由于合同英語要求具有準確嚴謹?shù)奶攸c,因此,合同英語中從句的翻譯方法,除具有與其他文體從句翻譯的共同點外,也有其不同點。合同英語中主要出現(xiàn)的從句是狀語從句,其次是定語從句?,F(xiàn)就合同英語中出現(xiàn)的狀語從句的翻譯方法例述如下:
(1)由where引出的狀語從句,一般譯成“如果”,“若”等條件從句。例如:
①All disputes in connection with or in the execution of this Contract shall be settled through friendly negotiations. Where settlement can be reached, the disputes shall be submitted for arbitration.
所有與合同有關(guān)的或在履行合同過程中發(fā)生的爭議,均應(yīng)通過友好協(xié)商的方式解決。如果得不到解決,應(yīng)將爭議提交仲裁。
(2)由after引出的狀語從句,一般處理成“……之日起”較為嚴謹。例如:
②In case the Buyer finds any document incorrect,the buyer is obliged to cable the Seller indicating the incorrect items. The cable shall be sent within 20 (twenty) days after the Bank of China, Beijing Branch has received the Seller's documents.
買方如發(fā)現(xiàn)文件有錯誤時,應(yīng)在中國銀行北京市分行收到賣方文件之日起20天內(nèi)電告賣方,并指出錯誤項目
③After the Seller receives the relative documents issued by the Shipping Company, the Seller shall pay the Buyer within 20 (twenty) days.
賣方應(yīng)在收到船舶公司出具的有關(guān)單據(jù)之日起,20天內(nèi)向買方支付款項。
(3)由when引出的狀語從句,一般也處理成含有條件意義的從句,譯成“如果”、“倘若”。例如:
④ When one party to the Joint Venture Company assigns all or part of his investment ,the other party has preemptive right.
如果合資公司一方擬轉(zhuǎn)讓其全部或部分出資額,另一方有優(yōu)先購買權(quán)。