第十一章 商务合同的翻译
全球化浪潮汹涌而来，中国的改革开放方兴未艾。由于经济领域的国际交往日趋频繁，经济合作更加密切，商务合同在国际经济活动的作用越来越突出。商务合同是对商务活动中双方当事人具有约束力的法律文体，由于当今世界各国的国际经贸合同多用英文写成，所以对于新世纪的商务人才来说，学习商务合同的翻译是一项急迫而又重要的任务。合同英语属于法律语言的范畴。本章拟从商务合同的概念等基础入手，结合法律语言的特点，浅谈商务合同英译的一些问题。
第一节 商务合同的基础知识
一、概念与文体
虽然国内外对合同的定义各不相同，但都有一个共同点：合同是对各当事方进行法律性约束的协议（A contract is an agreement, which legally binds the parties concerned）。比如，1999年中国《合同法》规定，“合同是平等主体的自然人、法人、其他组织之间设立、变更、终止民事权利义务关系的协议”（Contacts referred to in this Law are agreements establishing, modifying and terminating the civil rights and obligations between subjects of equal footing, that is, between natural persons, legal persons or other organizations）。在由Steven H. Gifts编著的“Law Dictionary”中，contract被定义为“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助，在某种意义上，法律将履行该承诺看作是一种补偿。综上可见，合同是平等主体之间设立的确定民事权利和义务的法律协议。
商务合同是依法成立的法律性文件，自有其特殊的文体特征。通常所谓的“文体（style）”是指人们运用语言时，总是根据一定的交际内容、交际目的和交际场合，来选取一定的表达形式，即所谓的语言风格；这种风格，既要适应交际对象，又受到特定语言环境的制约。根据美国语言学家Martin Joos 1962年的分类，合同英语属于庄重文体（the frozen style），是各种英语文体中正式程度最高的一种。总体来说，这种正式性体现在内容的专业性、语言的严谨性和结构的完整性等方面。本章第二、三节将结合合同英语的文体特征，从词汇和句法两方面，就商务合同的翻译问题进行详细的阐述。
二、分类与结构
国际商务合同种类繁多，内容庞杂。根据当事人之间的权利和义务关系，主要可做如下分类：国际货物销售合同（Contracts for International Sale of Goods）、国际技术转让合同（Contracts for International Technology Transfer）、中外合资经营合同（Contracts for Sino-foreign Joint Ventures）、中外合作经营合同（Contracts for Sino-foreign Contractual Joint Ventures）、国际工程承包合同（Contracts for International Engineering Projects）、补偿贸易合同（Contracts for Compensation Trade）、中外合作开采自然资源合同（Contracts for Sino-foreign Cooperation Development of Natural Resources）、涉外劳务合同（Contracts for Foreign Labor Services）、国际租赁合同（Contracts for International Leasing Affairs）、涉外信贷合同（Contracts for Sino-foreign Credits and Loans）、国际BOT投资合同（Contracts for International Build-Operate-Transfer），等。
按照格式的繁简程度的不同，国际商务合同可以采取正式合同（Contract）、协议书（Agreement）、确认书（Confirmation）、备忘录（Memorandum）、定单（Order）等书面形式。在合同签订和履行过程中，当事人之间往来的信函、电子邮件、电报等也是合同的组成部分，同样具有一定的法律效力。但是，为了顺利、准确无误地完成合同的履行，保护当事人各方的合法权益，所有商业往来应以合同、协议书和确认书的订立为前提和基础。
从结构上看，国际商务合同一般包含如下四个部分[1]，具体说明如下：
（一）合同名称（Title）：即合同标题，表明了合同的内容和性质。例如，销货合同（Sales Contract）、技术转让协议（Technology Transfer Agreement）、股份收购合约（Share Purchase Agreement）等。
（二）前文（Preamble）：
A. 订约日期和地点（Date and place of signing）：签订的时间一般是合同生效的时间，签定的地点关系到合同申诉的地点和适用的法律法规。
B. 合同当事人及其国籍、主营业所或住所[2]（Signing parties and their nationalities, principal place of business or residence addresses）：当事人的姓名或经营单位的名称及法定地址。
c.当事人合法依据（Each party’s authority，比如，该公司是“按当地法律正式组织而存在的”（a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of ×××）。
D. 订约缘由/鉴于条款（Recitals or WHEREAS clause）：这是合同合法性的重要表述，至少要表明订立双方出自自愿并谋求达到一致的协议。
例如：
This Contract is made this 20th date of DEC., 2010 in Dalian, China by and between Sweetland (Full Name) Company under the Law of China, having its registered address in Dalian, its legal address being (hereinafter referred to as the “Buyer”) and ABC (Full Name) Company under the Law of , having its registered address in , its legal address being (hereinafter referred to as the “Seller”).
Where as the Seller possesses know-how for the designing, manufacturing, and marketing of ;
Whereas the Seller has the right and desires to transfer the above-signed know-how to the Buyer;
Whereas the Buyer desires to design, manufacture, sell and export by using the Licensor’s know-how.
Therefore, in considering of the premises and the mutual conveniences, the Buyer agrees to buy and the Seller agrees to sell the following goods on the terms and conditions as follows:
本合同由依中国法律成立的香州（全称）公司，其登记注册地在大连，法定地址为 （以下简称买方）和依 法律成立的ABC（全称）公司，其登记注册地在 ，法定地址为 （以下简称卖方）于2010年12月20日在中国大连订立。
鉴于卖方拥有 专有技术的所有权，有权设计、生产以及销售；
鉴于卖方有权且愿意将以上专有技术转让给买方；
鉴于买方愿意使用卖方的专有技术进行设计、生产、销售以及出口。
因此，根据以上情况及双方的意愿，双方同意达成如下合同条款：
（三）正文（Main Body）：
A. 一般条款（General Terms and Conditions）；
B. 特殊条款（Other Conditions）。所谓“特殊条款”，是指只有在某些特定性质的合约中才会出现的条款，例如合资契约中通常会约定当事人合资成立的公司由谁来管理，董事与监察人由谁来担任等等问题，但是抵押契约就不会有这些约定。反过来说，抵押契约中一定要记载的抵押品项目、抵押期限等等，在合资契约中就不会出现。再如，由于当事人双方来自不同背景，各自对某些关键词的解释和使用也不完全一样，就有必要在合同中添加“定义条款”（Definition Clause），把相关的重要词汇、专有名词和术语加以解释和说明，以确定其含义。定义条款常见于下列类型的合同中，如“合作生产合同”（Contract for Co-production），“专有技术合同”（Contract for Know-how），“成套设备技术引进合同”（Contract for Introduction of Complete Plant and Technology），“合资经营企业合同”（Contract for Joint Ventures）等。
例如：
For the purpose of this Contract, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Patents” means those letters patent, unity models and applications therefor presently owned or hereafter acquired by Party B and/or which Party B has or may have the right to control grant License thereof during the term hereof in any or all countries of the world and which are applicable to or may be used in the manufacture of the Product.
(2) “Technical Information” means confidential engineering data,drawings,specifications and production procedures,brochures,catalogs and all other technical information necessary to the manufacture,operation, sale and service of the product, which are owned or hereafter acquired by Party B and/or which Party B has or may have the right to control and furnish to Party A during the term of this Contract.
本合同中下列术语的含义为：
（1）“专利”，是指乙方目前拥有的或未来获得的和有权或可能有权控制的，或在本合同有效期间在世界任何国家许可转让的，适用于或可能适用于制造本合同产品的专利，实用新型及专利申请。
（2）“技术资料”，是指乙方拥有的和此后获得的和在协议有效期间乙方有权或可能有权控制并提供给甲方的秘密技术资料、图纸、设计说明书、生产程序、小册子、目录以及生产、操作、销售、维修合同产品所需要的其他资料。
（四）结尾条款（WITNESS Clause）：
A. 结尾语，包括份数、使用的文字和效力等（Concluding Sentence），有时还包括对合同进行修改或补充的内容或附件；
B. 签名（Signature）；
c.盖印（Seal）。
合同的结尾条款，也称合同最后条款。结尾条款主要应明确的内容有：合同使用的文字及其效力（languages in which the contract is to be written and its validity）。除了明确使用的文字及其效力外，有时还应订立对合同进行修改或补充的内容。如果合同中订有附件，应在合同中另立一章列出附件的具体内容，并明确在合同的结尾部分规定附件为本合同不可分割的组成部分。
例如：
This Contract is made out in two originals, each copy written in Chinese and English languages, both texts being equally valid. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.
The annexes as listed in Article 10 to this Contract shall form an integral part of this Contract.
Any amendment and/or supplement to this contract shall valid only after the authorized representatives of both parties have signed written document(s), forming integral part(s) of this Contract.
This Contract shall come into force after the signatures by the authorized representatives of both parties.
本合同正文一式两份，分别以中文和英文书写，两种文本具有同等效力。若对其解释产生异议，则以中文本为准。
本合同第10章列出的附件为本合同不可分割的组成部分。
本合同的任何修改和补充，只有在双方授权的代表在书面文件上签字后才能生效，并成为本合同不可分割的组成部分。
本合同将在双方授权代表签字后正式生效。
三、商务合同的主要内容
合同的内容由当事人约定；结合1999年中国《合同法》第12条的规定，合同的主要内容一般包含以下条款：
A. 当事人的名称或者姓名和住所（Titles or names of the parties and the domiciles thereof）；
B. 合同签订的日期和地点（Date and place of signature of the contract）；
c.合同的类型和合同标的的种类、范围（Type of the contract and the kind, scope of the subject matter of the contract）；
D. 合同标的的技术条件、质量、标准、规格、数量等（Technical conditions, quality, standard, specifications and quantities of the subject matter of the contract）；
E. 履约期限、地点和方式（Time limit, place and method of performance）；
F. 价格条件、支付金额、支付方式和其他附加费用（Terms of price, amount and way of payment and various additional charges）；
G. 合同能否转让和转让条件（Whether the contract could be assigned or conditions for assignment）；
H. 违反合同的赔偿和其他责任（Compensation and other liabilities for breach of the contract）；
I. 合同发生争议时的解决办法（Ways of settlement of disputes in case of disputes arising from the contract）；
J. 合同使用的文字及其效力（Languages to be used in the contract and their validity）。
第二节 合同英语的词汇特点及翻译要点
商务合同属于庄重文体，用词极其考究，具有特定性和严肃的风格。总体上看，合同的词汇特点体现在以下两大方面：
一、用词专业，具有法律意味（Professional or Legal）
合同是法律性的正式书面文件，多使用专业术语；这些术语是合同语言准确表达的保障。不同的商务合同有不同的专业术语，如销售合同有关于销售的术语，技术转让合同有技术转让方面的术语，承包招标合同有承包招标的术语。合同英语与专业类别息息相关，一个词在不同专业中含义也不尽相同，因此在翻译过程中要注意以下几点。
（一）根据不同的专业来确定词义。比如：
(1) The premium rates vary with differed interests insured.
(2) If the buyer fails to pay any account when due, the buyer shall be liable to pay the seller overdue interest on such unpaid amount from the due date until the actual date of payment at the rate of five percent per annum, such overdue interest shall be paid upon demand of the seller.
(3) The articles of our immediate interest are your “CHON-HOI” brand Agricultural Washing Machines.
以上三句均含有“interest”一词，但是由于行业背景的不同，其意义也大相径庭。第一句出自保险业，意思是“被保险的货物”；第二句源于国际贸易，意思是“一方由于未能支付到期的应付款项而向另一方支付的利息”；而第三句属于营销业，此时的interest则应译成“对什么产品、品牌感兴趣”。由此可见，在合同翻译过程中，要特别注意专业性的问题。
（二）注意合同本身的术语
合同自身也有大量具有法律特性的合同术语。比如，“权利和义务”（rights and obligations）、“仲裁”（arbitration）、“终止”（termination）、“不可抗力”（force majeure）、“管辖”（jurisdiction）等。这些专业或法律术语的语义相对固定单一，通常无法用其他词语代替，任何人在任何情况下都必须对它们作同一解释。所以在翻译的过程中，译者要对这些词语在一般文体中和法律文体中的意义进行区分。例如：
请再看以下几例：
（4）The contractor shall assure full responsibility for the entire project work until its acceptance. 初始译文：在项目接收之前，承包方应对工程承担全部责任。
（5）full set clean on board marine Bill of Lading issued to the order of the shipper and blank endorsed. 初始译文：承运人签发的全套整洁、已装船的海运提单，空白背书。
（6）The payment shall be made by confirmed, irrevocable and documentary L/C.
初始译文：付款方式为经确认的、不可撤销的、书面信用证。
在以上三句中，acceptance、clean、to the order of、confirmed和documentary的翻译均未能完全真实表示合同意思，这些词的中文完整意思分别是“验收”、“清洁”、“以……为抬头”、“保兑的”和“跟单”。由以上各例可见，由于对商务合同中专业词汇的错误理解和翻译，从而传达了一种错误信息从而可能引发法律纠纷。
（三）注意一些以here、there或where等作前缀的副词。这些虚词的使用使得句子简练、严谨，从而显示出该类语言正规、严肃、权威等文体特征。下表中的词语均是约定俗成的特殊用语。一个简单的理解方法是：here代表this，there代表that，where代表what/which。
比如：
（7）We hereby certify to the best of our knowledge that the foregoing statement is true and correct and all available information and data has been supplied herein, and that we agree to show you documentary proof upon your request.
特此声明，据我们所知，上述声明内容真实，正确无误，并提供了全部现有资料和数据。我们同意应贵方要求出具证明文件。
从语法的角度分析，本句中hereby的语法功能为副词，在这句中是强调所说明、证明的内容，因此可译为“特此”。
除了语法分析法之外，还可以运用奈达的动态等值理论，将前后语篇综合起来考虑，并寻求合适的、最对等的词意，用旧体词来保持商务合同的庄重、严肃的文体风格，比如：
（8）The undersigned hereby certify that the goods to be supplied are made in USA.
下列签署人兹保证所供应之货物系在美国国内制造。
（9）The titles to the articles are for convenience of reference only, not part of this contract and shall not in any way affect the interpretation thereof.
（本协议）各条款之标题仅为查阅方便，非本协议之构成部分。
在前一句中，“hereby”一词翻译成了“兹”，这是一个经常在中文商务合同中使用的词，符合法律文书的文体特征。另外两个旧体词“之”和“系”显示合同翻译风格正式而紧凑的典型特点；在后一个例子中，根据上下文来看，“thereof”一词的意思是“of the said contract”，译为“本合同的”。此句中的“thereof”相当于“of that”，然而，奈达的动态等值理论的原则是用最合适的对等词来表达源出语的意义，所以“that”可以用“the said contract”来代替。如将“the said contract”综合全句来看，则其最对等的译文为“上述内容”。
（四）注意may、shall、should、will、may not、shall not等词语的法律内涵
May、shall、should、will、may not、shall not等词的确很常见，但是在合同中这些词具有特殊的意义，所以翻译起来要极其谨慎，避免引起纠纷。
a. May：在表示合同上的权利（Right）、权限（Power）或特权（Privilege）的场合中使用。若表示某种权利在法律上具有强制性的时候，更多的是“be entitled”。
b. Shall：在合同中并不是单纯的将来时，一般用它来表示法律上可以强制执行的义务（Obligation）。如未履行，即视为违约，并构成某种赔偿责任。所以，shall在译文里，通常表示“应该”或“必须”，当然，也有不翻译的时候。例如：
（10）The parties hereto shall, first of all, settle any dispute arising from or in connection with the contract by friendly negotiations. Should such negotiations fail, such dispute may be referred to the People’s Court having jurisdiction on such dispute for settlement in the absence of any arbitration clause in the disputed contract or in default of agreement reached after such dispute occurs.
双方应首先通过友好协商，解决因合同而发生的或与合同有关的争议。如果协商未果，合同中又无仲裁条款约定或争议发生后未就仲裁达成协议的，可将争议提交有管辖权的人民法院解决。
上句中的shall 和may表达准确。出现争议后应当先行协商，所以采用了义务性“约定”（shall），如果协商解决不了，作为当事人的权利，则用选择性“约定”（may）。
（11）The quality and prices of the commodities to be exchanged between the ex-importers in the two countries shall be acceptable to both sides.
货物的质量和价格必须使进出口双方都能接受。
（12）The formation of this contract, its validity, interpretation, execution and settlement of the disputes shall be governed by related laws of the People’s Republic of China.
本合同的订立、效力、解释、履行和争议的解决均受中华人民共和国相关法律的管辖。shall没有译出。
c.Should：在合同中通常只用来表示语气较弱的假设，多翻译成“万一”或“如果”，极少译成“应该”。
（13）The board meeting shall be convened and presided over by the Chairman. Should the chairman be absent, the vice-Chairman shall, in principle, convene and preside over the board meeting.
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。
d. Will：一般使用在没有法律强制的情况下，也用做表示承担义务的声明，但语气和强制力比Shall弱。
e. May not（或shall not）：用于禁止性义务，即“不得做什么”。
二、用词正式、准确（Formal and Accurate）
具有法律效力的商务合同用词都很正式、规范，避免口语化。如：The Licensee will notify the Licensor and shall assist the Licensor in taking such action as the Licensor deems appropriate。显然, 该句中的notify、assist、deem比同义词inform、help、think更为正式。如果句中接连出现这类词语，其风格自然显得郑重、严肃具有浓厚的正式文体色彩。再比如：The term “Effective date” means the date on which this Agreement is duly executed by the parties hereto。该句中的execute较sign正式。
（一）注意介词或介词短语的翻译
为体现其正式与严谨的文体特征,商务合同英语倾向于使用较复杂的介词短语来代替非正式语体中常见的简单介词与连词。例如:
（14）The participants in the Joint Venture shall commence discussion with regard to the extension of the period of existence of the Venture and in the event of their agreeing upon such extension, they shall record such agreement in a written document signed by all of them not later than three years prior to the expiry of the current period.
就本合资企业的存续时限的延期问题，各方应进行讨论；一旦各方就此达成一致，应形成书面协议，由各方在本合同期限到期之前的三年内签字生效。
本句中用with regard to，in the event of和prior to分别代替about，in case of和before。当然，商务英语词语选择中的正式性与非正式性是相对而言的，且无优劣之分，一切需视具体的使用场合而定。
（15）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.
这些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。
本句中的unless otherwise比if not和 otherwise表达正式。该词由两个同义词 unless和otherwise组成，otherwise有代词作用，后面一般跟动词的过去分词限定，意为“除非另……”；再如“unless otherwise specified in the Contract / the Letter of Credit”， 即可译为“除非合同/信用证另有规定”。
（16）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租船定舱。
同under、pursuant to一样，上例中的in accordance with是法律文件中常用的词汇，均作“根据”、“按照”解，比according to正式。
（二）注意词语并列的现象（Juxtaposition）
国际商务合同力求正式而准确，避免可能出现的误解或分歧，所以同义词（近义词）并列的现象十分普遍。有时候是出于严谨和杜绝漏洞的考虑，有时候也属于合同用语的固定模式。比如，terms在合同中一般指付款或费用（手续费、佣金等有关金钱的）条件，而conditions则指其他条件，但是“terms and conditions”常常作为固定模式在合同中出现，就不宜分译成“条件和条款”，而直接合译成“条款”。再如：
（17）This agreement is made and entered into by and between Party A and Party B.
本协议由甲方与乙方签订。
（18）The amendments to or alteration of this contract become effect only after they are signed by parties hereto and approved by the original approving authorities.
对本合同的修改须经合同各方签字并由原审批机关批准后方可生效。
（19）If the contract shall duly perform and observe all terms, provisions, conditions and stipulations of the said Contract, this obligation shall be null and void but otherwise shall be and remain in full force and effect.
如果承包人切实履行并遵守上述合同的所有条款、条件和规定，本（保证书所承担的）义务即告终止，否则这种义务保持完全有效。
对于合同中出现的同义词、近义词、相关词的并列现象，翻译时应仔细考虑单词的内涵、合同文体以及句法要求等相关因素。这里可以利用尤金· 奈达的“动态对等理论”。所谓动态对等，就是译文与原文在效果（或功能）上达到对等，即译文读者的理解与感受与原文读者的理解与感受基本一致（与动态对等相对的是形式对等，即强调语言形式的对应）。在以上三句中，“made and entered into”、“amendments to and alteration of”、“terms, provisions, conditions and stipulations”、“force and effect”是几组同义词。根据动态对等的译法，它们的译文分别是“签订”、“修改”、“各项规定”和“生效”， 如不采用这种译法，而是逐字翻译，势必会使译文显得罗嗦而难以理解。总之，译者应时刻牢记中英文的各种表达法，来确保原文和译文最大可能地对应起来，真正做到准确严谨和规范通顺。
类似的表达还有：any and all（全部）、any duties, obligations or liabilities（所有责任）、applicable laws, regulations, decrees, directives, and rules（适用法律法规）、charges, fees, costs and expenses（各种费用）、covenants and agreements（合同，协议）、customs and usages（惯例）、free and clear of（无）、import duty and tax（进口税捐）、keep secret and confidential（保密）、licenses and permits（许可）、null and void（无效）、packing and wrapping expenses（包装费）、rights and interests（权益）、settle claims and debts（清理债务）、ships and vessels（船只）、sign and issue（签发）、support and maintenance（维护）、use and wont（习惯，惯例），等等。
第三节 合同英语的句法特点及翻译要点
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。
一、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。
（20）The Buyer may, within 15 days upon 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.
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。
这是一个简单长句，其主干为The Buyer may…lodge 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。再如:
（21）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.
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由此造成的任何损失、损害、费用、开支、责任或索赔。
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），即可翻译成文。
（22）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.
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。
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。
综上，在翻译合同长句的时候，不管属于何种类型，译者都可在对原句进行分析的基础上，根据汉语行文习惯，适当变换修饰成分的顺序，是有可能准确翻译原文的。
二、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：
（23）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……
（24）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 Representative’s 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和证明向制造方索赔。
（25）In case the Contract terminates prematurely, the Contract Appendices shall like wise terminate.
如果本合同提前终止，则合同附件也随之终止。
（26）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。
（27）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。
（28）Subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, Party B will protect…
在下列情况下，乙方将保证……
（29）The terms CFR, or CIF shall be subject to the International Rules for the Interpretation of Trade Terms (INCOTERMS 2010) provided by the International Chamber of Commerce unless otherwise stipulated herein.
除非另有规定，“CFR”和“CIF”均应依据国际商会制定的《2010年国际贸易术语解释通则》（INCOTERMS 2010）办理。
归纳上述各例，除第27句以外，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。
第四节 商务合同的翻译标准
由于商务合同对权利和义务的规定直接关系到当事人的经济利益，而且，合同的主体或内容往往涉及到中国境外，可以选择适用不同国家的法律规范与仲裁条款。另外，商务合同的文体正式严谨，措辞准确明晰，这也给翻译带来诸多不便。一般而言，商务合同的翻译应遵循准确严谨和规范通顺的原则。
一、准确严谨（Faithfulness ＆ Accuracy）
商务合同的专业性和兼容性越来越强，为了避免产生歧义，涉外商务合同的翻译必须把“准确严谨”作为首要标准。合同文本是合同双方当事人真实意思表示的文字形式的记录，因此合同文本的翻译不同于文学翻译，一般不讲究文采韵味，而要求必须准确严谨反映当事人的意思表示。
要做到译文准确严谨，首先要做到用词准确（accuracy）。比如，accept在一般情况下译为“接受”、“认可”，但在商务合同中，该词一般要翻译成“承兑”，相应地，acceptor就要翻译成“承兑人”。Shipping advice和shipping instruction从表面上看意思相近，但在商务合同中，应该做出区分：前者是“装运通知”（由卖方发给买方的通知，告之买方货已装运的具体事宜），后者是“装运指示”（由买方向卖方在货物运出前，发出的装运指示，卖方完全按照买方的意图做好装运事宜）。再比如，shipment date和delivery date，从字面翻译来看，都可以翻译成“装货日期”，但是前者指的是货物装船启运（离港）日期，后者是指货物的到货（到港）日期。在翻译过程中，如果混淆了这些词语，将会造成履约困难甚至引发纠纷。例句：
（30）If Party A insisted on its original quotation, Party B will have to cover its requirements elsewhere. 如果甲方坚持原报价，乙方将只能从其他渠道购进所需之货物。
（31）Party B shall cover the goods with particular average.
乙方须对该货物投保水渍险。
（32）In order to cover our order, we have arranged with the Bank of China, Dalian Branch, a credit for USD 86 000.
为支付我方订货货款，我方已委托中国银行大连分行开立86 000美元的信用证。
动词cover一般是做“包括，囊括”讲，但在以上三例中，不但不能按原来的意思翻译，而且在各句中由于所属领域范围的不同，其所表达的意思也是不同的：分别是“购进货物”、“投保险”、“偿付”等意思。
其次，要保持译文的完整（completeness）。商务合同的翻译一定要保持译文的完整性，决不能只保持原文与译文在词语表面上的对等。例如：
（33）Payment: By irrevocable L/C at sight to reach the Seller 30 days before the time of shipment. 支付：买方应当在装船前30天将不可撤销的即期信用证开到卖方。
译文通过添加原文表面所无、实际却隐含的成分“买方应当”使译文完整，内容清楚，体现了合同文字的严密性和买卖双方的义务关系。
二、规范通顺（Expressiveness ＆ Smoothness）
合同文本是一种法律文件，属于庄严性文体。翻译商务合同时还应该把规范通顺视为另一大原则。所谓“规范”，是指译文必须符合法律语言的特点，尽量体现出契约文体的特点。而所谓“通顺”，是指译文应当符合汉语的语法要求，使译文清晰易懂。
（34）During the period from the date of effectiveness to the termination of the Contract, the two Parties shall hold a meeting every year to discuss problems arising form the execution of the Contract.
原译：在合同生效之日起到合同终止之日的期间内，双方每年举行一次会议，讨论合同执行中出现的问题。
原文在理解上没有什么特别困难的地方，译文意思也算正确，但只对原文逐字逐句翻译，显得呆板，改译为：本合同有效期间，双方应每年正式会晤一次，以讨论本合同履行期间存在的问题。
（35）The date of Bill of Lading shall be taken as the conclusive proof of the date of shipment, six (6) days grace shall be allowed for shipment earlier or later than the time agreed upon by the Parties. In the event of the goods for one order being shipped in more than one lot, each lot shall be deemed to be a separate sale on Contract.
原译：提单的日期应为装运日期的最后证明。双方允许交货比约定的时间早交或迟交六天。一次订货多于一批装运，那么，每批货应被当作是合同的单独买卖。
原译文表达累赘，结构松散，不合乎汉语契约文体的简约风格。改译为：交货日期以提单所载日期为准，双方同意在合同约定的交货期的基础上，允许有前后六天的装运宽限期。若一次订货分批装运，则每一批货为合同项下的单独买卖。
（36）One-third of the total amount shall be paid with the order when the Contract is signed, one third by documentary bill when shipment is effected, and the balance by clean bills when the goods have arrived.
合同签订时先预付货款总额的三分之一，装船后凭跟单汇票再付三分之一，剩余的三分之一在货物抵达时凭光票一次性付清。
译文充分利用添加的横线部分充分表明了原条款的三个付款阶段：交货前、交货时、交货后，使得层次清楚，表达通顺。
总之，商务合同的翻译应该兼顾“准确严谨”和“规范通顺”的翻译标准。如果不准确或严谨，就会造成误解、曲解，进而导致经济损失或法律纠纷；如果不通顺，译文晦涩难懂，也就失去了翻译的价值；而好的译文，自然会体现出合同的契约文体特征。
练 习
一、从方框中选出合适的词语填空
Contractor employer Sellers Representative
Buyers Side A Side B Manufacturer
Hereafter providing effectiveness execution
(1) The agreement is made and entered into on January 15, 2005 in Beijing, China by and between ABC Corporation, a Chinese enterprise duly organized and existing under the Laws of the People’s Republic of China with its principal business place at Beijing, the People’s Republic of China ( a referred to be b ) and XYZ Company, a company duly organized and existing under the Laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt with its Principal business place at Cairo, the Arab Republic of Egypt ( c referred to be d ).
(2) The e shall enter into and execute the Contract, to be prepared and completed at the cost of the f .
(3) The g produces and sells the Goods listed in Exhibit A attached to the Contract and seeks to engage h to sell the Goods in San Francisco, USA.
(4) i any dispute during the j of the Contract, the both sides shall try to settle in friendly consultation before hand it to the arbitration.
(5) The Appendix will have the same k as the Contract.
(6) It is hereby agreed that the l shall have no obligation to pay for the cost of sales campaign in the five cities and the m shall cover the cost of the sales campaign in the five cities.
(7) In the case the n fail to make delivery according to the final delivery schedules, the Sellers shall pay the o a penalty.
二、将A栏中的英文与B栏中的中文商标搭配起来
A B
（1）transferor/assignor a. 交货验收证明
（2）delivery and acceptance certificate b. 仲裁裁决
（3）insurance policy c. 投/受保人
（4）sanity inspection certificate d. 法人
（5）insured e. 分批交货
（6）bulk f. 转让方
（7）carrier g. 仲裁人
（8）artificial person h. 保险单
（9）arbitration award i. 承运方
（10）beneficiary j. 散装
（11）arbitrator/referee k. 受益人
（12）partial delivery l. 卫生检疫证书
（13）discrepancy m. 单证议付
（14）irrespective percentage n. 矛盾，差异，异议
（15）documents negotiation o. 免赔率
三、将下列合同翻译成中文
(1) Whereas Party B has the right and agrees to grant Party A the right to use, manufacture and sell the Contract Products of Patented Technology; Whereas Party A desires to use the Patented Technology of Party B to manufacture and sell the Contract Products; The Representatives authorized by the Parties to this Contract have, through friendly negotiation, agreed to enter into this Contract under the terms, conditions and provisions specified as follows:
(2) Licensee may terminate this Contract 90 days after a written notice thereof is sent to Licensor upon the happening of one of the following events: a) Licensor becomes insolvent or a liquidator of Licensor is appointed; b) The patent described in Article 2 is not issued within 30 days from signing this Contract; and c) Licensor fails to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(3) The Employer hereby covenants to pay the Contractor in consideration of the execution and completion of the Works and the remedying of defects therein the Contract Price or such other sum as may become payable under the provisions of the Contract at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Contract.
(4) Any disputes arising from the contract and in the performance thereof shall be settled by way of amicable negotiation. In case where no amicable settlement can be reached between the Buyer and the Seller, the matter at issue shall be submitted to arbitration to be held in the defendant’s country. If the defendant is the Seller, arbitration shall be held in Beijing at China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in accordance with its Rules of Arbitration. The award made by the said Commission shall be final and binding on both the Buyer and the Seller. Arbitration fees shall be borne by the losing party, unless otherwise awarded.
(5) Either party shall not be held responsible for failure or delay to perform all or any part of this agreement due to flood, fire, earthquake, draught, war or any other events which could not be predicted, controlled, avoided or overcome by the relative party. However, the party affected by the event of Force Majeure shall inform the other Party of its occurrence in writing as soon as possible and thereafter send a certificate of the event issued by the relevant authorities to the other party within 15 days after its occurrence.
四、将下列合同翻译成中文
SALES CONTRACT
Contract No.:
Signed at:
Date:
This contract is made this 15th day of April, 2006 by and between ABC Corporation, a Dalian corporation having its principal office at Dalian, P. R. China, who agrees to sell, and XYZ Corporation, a New York corporation having its principal office at New York, U. S. A., who agrees to purchase the following goods on the terms and conditions as below:
(1) Name of Commodity, Specifications and Packing: Live Abalone; ….
(2) Quantity: 1 000 KG (net); Shipment Quantity 5% more or less allowed
(3) Unit Price: USD 50.00
(4) Total Value: USD 50 000.00
(5) Time of Shipment: not later than Oct.20, 2006
(6) Port of Loading: Dalian International Airport, Liaoning, P. R. China
(7) Port of Destination: JFK International Airport, New York City, U. S. A.
(8) Insurance: To be covered by the for 110% of the invoice value against .
(9) Terms of Payment: By confirmed, irrevocable, transferable and divisible letter of credit in favor of payable at sight with TT reimbursement clause/ days’/sight/date allowing partial shipment and transshipment. The covering Letter of Credit must reach the Sellers before and is to remain valid in . China until the 15th day after the aforesaid time of shipment, failing which the Sellers reserve the right to cancel this Sales Contract without further notice and to claim from the Buyers for losses resulting therefrom.
(10) Inspection: The Inspection Certificate of Quality, Quantity, Weight, Packing, Sanitation issued by of China shall be regarded as evidence of the Sellers’ delivery.
(11) Shipping Marks:
OTHER TERMS:
1. Discrepancy: In case of quality discrepancy, claim should be lodged by the Buyers within 30 days after the arrival of the goods at the port of destination, while for quantity discrepancy, claim should be lodged by the Buyers within 15 days after the arrival of the goods at the port of destination. In all cases, claims must be accompanied by Survey Reports of Recognized Public Surveyors agreed to by the Sellers. Should the responsibility of the subject under claim be found to rest on the part of the Sellers, the Sellers shall, within 20 days after receipt of the claim, send their reply to the Buyers together with suggestion for settlement.
2. The covering Letter of Credit shall stipulate the Sellers’ option of shipping the indicated percentage more or less than the quantity hereby contracted and be negotiated for the amount covering the value of quantity actually shipped. (The Buyers are requested to establish the L/C in amount with the indicated percentage over the total value of the order as per this Sales Contract.)
3. The contents of the covering Letter of Credit shall be in strict conformity with the stipulations of the Sales Contract. In case of any variation there of necessitating amendment of the L/C, the Buyers shall bear the expenses for effecting the amendment. The Sellers shall not be held responsible for possible delay of shipment resulting from awaiting the amendment of the L/C and reserve the right to claim from the Buyers for the losses resulting therefrom.
4. Except in cases where the insurance is covered by the Buyers as arranged, insurance is to be covered by the Sellers with a Chinese insurance company. If insurance for additional amount and/or for other insurance terms is required by the Buyers, prior notice to this effect must reach the Sellers before shipment and is subject to the Sellers’ agreement, and the extra insurance premium shall be for the Buyers’ account.
5. The Sellers shall not be held responsible if they fail, owing to Force Majeure cause or causes, to make delivery within the time stipulated in this Sales Contract or cannot deliver the goods. However, the Sellers shall inform immediately the Buyers by e-mail. The Sellers shall deliver to the Buyers by registered letter, if it is requested by the Buyers, a certificate issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade or by any competent authorities, attesting the existence of the said cause or causes. The Buyers’ failure to obtain the relative Import Licence is not to be treated as Force Majeure.
6. Arbitration: All disputes arising in connection with this Sales Contract or the execution thereof shall be settled by way of amicable negotiation. 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 Commission 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.
7. Supplementary Condition(s): (Should the articles stipulated in this Contract be in conflict with the following supplementary condition(s), the supplementary condition(s) should be taken as valid and binding.)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this contract to be executed by their duly authorized representatives of both parties on the date and year first written above.
Sellers: ABC Corporation Buyers: XYZ Corporation
By _______ (signature) By _______ (signature)
【注释】
[1]当然，格式和内容并非一成不变，当事人可以根据各自交易情况做出调整或增删。
[2]从结构上讲，本条属于“前文”部分；但从内容上讲，又属于合同的一般条款。
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