商务合同翻译案例样本.doc

商务合同翻译案例一、理论、方法与技巧翻译方法的学习, 英汉语言特点的对比, 商务术语的理解等等。英语合同的特点与翻译在英语中，合同一般称为Contract。何谓“Contract”?1999年中国合同法第二条对Contract定义为：A contract in this Law refers to an agreement establishing，modifying and terminating the civil rights and obligations between subject of equal footing，that is，between natural persons legal persons or other organizations.根据这一定义，合同平等主体之间设立的确定民事权利和义务的协议。Steven H.Gifts编著的“Law Dictionary”中将contract定义为“contract is 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.”根据这一定义，合同是一种承诺，违反承诺可以得到法律救济，某种意义上法律将履行该承诺看成是一种救济。L.L.B Curzon在其编纂的字典“A Dictionary of Law”给contract的定义：“Contract is a legally binding agreement.”根据这一定义，合同就是有法律约束力的协议。总而言之，合同类法律文件用以规定当事人的权利与义务，是预防与解决争议的依据。一、用词特点与翻译要点合同英语的用词极其考究，具有特定性。要求选词专业化（professional）、正式（formal）、准确（accurate）。具体体现在下列方面：1、 May, shall, must ,may not (或shall not) 的使用 May, shall , must ,may not (或shall not)对学过英语的人再熟悉不过，但在合同中用这些词时要极其谨慎。权利义务的约见定部分构成了合同的主体。这几个词如选用不当，可能会引起纠纷。may旨在约定当事人的权利（可以做什么），Shall约定当事人的义务（应当做什么时候），must 用于强制性义务（必须做什么），may not (或shall not)用于禁止性义务（不得做什么）。May do 不能说成can do，shall do, 不能说成should do 或ought to do， may not do 在美国一些法律文件可以用shall not，但绝不能用can not do或must not。2、 用语正式（formal） 合同英语有着严肃的风格，与其它英语作品有很大不同。 例如： “因为”的短语多用“by virtue of”，远远多于“due to”一般不用“because of”；“财务年度末”一般用“at the close of the fiscal year”，而不用“in the end of the fiscal year”； “在之前”一般用“prior to”，而不用“before”；“关于”常用“as regards”， “concerning”或“relating to”，而不会用“about”；“事实上”用“in effect”，而不用“in fact”； “开始”用“commencement”,而不用“start”或“begin”； “停止做”用“cease to do”，而不用“stop to do”；何时开会并由某某主持”的表述为：The meeting shall be convened and presided by sb. 其中“召开”不用“hold 或call”，而用“convene”； “主持”不用“chair”或“be in charge of ”，而用“preside”；“其他事项”用“miscellaneous”, 而不用“other matters/events”；“理解合同”用“construe a contract” 或“comprehend a contract”，而不用“understand a contract”；“认为”用“deem”，用“consider”少，不用“think”或“believe”。3、 用词专业（technical） 合同用词不以大众是否理解和接受为转移，它是合同语言准确表达的保障。如合同出现的“瑕疵”、 “救济”、 “不可抗力”、 “管辖”、“损毁”、 “灭失”等就可能让非行业人士费解，在英语以上表达分别为defect、remedy、force majuere、jurisdiction、damage and/or loss。另外几乎每个合同都少不了hereinafter referred to as , whereas, in witness whereof, for and on behalf of , hereby, thereof 等虚词。这也是合同英语的一大特色。 其它例子还有： “赔偿”用“indemnities”，而不用“compensation”；“不动产转让”用“conveyance”，而不用“transfer of real estate”；“房屋出租”用“tenancy”，而“财产出租”用“lease of property” “停业”用“wind up a business”或“cease (名词是cessation) a business”,而不用“end/stop a business”)；“依照合同相关规定”一般说“pursuant to provisions contained herein”或“as provided herein”等，不说“according to relevant terms and conditions in the contract”。 4、同义词、近义词、相关词的并列使用FOR value RECEIVED，the undersigned does hereby sell, transfer, assign and set over to _ all his right, tile and interest in and to a certain contract dated _, 19_ by and between the undersigned and _，a copy of which is annexed hereto. 在这里的同义词和近义词并列（ 如sell, transfer, assign and set over，right和 tile and interest），在英文合同里十分普遍。这是出于严谨和杜绝漏洞的考虑，有的也属于合同用语的固定模式。如： This agreement is made and entered into by and between Party A and Party B.句中“made and entered into”和“by and between”两组分别属于同义词和相关词并列。 For and in consideration of mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows: 句中“for and in consideration of ”， “covenants and agreements”三组同义司和近义词并列。 The parties have agreed to vary the Management on the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein. 这里的“on the terms”和“subject to the conditions”是一个意思，都表示“依照本协议的条款规定”。合同条款的固定模式是“terms and conditions” 。再例如： “Party A wishes to be released and discharged from agreement as from the effective date”，一句中的“release”和“discharge”意思几乎相同。 5、 古英语与外来词的应用（borrowing words） 使用古英语最为突出的是较多使用here、there、where加后缀in、by、after、from等介词构成的词。在法律文件中用这些词，可以避免重复，避免歧义，使行文准确、简洁。常用例词如下： hereafter, hereby, herein, hereof, hereto hereunder, hereupon, herewith, hereinbefore, hereinafter; thereafter, thereby, therein, thereinafter, thereinbefore, thereon, thereof, thereunder, thereupon, therewith; whereas, whereby, wherein, whereof, whereon, etc。 合同中也会使用一些外来词汇，常见的有拉丁语和法语词汇。 如比例税率：用pro rate tax rate要比proportional tax rate多；从事慈善性服务的律师：pro bono lawyer，不怎么用lawyer engaged in charitable legal assistance；委托代理人：多用agent ad litem。2、 句法特点与翻译要点如果说商务合同的用词具有专业、准确、正式的特点，那么商务合同的句法则有结构严谨、句式较长的特点。句子的状语（从句）和定语（从句）等附加成分很多，且往往位置明显，对主句意义进行解释、限制或补充，一则可以体现这种文体庄严的风格、严谨的结构和清晰的逻辑；二则便于排除被曲解、误解而出现歧义引发争端的可能性，维护双方的合法权益。虽然商务合同英文中的句法特点有很多，比如多用陈述句、多用现在时、多用被动语态、多用名词性结构等等，但本节结合翻译难点，重点探讨长句，尤其是条件从句的特点和翻译方法。1. 长句及其翻译与普通英语相比较而言，商务合同英语中的句子结构就其长度和使用从句的连续性要复杂得多。分析合同长句的基本方法是：首先，要找出全句的主语、谓语和宾语,即句子的主干结构；其次，要找出句子中所有的谓语结构、非谓语结构、介词短语和从句的引导词，然后再分析从句和短句的功能，即：是否是主语从句、宾语从句、表语从句或状语从句等，以及词、短语和从句之间的关系。最后,分析句子中是否有固定搭配、插入语等其他成分。1) The Buyer may, within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the destination, lodge a claim against the Seller for short-weight being supported by Inspection Certificate issued by a reputable public surveyor.这是一个简单长句，其主干为The Buyer maylodge a claim。修饰谓语动词的状语有三个，分别表示时间（within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the destination）、方式（being supported by Inspection Certificate issued by a reputable public surveyor）和原因（for short-weight）。诸多状语尽管在原文中位置灵活，然而在译文里，须按照汉语的行文规范适当进行调整：方式状语一般应置于动词之前；其他状语可以灵活处理，如本句中的时间状语可以提前至句首。(货物抵达目的港15天内，买方可以凭有信誉的公共检验员出示的检验证明向卖方提出短重索赔。)2）If a Party breaches any of the representations or warranties given by it in Articles 18.1 or repeated in 18.2, then in addition to any other remedies available to the other Party under this contract or under Applicable Laws, it shall indemnify and keep indemnified the other Party and the company against any losses, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities and claims that such Party or the Company may suffer as a result of such breach. 本句的主干是it shall indemnify and keep indemnified. against. the other Party and the company。If引导的是条件从句，条件句的宾语部分跟随后置定语（given by it in Articles 18.1 or repeated in 18.2）。in addition to 引导的是增补成分，其核心词remedies也跟了后置定语（available to the other Party under this contract or under Applicable Laws）。That引导的则是后置定语修饰紧邻的五个名词。基于以上分析，再结合汉语的行文习惯（条件在前，结构在后以及定语在所修饰的核心词之前），即可翻译成：如果一方违反任何其根据第18.1条或18.2条所作的陈述及担保或重述,则另一方除根据本合同或相关法律寻求任何可能的救济之外,违约方应当赔偿另一方或合营公司因此种违反而招致的任何损失、损害、费用、开支、责任或索赔。3）The Seller shall not be responsible for the delay of shipment or non delivery of the goods due to Force Majeure, which might occur during the process of manufacturing or in the course of loading or transit.上句中信息的重心在句首，先表明卖方的免责事项，接着再规定由于什么原因引起的不能交货或延迟交货才会免责，后对不可抗力又做了限定。按照汉语的思维习惯，往往先谈原因，再讲结论，因此采用颠倒顺序的译法更合理。（凡在制造或装船运输过程中，因不可抗力致使卖方不能或推迟交货时，卖方不负责任。）2、 条件句及其翻译商务合同主要约定合同各方应享有的权利和应履行的义务，但由于这种权利的行使和义务的履行均赋有各种条件，所以条件句的大量使用成为商务合同的一个特点。条件句多由下列连接词引导：if, in the event of, in case (of), should, provided (that), subject to, unless otherwise等。比如：If the third party accuses the Party B of infringement, Party B shall take up the matter（如果第三方指控乙方侵权，乙方应负责）1）In the event of any loss caused by the delay in the delivery, the Representative can claim a compensation from the Manufacturer with a certificate and detailed list registered by the administration authorities of the Representatives site.（若因任何交货延误导致的代理方损失，代理方可凭代理方所在地行政当局登记的损失清单向制造方索赔，但须出具证明。）2）Should all or part of the contract be unable to be fulfilled owing to the fault of one party, the breaching party shall bear the responsibilities thus caused. Should it be the fault of both parties, they shall bear their respective responsibilities according to actual situations.（由于一方的过失，造成本合同不能履行或不能完全履行时，由过失一方承担违约责任。若属双方过失，则根据实际情况，由双方分别承担各自应负的违约责任。）1） Either Side can replace the representatives it has appointed provided that it submits a written notice to the other Side.（任何一方都可更换自己指派的代表，但须书面通知对方。）归纳上述各例，除了句（Either Side can replace the representatives it has appointed provided that it submits a written notice to the other Side ）以外，条件句均置于主句之前，英译汉时译成“如果”或“若”即可。而当条件句置于主句之后时，在翻译这些引导条件句的连词或短语时，可按动态等值理论视具体情况而定，切勿生搬硬套。该句中的provided that表示合同该条款需作进一步规定或在作规定时语气上的转折，因而应译为“但是”才使译文过渡自然，符合汉语的表达规范，达到功能对等的效果。二、 译例文本Purchase ContractThis contract is made on the _ day of _ 20 _ _ , by and between _ Ltd (hereinafter referred to as the Seller) and_ Company (hereinafter referred to as the Buyer). Through friendly negotiation, both Parties have hereby agreed on the terms and conditions stipulated hereunder:1. Contract Products: _2. Specification: _3. Quantity: _4. Unit Price: _5. Total Value:_ F.O.B6. Country of Origin: _7. Shipping Marks: _8. Shipment: _ To be shipped on or before _subject to acceptable Letter of Credit (L/C) reaches Sellers before the end of _, and partial shipments allowed, transshipment allowed.9. Grace Period: Should4 last shipment have to be extended for fulfilment of this contract, the Buyer shall give the Seller a grace period of 30 days upon submitting evidence by the Seller.10. Insurance: To be effected by the Buyer.11. Packing: In new Kraft paper bags of _kg/bag or in wooden cases of _kg/case, free of charge.12. Payment: The Buyer shall open a 100% confirmed, irrevocable, divisible and negotiable and partial shipment permitted Letter of Credit5 in favor of the Seller within 5 calendar days from the date of the agreement through the Issuing Bank. The L/C shah be drawn against draft at sight upon first presentation of the following documents: (1) Full set of Sellers Commercial Invoices; (2) Full set of clean, blank, endorsed Bill of Lading6; (3) Inspection Certificates of quality and weight.13. Notice of Readiness: The Buyer shall advise the Seller by telex the scheduled time of arrival of cargo vessel at least seven days prior to the arrival of the vessel at the loading port.14. Performance Guarantee: (1) Upon receipt of Buyer s Irrevocable L/C by the Advising Bank, the Seller shall perform a Performance Guarantee representing _ % of the L/C value. (2) The Performance Guarantee shall be returned in full to the Seller after completion of shipment and delivery of the contracted goods. In case of non-delivery of ( all or part) of the goods for reasons other than those specified in clause 12, the Performance Guarantee shall be forfeited in favor of the Buyer in proportion to the quantity in default. (3) Should the Buyer breach the contract or fail to open the L/C in favor of the Seller within the period specified in clause 9 (except for clause 12), the Buyer has to pay the Seller the same value as the Performance Guarantee. (4) The Letter of Credit must fulfill all the terms and conditions of this contract. The terms of the L/C should be clear, fair and made payable to the Seller. Upon acceptance of L/C by the Advising Bank, the Advising Bank shah send the Performance Guarantee to the Issuing Bank.15. Force Majeure7: The Seller or the Buyer shall not be responsible for non-delivery or breach of contract for any reason due to Force Majeure incidents. In case the time of delivery or shipment has to be extended, the Buyer or the Seller shall have to provide evidence for such event.16. Arbitration: All disputes or divergences arising from the execution of the contract shah be settled through friendly discussion between both Parties. In case no settlement can be reached, the case at issue shall then be submitted for arbitration to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission8 in accordance with the provisions of the said Commission. The award by the said Commission shall be deemed as final and binding upon both Parties. The Arbitration fee shah be borne by the losing Party. In course of Arbitration, the contract shah continuously be executed by both Parties except for the part under Arbitration.17. Currency Devaluation: In the event of any official devaluation of U. S. Currency, the Seller reserves the right to readjust the contract price in proportion to the devaluation ratio.18. Valid Period: This contract will automatically become null and void should the Buyer fail to open a L/C in favor of the Seller within seven days after signing this contract. 4 However, the Buyer shall still be responsible for the payment of compensation in accordance with the terms in clause 11, items 2 and 3.This contract is made in duplicate, both Parties have read carefully and agreed to abide by all the terms and conditions stipulated. The contract is signed by both Parties in the presence of witnesses.Seller: Buyer: Witnesses:（一）译前准备 词汇提示hereinafter adv. 在下文stipulate v. 规定specification n. 规格confirm vt. 确认；保兑kraft n. 牛皮纸irrevocable adj. 不可撤销的divisible adj. 可分割的negotiable adj. 可转让的in favor of somebody 以.为受益人endorse v. 背书；为.代言guarantee n. 保证金non-delivery n. 无法交货forfeit vt. 没收in proportion to 按.比例default n. 不履行、违约breach vt./n 违反、不履行arbitration n. 仲裁dispute n. 纠纷、争端divergence n. 分歧、歧异in accordance with 依据、按照provision n. 规定award n./vt. 裁决；授予、判给arbitral award 仲裁裁决statute n. 法令、法规ratio n. 利率valid adj. 有效的null adj. 无效的void adj. 无效的compensation n. 补偿术语unit price 单价shipping mark 唛头letter of credit (L/C) 信用证 grace period 优惠期限issuing bank 开证行advising bank 通知（银）行bill of lading (B/L) 货运提单to be drawn against draft at sight 见票即付commercial invoice 商业发票inspection certificate 检验证明performance guarantee 履约保证金force majeure 不可抗力losing party 败诉方（二）翻译讨论1. By and between，“由.和.间”。英文中常用并列短语来使意思的表达更为正式严谨，在平时应留心这种英文表达。再如14.（4）中的“terms and conditions”表示“合同条款”，18中的null and void表示“无效”。2. 合同常常采用部分古词来增强其文体的正式程度，这样不仅能使句子结构紧凑，而且增强了雨衣的逻辑衔接和连贯。该句使用的hereinafter、hereby、hereunder在法律文本中经常出现，可分别译为：“在下文中”、“特此”和“如下的”。3. F. O. B为Free On Board的缩写。现代国际贸易中最常用的三种价格术语除F. O. B（装运港船上交货价）外，还有C. F. R（目的港成本加运费价Cost and Freight）和C. I. F（目的港成本加保险费运费价Cost, Insurance and Freight）。这三种术语规定卖方交货地点为装运港，以越过船舷为划分双方风险的界限。4. Should引起的假设状语从句，相当于in case从句，汉译时一般翻译成“若.（发生）”。5. L/C为当今国际贸易中的主要货款支付方式，即信用证结算。