如何進(jìn)行外貿英譯中(一)簡(jiǎn)介篇

各位譯員早上好,之前譯博為大家分享了很多翻譯技巧與方法的文章,是否為大家的翻譯提供了便利呢?今天同樣與大家一同分享外貿領(lǐng)域英中的翻譯介紹和不同文體的技巧。 第一章 外貿英譯中簡(jiǎn)介 1 外貿英語(yǔ)特點(diǎn) 外貿英語(yǔ)(Foreign trade English),確切的說(shuō)是針
    各位譯員早上好,之前譯博為大家分享了很多翻譯技巧與方法的文章,是否為大家的翻譯提供了便利呢?今天同樣與大家一同分享外貿領(lǐng)域英中的翻譯介紹和不同文體的技巧。
第一章  外貿英譯中簡(jiǎn)介

1 外貿英語(yǔ)特點(diǎn)
外貿英語(yǔ)(Foreign trade English),確切的說(shuō)是針對外貿行業(yè)的英語(yǔ)。外貿英語(yǔ)源于普通英語(yǔ),并以此為基礎,完全具有普通英語(yǔ)的語(yǔ)言特征,但同時(shí)它又是外貿知識和普通英語(yǔ)的綜合體,因而具有其內在的獨特性,主要集中以下幾個(gè)方面:

1.1語(yǔ)言正式、精煉,用詞嚴謹、正規,詞意準確
外貿英語(yǔ)所用語(yǔ)言比較正規,常有一定的格式和套話(huà)。請看下面幾個(gè)例子:
例1 Your early reply to our specific inquiry will be highly appreciated.
譯文:如蒙早日答復我方的具體詢(xún)價(jià),將不勝感激。
這是外貿應用文中詢(xún)價(jià)函電中常用的句型之一。名詞短語(yǔ)your early reply要比if you can reply early正式精練得多,而被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)will be highly appreciated也是很正式的用語(yǔ)。
例2 Upon first presentation the buyer shall pay against document draft drawn by the seller at sight.The shipping documents are to be delivered against payment only.
譯文:買(mǎi)方憑賣(mài)方開(kāi)具的即期跟單匯票,于第一次見(jiàn)票時(shí)立即付款,付款后交單。
這是外貿合同中有關(guān)即期付款交單的托收條款。upon常用在合同、法律文書(shū)中表示“在……后立即,在…….的時(shí)候”,如:upon examination⋯ 經(jīng)審查后…….。
例3 We make you the following offer subject to your reply reaching us not later than noon time December23.
譯文:現報盤(pán)如下,此盤(pán)以貴公司12月23日中午前復到為有效。
offer意思是“報盤(pán)(包括貨名、規格、數量、價(jià)格、船期及答復期限等)”,subject to “以……為條件(為準)”,如subject to your immediate acceptance以你方立即接受為條件。

1.2內容縝密、周到,結構復雜、意思完整
由于涉及到雙方或幾方面的利益,外貿合同所給的定義、條款和內容必須精確。為了做到準確無(wú)誤,不產(chǎn)生任何差異,用英語(yǔ)擬訂、書(shū)寫(xiě)這些合同時(shí),除用詞恰當外,還會(huì )用許多從句、短語(yǔ)用來(lái)修飾或限定其內容,因此結構復雜、句子冗長(cháng),有時(shí)甚至顯得有點(diǎn)臃腫。
例4 Inspection:It is mutually agreed that the Certificate of quality and quantity or weight issued by the manufacturer shall be part of the documents for payment under relevant L/C.However,the inspection of quality and quantity or weight shall be made in accordance with the following:⋯ 譯文:商品檢驗:雙方同意以制造廠(chǎng)出具的品質(zhì)及數量或重量證明書(shū)作為有關(guān)信用證項目下付款的單據之一。但是,貨物的品質(zhì)及數量重量檢驗應按下列規定辦理:……。
句子中that the Certificate of quality and quantity or weight issued by the manufacturer shall be part of the documents for payment under relevant L/C.是主語(yǔ)從句,it是形式主語(yǔ),It is mutually agreed用的是被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài),意思相當于Both parties agreed……,但前者比后者要正式。
……issued by the manufacturer是一個(gè)過(guò)去分詞短語(yǔ),用來(lái)修飾the Certificate of quality and quantity or weight。
1.3被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)、祈使句、非謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞和情態(tài)動(dòng)詞的廣泛運用
為了做到語(yǔ)言簡(jiǎn)潔、內容表達客觀(guān)公正和有關(guān)事項描述的準確無(wú)誤,在外貿英語(yǔ)的使用中常出現大量的被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)、祈使句、非謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞、情態(tài)動(dòng)詞以及各種從句。
例5  In case the contract is concluded on CIF basis,the insurance shall be efected by the Seller for 110% of invoice value covering all risks,war risk,S.R.C.C.risks (i,e.Strike,Riot,and Civil Commotions).
譯文:在到岸價(jià)基礎上訂立的合同,將由賣(mài)方按發(fā)票金額110%投保綜合險、戰爭險,罷工險、暴亂險和民變險。
這是一份外貿合同中有關(guān)保險的內容,句子中用了被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)(is concluded,shall be effected)、非謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞(covering all risks⋯ )、情態(tài)動(dòng)詞(shal1),另外還用了in case引導的條件句。
例6 All disputes arising from the execution of,or in connection with,this contract shall be settled amicably through friendly negotiation.In case no settlement can be reached through negotiation,the case shall then be submitted for arbitration.The location of arbitration shall be in the country where the defendant has his domicile.
譯文:凡因執行本合同所發(fā)生的或與本合同有關(guān)的一切爭議,雙方應通過(guò)友好協(xié)商解決。協(xié)商不能解決的應提交仲裁,仲裁地點(diǎn)為被告戶(hù)籍所在地。
這是一份合同中有關(guān)仲裁的內容,句子中用了被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)(shall be settled,shall then be submitted)、非謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞(arising from the execution of...)和三個(gè)情態(tài)動(dòng)詞(sha11)。
例7 Washing:Soak the clothes in warm water below 30°C for a while before you brush them slightly.Dry by airing after squeezing the water out.Avoid dry cleaning,machine cleaning and drying in the sun.Don’t wring out.No coloring.
譯文:洗滌:將衣服投入30°C以下溫水浸透后取出,攤平后輕刷,漬水過(guò)凈后擠壓出水分晾干,不可擰干,不可干洗,不可機洗,不可暴曬,不準染色。
這個(gè)使用說(shuō)明書(shū)中用了許多祈使句(soak the clothes……,Dry by airing……,Avoid dry cleaning…….Don’t wring out.No coloring.)、非謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞(by airing,after squeezing)來(lái)表達一系列的命令和注意事項。

 2 外貿英譯漢翻譯標準
2.1準確
“準確”是指譯文所傳達的信息與原文傳達的信息保持一致,準確無(wú)誤。譯文要準確,就必須準確理解原文的含義,熟悉有關(guān)外貿術(shù)語(yǔ),了解有關(guān)外貿的專(zhuān)業(yè)知識。
例8 This contract is made in two originals in both English and Chinese,each party holding one. In case of any discrepancy between the two versions,the Chinese version shall prevail.
分析:prevail為動(dòng)詞,不能據字面譯為:“勝過(guò),流行,成功,占優(yōu)勢”。在透徹理解整段話(huà)之后,應該是“以中文本為準”。
全句的正確翻譯是:“本合同以中英文同時(shí)書(shū)就,一式兩份,雙方各執一份。兩種文本如有歧異,以中文本為準。
例9 Since World War II the US has been the world’s largest economy and,in most years,the world’s largest exporter.
譯文:自從第二次世界大戰以來(lái),美國一直是世界上最大的經(jīng)濟大國。在大多數年代中,它又是世界上最大的出口國。
這個(gè)句子里“economy”的本意是“經(jīng)濟”,根據上下文的意思,此處的意思是“從經(jīng)濟角度看這個(gè)國家”,這里翻譯成“經(jīng)濟大國”。

2.2地道
譯文地道有兩層含義,一是指譯文要符合譯語(yǔ)漢語(yǔ)的表達習慣,翻譯不要受英語(yǔ)表達約束,即譯文不成為英文式中文,二是指譯文要符合行業(yè)表達習慣,讀起來(lái)像是內行的人寫(xiě)成的文章,其中的術(shù)語(yǔ)、表達等都應該符合外貿文體的要求。這要求我們熟練掌握外貿文體的特點(diǎn),采用文體等值的翻譯方法。
例10 Kindly tell us what steps you a going to take in the way of compensation for the damage.
譯文:敬請告訴我方將以什么方式來(lái)補償這次損失。
這是外貿函電常用語(yǔ),“Kindly tell us…..     ”使得說(shuō)話(huà)的語(yǔ)氣顯得十分客氣,翻譯成中文 “友好地告訴我方”就沒(méi)有 “敬請告訴我方”地道。
例11 Any claim by the Buyers regarding the goods shipped shall be filed within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the port of destination specified in the relative Bill of Lading and supported by a survey report issued by surveyor approved by the seller.
譯文:買(mǎi)方對于裝運貨物的任何索賠,必須于貨到提單規定之目的地15天內提出,并須提供經(jīng)賣(mài)方同意的公證機構出具的檢驗報告。
這里claim譯為“索賠”,短語(yǔ)Bill of Lading 譯為“提單”就是行話(huà)。
例12 The shipping documents for the consignment are now with us and we shall be glad if you will arrange to collect them.
原譯:貨運單據現在我行,請安排前來(lái)領(lǐng)取。
其中“collect”譯成“領(lǐng)取”不妥,在外貿英語(yǔ)里面應該譯成“贖單”,才地道。
改譯:貨運單據現在我行,請安排前來(lái)贖單。

2.3統一

統一是指在外貿英語(yǔ)翻譯過(guò)程中所采用的“譯名、概念、術(shù)語(yǔ)等在任何時(shí)候都應該保持統一”。世界著(zhù)名的公司企業(yè)名稱(chēng)如“Dell”(戴爾),“Microsoft”(微軟),在翻譯時(shí)不能隨心所欲,譯成“德?tīng)?rdquo;“邁克羅索夫特”之類(lèi)。尤其是遇到外貿方面的術(shù)語(yǔ),更應要遵循統一原則。
例13 After we have checked the L/C carefully, we request you to make the following amendment: “Partial Shipment and Transshipment Allowed.”
原譯:經(jīng)過(guò)仔細核對信用證,茲要求貴方作如下修改:“允許部分轉運和轉船。”
其中“Partial Shipment”應該譯成“分批”。
改譯:經(jīng)過(guò)仔細核對信用證,茲要求貴方作如下修改:“允許分批和轉船。”
例14 Floating policy is of great importance for export trade; it is, in fact, a convenient method of insuring goods where a number of similar export transactions are intended, e.g. where the insured has to supply an overseas importer under an exclusive sales agreement or maintains sales representatives or subsidiary companies abroad.
原譯:
漂浮政策對出口貿易至關(guān)重要。它實(shí)際上是貨物保險中的一種便利的方法,特別適合于分不同的時(shí)間出口的一批類(lèi)似貨物,如當被保險方根據獨家代理協(xié)議書(shū)向國外的進(jìn)口方供貨,或在國外委任了銷(xiāo)售代表,設立分支機構時(shí)用之。
floating policy指用以承保多批次貨運的一種持續性長(cháng)期保險憑證,是保險常用語(yǔ),統一譯為“統保單”。
改譯:統保單對出口貿易至關(guān)重要。它實(shí)際上是貨物保險中的一種便利的方法,特別適合于分不同的時(shí)間出口的一批類(lèi)似貨物,如當被保險方根據獨家代理協(xié)議書(shū)向國外的進(jìn)口方供貨,或在國外委任了銷(xiāo)售代表,設立分支機構時(shí)用之。

 3 外貿英譯漢過(guò)程
一般而言,任何翻譯都要經(jīng)過(guò)理解、表達、復核這三個(gè)階段,外貿英譯漢也不例外。

3.1理解階段
外貿英譯漢過(guò)程中,理解是第一位的,是關(guān)鍵所在。

3.1.1詞語(yǔ)的理解
在外貿英譯漢過(guò)程中,我們應該通過(guò)上下文探求詞語(yǔ)的正確譯法,多留意常用詞語(yǔ),小心掉進(jìn)常用意義的陷阱中,不要對某些詞的確切含義或特殊用法缺乏必要的了解而發(fā)生錯譯。
例15 We'd like to inform you that our counter sample will be sent to you by express. By the end of this week and please confirm it ASAP so that we can start our mass production. Payment will be made by100% confirmed, irrevocable Letter of Credit available by sight draft。
譯文: 很高興通知您,我們的回樣將于本周末用特快專(zhuān)遞給您,請盡快確認,以便我們開(kāi)始大批生產(chǎn)。付款方式為100%即期、保兌、不可撤消信用證。
在第一個(gè)句子中,confirm的意思是“確認”。在第二個(gè)句子中,confirmed L/C為“保兌信用證”,即指一家銀行所開(kāi)的由另一家銀行保證兌付的一種銀行信用證。
例16 ①Part time barman required.Hours and salary negotiable.
②This Bill of Lading is issued in a negotiable form, so it shall constitute title to the goods and the holder, by endorsement of this B/L.
譯文:
①招聘兼職酒店保安,工作時(shí)間和薪水面議。
②所簽發(fā)的提單可商議的,故只要在提單上背書(shū), 便確定了貨物和持票人的所有權。
在第一句話(huà)中,negotiable 的意思是“可商議的”,在第二句話(huà)中的意思則是“可轉讓的”,“可轉讓提單”經(jīng)過(guò)背書(shū)后即可將所有權轉讓給他人。

 3.1.2短語(yǔ)理解
外貿英文材料當中少不了短語(yǔ),短語(yǔ)的含義豐富,在翻譯時(shí)不能想當然,一定要結合外貿語(yǔ)境。
例17 Assuming the laboratory tests go well, and you can報價(jià)具有競爭力 quote us a competitive price, we'd certainly be able to place more substantial orders on a regular basis.
譯文:若實(shí)驗室檢測合格,且你們給我們的報價(jià)具有競爭力,我們一定會(huì )定期大量定貨的。(如果把 go well 譯成“進(jìn)展順利”,就沒(méi)有那么好。)

3.1.3結構理解
在外貿英譯漢過(guò)程中不可避免的會(huì )碰到一些句子結構的理解,理解不好,就會(huì )失之毫厘差之千里。
例18 Mr.Smith said,“We don’t do business just for making money.”
錯誤譯文“我們不做生意,是為了賺錢(qián)。”
正確譯法:“我們做生意,不只是為了賺錢(qián)。”
該句否定不是對謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞的否定而是對狀語(yǔ)的否定,句子結構理解不當而導致誤譯。
例19 The lowest price may lead to the failure of business caused by inferior quality of the products.
錯誤譯文:最低的價(jià)格也可能導致因產(chǎn)品質(zhì)量低劣,成交失敗。
正確譯法:即使最低的價(jià)格也會(huì )因為產(chǎn)品質(zhì)量低劣而無(wú)法成交。
這句也是因為句子結構沒(méi)有正確把握而導致誤譯。

3.2表達階段
表達是理解后能否保證譯文成功的又一重要關(guān)鍵步驟,是理解的深化和體現。在這一過(guò)程中,譯者要注意恰到好處地再現原文的思想內容,使譯文既忠實(shí)于原作又符合譯入語(yǔ)的語(yǔ)法和表達習慣。要做到這一點(diǎn),譯者就必須在選詞用字、組詞成句、組句成篇上下工夫,在技巧運用上下工夫。在譯文語(yǔ)言條件許可的情況下,譯文即保持原文的內容,又保持原文的形式。當原文的思想內容與譯文的表達形式有矛盾不宜采用直譯法處理時(shí),就應采用意譯法。意譯要求譯文能正確表達原文的內容,但可以不拘泥于原文的形式。
例20 Textile finishes have in general become a "no-no" in today's market place, thanks to many reasons, says a representative of fiber producer.
誤譯:
一位纖維廠(chǎng)家代表說(shuō),紡織物整理劑在今天的市場(chǎng)上已經(jīng)到無(wú)人問(wèn)津的地步,是由于許多原因。
此句表達不同于漢語(yǔ)先因后果的思維方式,需要進(jìn)行倒譯。
改譯:
一位纖維廠(chǎng)家代表說(shuō),由于許多原因,紡織物整理劑在今天的市場(chǎng)上已經(jīng)到無(wú)人問(wèn)津的地步。
例21 We shall appreciate any help you can give Mr. Jones and will always be happy to reciprocate.
我們將感激你給與瓊斯先生的任何幫助,并且總是很高興報答。
這個(gè)句子的譯文死摳原文形式,死摳字典釋義,翻譯腔嚴重,讓人難以明白其意思,可改譯為:謹希幫助,不甚感激。
例22 (Currently we, working with 27 enterprises) and every year we are adding between ten and twenty investments to our client list
譯文:(目前,我公司正與27家企業(yè)進(jìn)行合作,)而每年都有10個(gè)至20個(gè)新的公司加入到我們的客戶(hù)名單上。
顯然,“加入到我們的客戶(hù)名單上”與原文的"adding...to our client list”是逐字對應式的硬譯。更為地道的漢語(yǔ)翻譯應該是(我公司)“每年都增加10至20個(gè)新客戶(hù)”。
例23 Global Capital,formed in 1997,is a specialist in financing high-growth, high-tech companies.
譯文:成立于1997年的環(huán)球資本公司,是高增長(cháng)、高科技公司融資領(lǐng)域的專(zhuān)家。
若將譯文的主干抽出來(lái),便是“公司是⋯⋯專(zhuān)家”,這樣的表達在漢語(yǔ)中顯然不通。實(shí)際上,更為自然的漢語(yǔ)翻譯應是“環(huán)球資本公司成立于1997年,是一家專(zhuān)門(mén)為高增長(cháng)、高科技公司提供融資服務(wù)的公司”。

 3.3復核階段:
按照翻譯標準,對文章的復核,是一個(gè)十分重要的環(huán)節。所選用詞、語(yǔ)、短語(yǔ)、句、是否表達原文內容、是否符合漢語(yǔ)表達習慣,盡力使語(yǔ)言盡善盡美。
復核階段一般應特別注意以下幾點(diǎn):
① 復核譯文在人命、地名、日期、方位、數字等方面有無(wú)錯漏,尤其是數字,翻譯不當,會(huì )給公司帶來(lái)巨大損失;
② 復核譯文的段、句、或重要的詞有無(wú)錯漏;
例24 Without prejudice to any rights which exist under the applicable laws or under the Subcontract,the Contractor shall be entitled to withhold or defer payment of all or part of any sums otherwise due by the Contractor to the Subcontractor.
原譯:承包商根據適當的法律或分包合同在對擁有的任何權利不帶成見(jiàn)的條件下,應該有權扣留或暫緩支付在不同情況下應由承包商支付給分包商的任何全部或部分金額。
上例中的“prejudice”一詞本身有“成見(jiàn)”、“損害”之義,而該句中的“Without prejudice to”則表示“不使合法權益受損害”,這一短語(yǔ)在合同中經(jīng)常出現。
改譯:承包商根據適當的法律或分包合同在對擁有的任何權利不受損害的條件下,應該有權扣留或暫緩支付在不同情況下應由承包商支付給分包商的任何全部或部分金額。
例25 We are happy to consider investment at any development stage from seed through start up and introduction to the market to initial public offering.
原譯:對于處在任何一個(gè)初期發(fā)展階段的公司,不論是在剛剛起步,還是即將上市,我們都樂(lè )意給予考慮。
原文談到公司發(fā)展初期的三個(gè)階段:from seed through start up and introduction to the market;譯文卻只有兩個(gè)階段“不論是在剛剛起步,還是即將上市”,漏譯了“籌辦階段”( seed) .
改譯:對于處在任何一個(gè)初期發(fā)展階段的公司,不論是籌辦階段,起步階段,還是即將上市,我們都樂(lè )意給予考慮投資。
③通常必須復核兩遍,第一遍著(zhù)重符合內容,第二遍著(zhù)重潤飾文字。如果時(shí)間允許,再把校核兩遍的譯文對照原文通讀一遍,做最后一次的檢查、修改,務(wù)使所有問(wèn)題都得到解決,譯文才算是定稿。

 一、Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese and pay attention to the meaning of the word underlined in each sentence.
⑴①We'd like to inform you that our counter sample will be sent to you by DHL.By the end of this week and please confirm it ASAP so that we can start our mass production.
②Payment will be made by100% confirmed, irrevocable Letter of Credit available by sight draft。
⑵①You may get a 5% discount if your order is on a regular basis.
②If a seller extends credit to a time draft, they have made a trade acceptance.The seller can request that the bank finance the transaction by buying the draft.The bank is said to discount the draft.
⑶①Our products have been endorsed by the National Quality Inspection Association.
②Draft must be accompanied by full set original on board marine Bill of Lading made out to order,endorsed in blank,marked freight prepaid.
⑷①I(mǎi)f a particular cargo Is partially damaged,the damage is called particular average.
②It's obvious that the products are below the average quality.
⑸①Under CIF, it is the seller's obligation to tender the relative documents to the buyer to enable him to obtain delivery of the goods, if they arrive, or to recover for the loss, if they are lost on the voyage.
②He became as exhilarated as if his tender for building a mansion had been accepted.

二、Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese.
① We will open an irrevocable L/C in your favor through the First National City Bank,New York,to cover the total CIF value of this order.
② The credit which evidences shipment of 2000 tons of steels may be used against presentation of the shipping documents.
③ We hereby confirm having sold to you the following goods on terms and conditions as set forth below.
④ In order to cover ourselves for this shipment,we have drawn on Chemical Bank,New York by sigh draft for US$10.000 under L/C
⑤ Steadily rising prices over the past few years have been a common experience and our own costs have continued to follow the general trend.
⑥While manufacturing,the traditional engine of economic growth in Britain,continues to play a vital role,recent decades have generally seen a faster growth in the sevices sector,in response to rising living standards.
⑦ The further expansion of your exports on our market will depend on your continued efforts to broaden and diversify your products range into markets where there is real demand.
⑧ Please understand that we did make our utmost in getting supplies from other manufacturers in vain.
⑨Even if according to some way, the party B with the written agreement specially by party A , this kind of use should immediately stop and the cancellation when this agreement expires or the termination.
⑩Termination: both sides of the Agreement should earnestly responsibly carry out each provision. Under the following condition, each side should inform by the written notification to another side terminate this agreement immediately or cancel some part:

文章轉自:CONTRACTUS的博客
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