治法》第53条)。

If,a unit causes a fishery pollution accident or a ship causes a water pollution accident,the fishery supervision and administration department or the navigation administration office of the communications department in the place where the accident occurs shall impose a fine on the unit or ship in light of the consequent damage and loss.

8)储存、运输、处置城市生活垃圾违反本法规定的,按照国务院关于环境保护和城市环境卫生的有关规定予以处罚。

If any person or unit stores,transports or treats urban house refuse against the provisions of this Law,he or it shall be punished in accordance with the relevant regulations of the State Council regarding environmental protection and urban environmental sanitation.

2.译成由when或where引导的状语从句,例如:

1)付款人承兑汇票的,应当在汇票正面书写“承兑”和承兑日期并签名。

When accepting a bill of exchange,the drawee shall write “accepted” and the date of acceptance on the front of the bill and sign it.

2)外国公司撤销其在中国境内的分支机构的,必须依法清偿债务,按照本法有关公司清算程序的规定进行清算。

When a foreign company withdraws its branches from Chinese territory,it shall,in accordance with law,repay its debts and shall,in accordance with the provisions of the relevant company liquidation procedures set out in this Law,carry out liquidation.

3)权利和义务一并转让的,适用本法第79条、第81条至第83条、第85条至第87条的规定。

When rights together with obligations are transferred,the provisions of Article 79,Articles 81 to 83,and Articles 85 to 87 of this Laws hall apply.

4)商业广告的内容符合要约规定的,视为要约。

Where the contents of a commercial advertisement comply with the terms,provisions and conditions of the offer,it shall be deemed to be an offer.

5)承揽人应当以自己的设备、技术和劳力,完成主要工作,但当事人另有约定的除外。承揽人将其承揽的主要工作交由第三人完成的,应当就该第三人完成的工作成果向定做人负责;未经定做人同意的,定做人也可以解除合同。

The contractor shall,unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties,hereto use its own equipment,technology and labor force to complete the principal part of the works.Where the contractor assign the contracted works to a third part for completion,the contractor shall be responsible to ordering party in respect of the results of work completed by the third party.Where the assignment is not agreed and approved by the ordering party,the assignment is not agreed and approved by the ordering party,the ordering party may rescind the contract.

6)法律、行政法规规定应当办理批准、登记等手续生效的,依照其规定。

Where a contract may become effective only after the completion of approval and registration procedure according to the provisions of laws and administrative regulations,such provisions shall govern.

7)合作开发合同的当事人违反约定造成研究开发工作停滞、延误或者失败的,应当承担违约责任。

Where either party to a cooperative development contract violates the contract and causes a standstill,delay of failure in the research and development work,the party in question shall be liable for the breach of contract.

8)以不正当手段取得医师执业证书的,由发给证书的卫生行政部门予以吊销;

Where a person obtains the doctor’s license by illegitimate means,the administrative department for health that granted the license shall revoke it;

9)伪造、变造会计凭证、会计账簿、编制虚假财务会计报告,构成犯罪的,依法追究刑事责任。

Where accounting vouches or account books are counterfeited or altered,or false financial and accounting reports are prepared,and therefore a crime is constituted,criminal liabilities shall be investigated in accordance with law.

3.译成名词性从句,主要是whoever引导的主语从句,或)any...+who/which引导的定语从句。例如:

1)具有下列条件之一的,可以参加执业医师资格考试。

Whoever meets one of the following requirements may take the examinations for the qualifications of a licensed doctor.

2)向不满十八周岁的未成年人传播淫秽物品的,从重处罚。

Whoever disseminates pornographic materials to a minor under the age of 18 shall be given a heavier punishment.

3)第一百零二条 勾结外国,危害中华人民共和国的主权、领土完整和安全的,处无期徒刑或者十年以上有期徒刑。

Article 102 Whoever colludes with a foreign State to endanger the sovereignty,territorial integrity and security of the People’s Republic of China shall be sentenced to life imprisonment or fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 10 years.

4)与境外机构、组织、个人相勾结,犯前款罪的,依照前款的规定处罚。

Whoever commits the crime prescribed in the preceding paragraph in collusion with any organ,organization or individual outside the territory of China shall be punished according to the provisions in the preceding paragraph.

5)具有高等学校医学专科或者中等专业学校医学专业学历,在执业医师指导下,在医疗、预防、保健机构中试用期满1年的,可以参加执业助理医师资格考试。

Anyone who has reached the level of a graduate from the faculty of medicine of a university or a polytechnic school and,under the guidance of a licensed doctor,worked on probation for at least one year in the medical treatment,disease prevention or health care institution may take the examinations for the qualifications of an assistant doctor.

6)对债务人的特定财产享有担保权的债务人,未放弃优先受偿权利的,对于本法第六十一条第一款第七项、第十项规定的事项不享有表决权。

Any creditor,which has the right to make guarantee on the particular assets of its debtor and has not given up the priority right to be repaid,may not enjoy the right to vote for any matter as prescribed in items(7)and(10)of paragraph 1 of 2 Article 61 of the present Law.

7)违反有关财政法律、行政法规规定的,依照有关法律、行政法规的规定予以处罚、处分。

Anyone that is in violation of the related law or administrative regulations on finance shall be punished and sanctioned in accordance with related laws or administrative regulations.

8)故意犯罪的,应当负刑事责任。

Anyone that intentionally commits a crime shall bear criminal responsibility.

9)第六条 凡在中华人民共和国领域内犯罪的,除法律有特别规定的以外,都适用本法。

Article 6 This Law shall be applicable to anyone who commits a crime within the territory and territorial waters and space of the People’s republic of China,except as otherwise specifically provided by law.

10)第五十条 判处死刑缓期执行的,在死刑缓期执行期间,如果没有故意犯罪,二年期满以后,减为无期徒刑;如果确有重大立功表现,二年期满以后,减为十五年以上二十年以下有期徒刑;如果故意犯罪,查证属实的,由最高人民法院核准,执行死刑。

Article 50 Anyone who is sentenced to death with a suspension of execution commits no intentional crime during the period of suspension,his punishment shall be commuted to life imprisonment upon the expiration of the two-year period;if he has truly performed major meritorious service,his punishment shall be commuted to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 15 years but not more than 20 years upon the expiration of the two-year period;if it is verified that he has committed an intentional crime,the death penalty shall be executed upon verification and approval of the Supreme People’s Court.

4.译成并列的简单句或动名词形式对于“有下列情况之一的”或“有下列行为之一的”总括句,往往多个相同的并列结构紧随其后,可以根据句子的含义和总括句主语翻译成由He/It引导的简单句或动名词形式。

4.1 译成几个并列的简单句,例如:

1)评审专家有下列行为之一的,……

① 不履行基金管理机构规定的评审职责的;

② 未依照本条例规定申请回避的;

③ 披露未公开的与评审有关的信息的;

In case any of the following acts committed by an evaluation expert,…

① He fails to perform the appraising duties as prescribed by the fund management organ;

② He fails to apply for withdrawal in accordance with these Regulations;

③ He reveal the information on the evaluation that has not been publicized;

1)项目负责人、参与者违反本条例规定,有下列行为之一的,……

① 不按照项目计划书开展研究的;

② 擅自变更研究内容或者研究计划的;

……

In case any of the following acts in violation of these Regulations as committed by a project principal or participant,……

① He fails to perform research in light of the project plan;

② He alters the research contents or plans without approval;

……

4.2 译成动名词形式

1)金融机构有下列行为之一的,……

① 未按照规定建立反洗钱内部控制制度的;

② 未按照规定设立反洗钱专门机构或者指定内设机构负责反洗钱工作的;

③ 未按照规定对职工进行反洗钱培训的。

If a financial institution has any of the following acts,...

① Failing to establish an internal control system of anti-money laundering according to the related provisions;

② Failing to establish a special department for anti-money laundering or designate an internal department to take charge of anti-money laundering;or

③ Failing to conduct anti-money laundering trainings to its employees according to the related provisions.

2)企业申请从事原油经营资格有下列行为之一的,商务部应当作出不予受理或者不予许可的决定,并给予警告;……

① 隐瞒真实情况的;

② 提供虚假材料的;

③ 违反有关政策和申请程序,情节严重的。

In case any of the following acts are committed by an enterprise applying for the qualification of engaging in the crude oil business,the Ministry of Commerce shall make a decision of rejecting its application or not granting a license and shall give it a warning;……

① Hiding the real situation;

② Supplying any false materials;or

③ Breaking the related policies and application procedures,and the situation being serious.

3)人民法院受理破产申请前一年内,涉及债务人财产的下列行为,管理人有权请求人民法院予以撤销:

① 无偿转让财产的;

② 以明显不合理的价格进行交易的;

③ 对没有财产担保的债务提供财产担保的;

Within one year before the people’s court accepts an application for bankruptcy,thebankruptcy custodian has the right to request the court to revoke any of the following acts related to the debtor’s assets:

① Transferring the assets free of charge;

② Trading at an obviously unreasonable price;

③ Offering asset guarantee to those debts without any guarantee;

第七节 法律英语被动语态的几种译法

英语中被动语态的使用比较普遍。法律语言是法律文化的载体,语言的这一特点自然就反映到法律文本中。隐藏和弱化动作的行为者是被动结构最大的功能,在法律英语中,有时为了避免指出动作发出者或隐藏和弱化法律主体就会运用被动语态,以此来模糊对法律行为主体的认定。如:

1.This law is formulated to protect the legitimate rights and interests of commercial banks,depositors and other clients.

为了保护商业银行、存款人和其他客户的合法权益,制定本法。

当然,使用被动语态可以隐藏和弱化行为者,但在某些情况下也可以突出施事者。可以通过“by”短语把主动句当中的主语移至句末,这样,动作的执行者就位于信息焦点的位置,从而强调了句子谓语动词的执行者。因此,被动句也能够成为突出逻辑主语或行为施事的一种手段。如:

2.The document on the major issues of the Company,including but not limited to,the management plan,the monthly report,quarterly report and annual report,shall be signed jointly by the General Manager and the Deputy General Manager,then the documents shall come into effect.

公司的重要文件,包括,但不限于管理计划、月度、季度及其年底报告,须经总经理和副总经理会签方为有效。

准确而客观是法律语言的又一个重要特征。如果在法律文本中过多地使用第一人称或第二人称,就容易让人造成一种主观臆断的印象,而无法体现法律的准确性与客观性。这也是法律英语文本中被动语态多的又一个重要原因。

虽然被动语态在法律英语中被广泛地使用,但是,这并不意味着在把汉语被动句译成英文时,就可以一味地滥用被动语态。在运用时还得视情况而定。

1.译成被动句

1.1 以“被动”对“被动”,即用中文的“被”字来翻译,并且保留句子中的主语。如:

1)All his property was disposed of in the judicial sale.

在司法拍卖中,他所有的财产都被处置了。

2)Any event or circumstance beyond the control of the Parties to the Contract shall be deemed an event of Force Majeure.

合同双方如遭受无法控制的事件或情况应被视为不可抗力。

3)In a formal sense,a positive law may be regarded as any command of the state.

从正式意义讲,实体法可被视为国家的任何命令。

4)The government has been mandated to revise the tax system.

政府被授权修改税收制度。

5)A tort is defined as a civil wrong.

侵权行为被称为民事违法行为。

1.2 译成中文里带“使”、“由”、“把”、“受到”、“用”等字的被动句。如:

1)This Contract shall be written in Chinese version and in English version.The two languages shall be equally authentic.

本合同应由中文和英文写成,两种文字具有同等效力。

2)The check was presented to the bank yesterday.

昨天已把支票交给了银行。

3)Until the debts in question are repaid,the property of the branch shall not be transferred outside of the territory of China.

未清偿债务之前,不得把分支机构的财产转移到中国境外。

4)A corporation is managed by a board of directors headed in the committees by a chairman.

公司由董事长为首的董事会管理。

5)A corporation is established by one or several persons who conclude the corporate contract and charter and subscribe to the share capital.

公司由一人设立或由订立公司契约和公司章程并认定股本的若干个人设立。

6)The question of patentability may be treated with three distinct and separate queries:when? who? and what?

能否获得专利的问题可分别用不同的三个小问题来处理,何时?何人?何事物?

7)He claimed that he had been prosecuted maliciously.

他声称他受到恶意控告。

1.3 译成“为……所”的句型。如:

1)A judge shall not be swayed by eloquent arguments

法官不应为雄辩所左右。

2)The general principle has been qualified by a number of exceptions.

这一普遍原则已为一系列例外所限定。

2.译成主动句

2.1 译成汉语主动句型,但表示被动意味。

1)Any disputes arising out of this Contract shall first be settled by the Parties hereto through consultation with their higher authorities in accordance with the spirit of mutual trust.Should such consultation fails to settle the dispute within thirty days of notification to such higher authorities,mediation may be concluded by a third party selected by the Parties hereto.

合同双方对本合同发生的任何争执应首先通过各方主管部门互相信赖的精神予以解决。如在30天内本合同双方不能解决时,双方可以推荐第三方予以调解。

2)No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law;and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.

除了依照法律的规定拨款之外,不得自国库中提取任何款项;一切公款收支的报告和账目,应经常公布。

3)A case involving such a law can be taken to the Supreme Court.

涉及这样一项法律的案子,可呈送最高法院。

4)The civil law system can be traced back to Roman Law.

大陆法系可追溯到罗马法。

5)Criminal law is enforced on behalf of the state.

刑法以国家名义执行。

6)The separation of power principle has not been fully and completely realized in our constitutional structure.

权力分立原则还没有在我国宪政结构中得到充分和完全的实现。

2.2 原文有主动者时,可用主动者作为主语,译为主动句。如:

1)The board of directors shall keep minutes of resolutions on matters discussed at the meetings.The minutes are signed by the directors present at the meeting and by the person who recorded the minutes.

董事会应当对所议事项的决定做出正式的会议记录,出席会议的董事和记录员在会议记录上签字。

2)The Arbitration fee shall be borne by the losing party unless otherwise awarded by the Arbitration Commission.

败诉方应当承担仲裁费用,但仲裁委员会另有裁定的除外。

2.3 含主语从句的被动句型译为主动句。

以it作形式主语的句子,翻译时可转为主动形式。有时不加主语,有时可加上“有人”、“大家”、“我们”等不确定主语。例如:

1)It is suggested that the board of meeting be put off till next Monday.

有人建议董事会推迟到下周一举行。

2)If the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation,It is feared that the two counties might resort to force.

如果纠纷不能通过协商解决,人们担心两国可能会诉诸武力。

3)It must be pointed out that the adversary system tends to reduce litigation to a costly game,in which the lawyers become the principal players and the outcome will turn on their skill rather than on the true merit of the case.

有人指出抗辩制把诉讼变为一场费钱的游戏,律师成了主角,而结果则取决于他们的技巧而非案件本身的是非曲直。

2.4 用原句的宾语充当译文的主语,译成主动句

英语被动语态中的宾语往往是动作的行为主体,在翻译法律英语被动句时,可用原句的主句作译文的主语。例如:

1)The principle of legality was reiterated by the constitutions of Clarendon.

克拉林顿宪法重申了这一法制原则。

2)When a controversy is presented to a court or a lawyer,the immediate problem is to find the appropriate code provision covering the situation and then to apply it to the problem at hand.

当法院或律师遇到一项争端时,其迫在眉睫的问题是查出与案情有关的适当的法典条文,然后把该条文适用于手头的问题。

2.5 增添主语,译成主动句

当原文中没有行为主体,但译文在意义和句法上需要说明行为主体时,应把意会的行为主体提出作主语,或根据上下文整添恰当的主语,译成主动句。例如:

1)It is to be hoped that other groups of nations will follow this lead.

人们希望其他国家集团亦将追随这一办法。

2)It is now accepted as a scientific fact that no two people has the same finger-prints.

如今人们把没有两个人有相同的指纹看作是科学事实。

3.主语移至谓语之后译为宾语

1)Labor Law and Insurance Law have been partially codified in the United States.

美国已经编纂了部分的劳动法和保险法。

2)Copyright Law has been enacted in our county.

我国已经颁布了版权法。

4.译成无主句

如果英语句子中没有出现主动者,在翻译成汉语时无法补充而且也没有必要补充,就可以把它译成无主句。如:

1)Unless this account is paid within next fifteen days,it will be necessary to take appropriate action.

除非在十五天之内把账还清,否则就有必要采取适当的行动。

2)Partial shipments are allowed unless the credit specially states otherwise.

除非信用证另有特殊规定,否则不得分批装运。

3)A supreme court is needed because the U.S congress of a state may pass a law that takes away a right of the people or a right of a state.

之所以需要设立最高法院,是因为美国的州议会有可能通过一项法律,剥夺人们或一个州的某项权利。

4)Courts are discouraged from passing sentences of imprisonment on offenders under 21 years of age.

不鼓励法院对未满21岁的罪犯作出监禁判决。

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