Language Features Of English Legal Texts And Their Translation Into Chinese

Firstly, this thesis briefly recalls the history of legal translation, surveys relevant previous researches, and highlights the necessity and purpose of this study. Next, the thesis discusses major language features of English legal texts (ELT) from the perspectives of lexicon, syntax and rhetoric. Then, on the basis of the previous scholars'studies, the thesis presents the four principles for translation of ELT, namely, proper use of legal language, accuracy and precision in diction, term consistency, and smoothness. Also, the thesis investigates two main translation strategies, domestication and foreignization, and explores their application as well. After that, by contrasting cultural differences between English and Chinese, the thesis expounds and illustrates a number of specific translation techniques: such as transliteration, conversion of parts of speech, substitution, paraphrase, etc. employed at the lexicon level; amplification, omission, rearrangement of word order, division, voice transformation, etc. utilized at the syntax level. Finally, in accordance with language features of ELT and in light of the above-mentioned principles, the thesis analyses the Chinese versions of some ELT. In the conclusion the author points out that a firm grasp of the language features of ELT, a basic knowledge of English and Chinese legal cultures, and a good command of translation strategies as well as specific translation techniques will contribute a great deal to the excellent quality of translated legal texts. It is sincerely hoped that this research will enlighten translators of legal texts and make a little contribution to the career of legal translation in our country.