Chinese-English Translation Of Proviso In Legal Text From The Perspective Of Skopos Theory

Law is a norm of conduct adjusting social relationships and keeping social order. Since the policies of reform and opening to the outside world, law is applicable to all social activities with the rapid development of economic and culture and the improvement of legislative technique. Due to the increasing communication between China and other countries, it is necessary to translate Chinese laws into foreign languages, especially English. Proviso is frequently used in Chinese laws and regulations, especially civil and commercial ones. So the author of this thesis attempts to research the English translation of proviso in Chinese legal texts with the framework of the Skopos theory. The essence of the Skopos is the function of translation purpose and the target text, which are the basis of legal translation. Therefore, in the light of Skopos, the author studies the English translation of proviso in civil and commercial laws of the People's Republic of China.The thesis contains six chapters. Chapter one gives a brief introduction to research background, significance and objectives. Chapter two presents the overview of legal translation at home and abroad, and introduces the basic knowledge of the Skopos theory. In addition, it also displays the previous studies on proviso in China. Chapter three briefly discusses the basic notions of proviso, such as concept, form, and function. Chapter four and five are the focus of this thesis. In the light of the Skopos theory, the author analyzes the English version of proviso in civil and commercial laws of the PRC. Having studied a great number of translated texts of proviso, the author points out some problems and finally gives some approaches. Chapter six is the conclusion. The author concludes that the Skopos theory can be applied to the translation of proviso in legal texts. Besides, it can effectively solve the problems existing in the proviso translation.