Lexical Features And English-Chinese Translation Strategies Of International Business Contracts From Functionalist Perspective

China is conducting an increasing number of business transactions with othercountries. English as an international language has become an important tool ofcommunication in the world’s economic activities, especially in the preparation ofbusiness contracts. Correspondingly, the translation of business contracts fromEnglish to Chinese has become much more important. It is vital to translate businesscontracts correctly and accurately in order to make sure economic activities gosmoothly. The translation of the contracts from English to Chinese not only serves asthe guidance for doing the transaction but also is a basis for solving the problem thatmay arise from its performance which might become much more complicated than indomestic contracts.This thesis aims to study the lexical features of international business contractsand explore their English--Chinese translation strategies, mainly using thefunctionalist theories. It analyzes the lexical features in the use of archaic words,formal words, modal verbs, and juxtaposition, based on which some translationprinciples are discussed. A translation with high quality can not only promote theinternational economic business but also regulate the market order. However, anunqualified translation version may not only lead to legal disputes as usually thoughtbut also disorders the international market. Hence translation of international businesscontracts increasingly shows it’s crucial and necessity. The analysis in this paper willbe insightful for those who have an interest in international business contractstranslation. It is hoped that the thesis can initiate more studies in the translation ofbusiness contracts from English to Chinese.