谈商务英语的翻译技巧

1、谈商务英语的翻译技巧An Analysis of Translation Techniques of Business EnglishWith the development of globalization, exchanges of economy and culture among different countries are becoming more and more frequent. Business English translation, as a tool and bridge of communication, plays a significant role in t

2、his course. This thesis analyzes some of the typical techniques widely employed in translation and is a systematic study of the translation techniques in business English, which aims to achieve a better understanding of business English translation techniques.Firstly, this thesis briefly describes s

3、ome related conception of business English translation, and those specific theories and criteria for the translation of business English. Secondly, this thesis discusses from words to sentences with the support of many examples to analyze on translation techniques of business English. Then, this the

4、sis provides two specific examples to illustrate the general translation techniques and to apply the theory to practice, so as to exemplify the various situations that may occur in business English. Business English refers to translation activities involved in business operation. It has made and wil

5、l continuously make great contributions to the development of economy, science and technology in China.随着全球化的发展,世界各国之间的经济文化交流日趋频繁。商务英语翻译作为 交流手段和媒介在这一过程中发挥了至关重要的作用。本文是通过一些典型的商 务英语翻译技巧的分析和对商务英语翻译技巧的系统研究，旨在对商务英语翻译 技巧有一个更好的理解。本文首先简单介绍了商务英语翻译的相关概念，以及具体适用于国际商务英语翻 译的理论标准。其次，主要从词,句角度进行了商务英语翻译技巧的具体分析， 并以大量例子

6、作为支持。最后，本文通过翻译两篇特定实例进一步介绍理论联系 实践的具体运用。对商务英语中出现的各种情况作充分的说明。并指出商务英语 翻译指涉及商务运作的一切翻译活动，一直以来为中国经济、科技等方面的发展 作出不可多得的贡献。IntroductionTraditionally, translation has been regarded as a process of changing one language into another one. Therefore, language analysis and textual contrast became the main tasks in

7、translation research. As global transcultural communication is being widened, people come to realize that translation is actually a communicative activity. A number of scholars began to study translation from the angle of the inner structure of languages and of the effects of languages upon context

8、and social activities. In the West, Translation is not only a science but also an art discussed by clause of time, the adverbial clause of condition, the adverbial clause of purpose and the adverbial clause of manner in business English.In English, the use of the tense and voice of verbs as well as

9、of auxiliary verbs will affect the position of an adverbial clause of time, which can be very flexible at the beginning, in the middle or even at the end of a sentence. Such a clause maybe separated by other components from the verb that it modifies. But in Chinese, the time clause is usually placed

10、 before the verb that it modifies. So in translating a business contract that contains time clauses, we should first consider the position for the time clauses, so as to avoid looseness in structure or possible ambiguity.E.g. (10) Within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this Contr

11、act, the Buyer shall proceed to pay the price.The time clause “within 30 days.” is at the beginning of this sentence to specify the time of payment, which seems to conform to the Chinese style of writing. But, pragmatically speaking, most of the time clauses in business contracts help to specify the

12、 time when to enjoy the rights or when to perform the obligations, which are made very clear for the contracting parties. The key here is the time for the activity other than the activity itself. In other words, this kind of sentences emphasizes not what to do, but when to do it. And the time clause

13、s beginning with “after should better be translated as 之日起for the purpose of rigorousness. So in Chinese we should take the structure of subject-time clause-predicate-object so that the time clause can be close enough to the verb for the full expression of the limitation period. The translation woul

14、d thus be:“买方须于本合同签字生效之日起三十天付款。International business contracts are written documents indicating the agreement between the parties thereto on their rights and obligations. But the carrying out of these rights and obligations usually presupposes various conditions. Only after these conditions are met

15、 can the rights and obligations be carried out. So many conditional clauses are used in international business contracts. There are usually two kinds of conditional clauses. One is condition of supposition. Clauses of this type generally begin with if should, in case, or in the event of/that to expr

16、ess the supposed conditions on which each party to the contract can enjoy the rights or should perform the obligations. The emphasis here for these kinds of sentences is on the main clause. The other is condition of prerequisite. Such clauses are led by provided (that)”. Pragmatically, they express

17、the specific condition whose existence is a conditions on which each party to a contract may carry out some emphasis for these kinds of sentences is on the subordinate clauses words, are more important activity. So the which, in other words, are more important. Lets look at some specific examples.E.

18、g. (11) The Buyer shall have the right to claim against the Seller for compensation of losses within 60 days after arrival of the goods at the port of destination, should the quality of the goods be found not in conformity with the specifications stipulated in this Contract after re-inspection by. t

19、he China entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau. The Buyers shall have right to claim against the Sellers for compensation of short weight within 60 days after arrival of the goods at the port of destination, should the weight be found not in conformity with that stipulated in the Bill of Ladin

20、g after re-inspection by the China Entry-Exit Inspection, and Quarantine Bureau.In English, the position for conditional clauses is very flexible. They can be placed at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence, depending on the appropriateness of the writing. Bearing in mind the diff

21、erent idiomatic ways of saying things, we should make appropriate adjustments in translation. His article is made up of two sentences of a similar structure, i.e. a main clause followed by a conditional clause. Each of them has their own time adverbials. We had better put the conditional clauses at

22、the beginning in translation.若货物经中国进出口商品检验检疫局复验后发现质量与本合同之规定不符，买方 有权于货物抵达目的港之日起60天内向卖方提出索赔。若经中国进出口商品检 验检疫局复验发现货物重量与提单所示重量不符，买方有权于货物抵达目的港之 日起60天内向卖方提出短量索赔。We have mentioned that in Chinese, an adverbial clause is usually put at the beginning of a sentence with the main clause at the end. But with resp

23、ect to clauses expressing a condition of prerequisite, we cannot put it the same way, because pragmatically speaking, this kind of clause is quite important in function.E.g. (12) If any change is required regarding the terms and conditions of this Agreement, then both parties shall negotiate in orde

24、r to find a suitable solution, provided, however. That any change of this Agreement shall be subject to the approval by the governments of, both parties.If in translation we use 若or 如果and put it at the beginning of a sentence, the difference from a clause expressing a condition of supposition will b

25、e weakened or even lost. This sentence contains two adverbial clauses, one is led by if to express a condition of supposition and the other one is led by provided to express a condition of prerequisite. As they have different pragmatic functions, they should be treated differently. The translation,

26、therefore, will read:若须对本协议的条款进行任何修改，双方须经协商妥善解决，但本协议的任何修 改须经协议双方政府的批准。Purpose clauses in English and those in Chinese are not quite the same. In English business contracts, purpose clauses are usually led by in order to./ so as or “so (such).that./7. The former one can be at the beginning or the end

27、 of a sentence, while the latter two can only be at the end of a sentence. Pragmatically, in business contracts, the articles with purpose clauses express the activities or obligations one party is to undertake or perform to achieve some purpose. That is to say, comparatively, the purpose clauses ar

28、e of minor importance, which should be put at the end of the sentences. Generally, they can be translated as “以便so as to keep the same order as English. Let us examine the following examples.E.g. (13) In order to assist preparation for production facilities in Guangzhou, investor shall provide assis

29、tance including supply of the following data and information.This is a simple sentence with a purpose clause. We can translate it in the way mentioned above.投资方将提供包括以下数据和信息等的支持，以便在广州进行生产没备的准备工 作。Adverbial clauses of manner in English business contracts are usually in front of or behind the verb they

30、 attribute, led by adverbs or prepositions. Pragmatically, they are usually prescriptive, defining the way one party should take when carrying out some activity. In such a contract, even if one party has carried out his obligations, he will still violate the contract if he did not carry it out in a

31、proper way. Therefore the pattern clauses are quite important, though they may be simple in structure. In Chinese language usage, manner clauses are usually in front of the verb, which is contrary to the English usage. Let us examine the following examples.E.g. (14) The Equipment and Material shall

32、be carefully and properly packed in the best and stable condition according to the figure and characteristics of the Equipment and Materials so as to withstand long-distance sea and inland transportation and numerous handlings.The pattern clause in this article is quite complicated. We should theref

33、ore make adjustment to the language so that it can conform to the Chinese language usage.设备和原料须依据其形状和特点以妥善而牢固的方式细心妥当地包装。包装须适 合于长途海、陆运输、并能经受多次装卸.4 Applying the Theory to Practice in Business EnglishTranslating Business English Company IntroductionCompany introduction is the first name card to custome

34、rs. In the first section of product brochure, catalogue, advertisement, and website with the titles of About Us or Quick Glance, there must be a Company Introduction. In translating company introduction, linguistically, ambiguity and obscurity should be avoided. Now make some special illustration to

35、 explain it.E.g. (15) DuPont is a science company, delivering science-based solutions in markets such as food and nutrition, health care, apparel, home and construction, electronics and transportation.杜邦是一间科学公司，成功地把科学应用于食物、营养品、健康护理、衣服、家 居、电气、运输等方面。A long sentence in the simple present tense is often

36、 used as the company definition, which is served to offer a recapitulative concept about the company with the words like science solution, world wide, national newest, modern. Definition or “Who am I? is an essential section to provide the first impression. With the intent to keep the integrity and

37、style of the source language, it is advisable to keep the form and structure in the target language. Free translation is employed when translating delivering science-based solutions in into 把科学应用于 方面，rather than 把以科学为基础的解决方法传递在方面.成功地is added to enhance the success of the company, it is an applicatio

38、n of word addition in translation.E.g. (16)Two hundred years ago, DuPont was primarily an explosives company. One hundred years ago, our focus turned to global chemicals, materials and energy Today, entering our third century, we deliver science-based solutions that make real differences in real liv

39、es. Look closely at the things around your home youll find a DuPont imprint.两个世纪前杜邦最初是一家炸药公司，一个世纪后杜邦转变为从事化学、材料和 能源为主的跨国公司。今天，杜邦迈进了第三个世纪，将继续致力于用科学技术 改变日常生活。看看您周围的家居物品，您会发现有不少产品与杜邦有关.Company history is served to render the explorative history in the past and the promising prospect in the future. Words

40、 should be consistent in the whole paragraph. For example, “hundred is to be translated as 世纪or 百年,but 世 纪and 百年cannot occur in the same paragraph. This is the same reason why “our focus turned to global chemical, materials and energy is translated as 杜邦转 变从事化学、材料和能源为主的跨国公司 rather than 我们的中心业务转为全球 性

41、的化学、材料和能源 All the words of the first person Jour Jwe，are to be translated as 杜邦to reinforce the impression of the company. Word addition is also applied in translating this sentence,“公司is added to state the company nature. Free translation is valid in the translation. z/lmprintz, 烙is used to refer t

42、o many products directly or indirectly from DuPont in daily life, such as the Teflon, Coated cooking wares and Lycra. Fiber shirts, which have or do not have DuPonts trade marks, z/lmprint, actually means products having connection with DuPont, so it is better to be translated as 有不少产品与杜邦有关,rather t

43、han 不少产品都烙 上杜邦的烙印Free translation is preferred to literal translation in this case.E.g. (17) Our ability to adapt to change and our foundation of unending scientific inquiry enabled this two-century journey to becoming one of the worlds most innovative companies. But, in the face of constant change,

44、 innovation and discovery, our core values have remained constant: commitment to safety, health and the environment; integrity and high ethical standards; and treating people with fairness and respect.得益于灵活多变的政策和坚持不懈的科学探索，风风雨雨两个世纪，今天杜邦己 发展成最具创造力的公司之一。尽管如此，面对瞬息万变的形势，我们一如既往 地坚持创新、探索，坚守杜邦核心价值:对安全、健康及环境

45、的承诺;忠诚及恪守 职业操守:公平待人、尊重他人。Free translation is used to put emphasis on the cause-and-effect relationship in this sentence, /ability/, and “foundation are the reasons for the one of the worlds most innovative companies, so it is better to translate it as ”得益于 than 我6 的应变能力和坚持不懈使.Word addition is also a

46、pplied here. An adjectivephrase “风风雨雨 is put before 两个世纪 to emphasize the hardship of survival and development of this company in such a long journey. Dissimilation occurs in the translation of innovation and discovery, our core values have remained constant.“Constant is translated as “坚持and 坚守 for

47、innovation and discovery and “core value.Translating Business English LetterBusiness letter is usually composed of heading, inside address, salutation, body, closing sentence, complimentary closing and signature. Some also have caption or reference. The purpose of business letter is to communicate o

48、r negotiate business, so the main idea of the whole letter should be stressed prominently. Formal language is required. Correctness, conciseness, and courtesy, known as 3Cs are the essential elements. Translation requirement and methods have been discussed in many studies and literatures. The follow

49、ing example is an attempt to introduce a special method for business letter translation.E.g. (18) Dear Mr. (name),Thank you for your order of October 15.We regret to state that our investigation of your credit standing shows that your firm is not a good credit risk.We hope that you will understand o

50、ur position in this matter as we want you business, but we operate on so small a margin of profit that we dare not risk any credit losses.You stated that 20 tons of PET chips could fill your needs for the next two months. In that case we think we would be placing no hardship on you if we ask you to

51、order C.O.D.If you still want to place an order with us, we shall be glad to take care of it. As you know, our workmanship is better and our prices are lower than any of our competitors.Yours truly(Signature)Enterprise translators are not always required to translate the whole business letter. Somet

52、imes selection translation is accepted and necessary. Reading the whole letter before translating is necessary for grasping the main and core idea. Details of time, place, commercial terms and condition must be clear and correct.The key words in the above letter are order of October 15,20 tons of PE

53、T chips, and C.OD. (C.O.D is short for Xash On Delivery). So the whole letter can be briefly translated as:LO月15日之20吨PET切片订单以货到付款为盼.ConclusionThe goal of this thesis is to conduct a systematic discussion of the translation techniques in business English, which goes from the theories of translation t

54、o the practices. Through reviewing the theories and criteria for general translation, I have arrived at the criteria for business English translation, hoping to set a standard and guideline on how to deal with specific translations.Considering the complicated structures of business contracts, especi

55、ally the various adverbial clauses contained in them, I have specifically analyzed four types of adverbial clauses in international business contracts, with examples and analyses.The business English translation methods include: literal translation, free translation, transliteration, word addition,

56、word omission and conversion. Translating skills can be grasped not only through theoretical learning, but also through practice. Under the guidance of the general theories of translation, the particularity of specific translation activities, business translation, asks for the combination of general

57、 theories and specific translation activities. As business English has become more specialized than before, with its contents tending to be more accurate and complete, I explore two novel and specific criterion that should be abided by in Business English translation.Business English translation has

58、 made and will continuously make great contributions to the economic and technological development in China. Translators will face more and more challenges due to the rapid renovation of science and technology, and the thriving economy in China.(Nida 35). The current status of business English trans

59、lation study can be summarized as follows: First, translation of law, contract and bidding documents has been more fully studied than that of other texts. The possible reason is that it has lots of distinguished features in style and terms. Second, many papers and books about terminology and word se

60、lection have been published since most people think the greatest difficulty in translation is glossary. It is absolutely correct to say that translation in a sense is to comprehend and to be comprehended. Correct understanding of the designative and associative meanings of the source text is more im