A minimal, realistic definition of functional equivalence could be stated as “The readers of a translated text should be able to comprehend it to the point that they can conceive of how the original readers of the text must have understood and appreciated it.” Anything less than this degree of equivalence should be unacceptable.(Eugene A.NIDA,2001)

Amplification in translation means adding some necessary word in translation, in order to make the meaning clear and correct. Generally speaking, there two kinds of condition of amplification. One is to add word that “omitted” in source sentences, while its meaning is expressed clearly through the context. That is lexical expansions. The other kind of amplification is Syntactic expansions, namely adding the syntactic component omitted in the source sentences to complete the meaning.

1. Add word that omitted in the source

The failure of ether party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect its right at a later time to enforce the same.

任何一方在任何时候未要求另一方履行本协议任一条款,并不影响其以后强制执行该条款的权利。

The exact meaning of “require performance” is requiring the other party to perform. In English, this meaning is obvious. However, in Chinese expression, we have to add the meaning of “the other party” to express its meaning clearly.

Each of the parties do hereby waive any proof that such breach will cause irreparable injury to such party or that there is no adequate remedy at law.

各方谨此表示不要求另一方进行举证,以证明一方违约将给该另一方造成不可弥补的损害或根据普通法得不到足够的救济。

“waive” means give up the right or requirement for the other people. Through the context, it means one party does not ask the other party to proof. Thus, we need to add 另一方 and 一方 in调和translation.

None of the Parties shall be entitled to make or permit or authorize the making of any press release or other public statement or disclosures concerning this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated in it, without the prior written consent of the other Parties, save as required by law or other competent authority.

未经其他各方事先书面同意,任何一方均无权就有关本协议或本协议预期的任何交易举行新闻发布会、发表公开声明或进行披露,亦无权允许或授权他人进行此等发布或披露,法律或其他主管部门要求的除外。

Here, “permit or authorize the making” has the meaning of permit or authorize others to make. In Chinese translation, “他人” should be added for smoothness.

Read Also: Characteristics of Legal English I

2. Add words to make the meaning more explicitly

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Party hereby waives its preemptive right in the case of any assignment of all or party of the other Party’s registered capital to an affiliate of the other Party.

尽管有上述规定,如果一方将其全部或部分注册资本转让给一家关联公司,另一方则在此放弃其优先购买权。

The form of definite article + adjective “the foregoing” indicate “the above provision”. Thus in translation we need to add this to express the whole meaning.

Specifically, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Party A shall bear all responsibility for any losses or damages suffered by Party B as a result of any mistakes, errors or omissions caused by Party A in connection with the processing and packing of the Products.

特别是,在不受前述一般性原则限制的情况下,因甲方加工和包装产品出错、失误或疏漏而使乙方遭受损失或损害,甲方应承担一切责任。

“generality” is an abstract noun, should be materialization in translation. Thus we translate it as 一般性原则 or 一般性规定.

3. Add omitted syntactic components

In addition to lexical expansions, sometimes we also need to add the omitted syntactic components in translation, in order to make our expression clear and complete. This kind of amplification is caused by Chinese syntax and structure.

Notwithstanding the above provision of this Clause, Party A shall have the right to assign its rights to any subsidiary, affiliate or successor entity as long as Party A remains liable to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.

尽管本条上述规定,但甲方有权将其权利让与任何子公司、关联公司或继承实体,只要甲方仍有责任履行其在本协议项下的全部义务。

In adverbial of concession Chinese sentence can only be smooth after adding verb “有”.

This Agreement shall take effect on the Effective Date and shall continue for a period of ten (10) years. This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for one-year terms thereafter unless and until terminated by either Party hereto by giving six (6) months’ written notice to the other.

本协议紫生效日起生效,有效期为十 (10) 年。此后,除非一方提前六 (6) 个月向另一方发出终止本协议的书面通知,本协议逐年自动延长一年。

In English sentence, the subject of adverbial clause beginning with “unless and until” is omitted. When translating, the subject “本协议” need to be added.

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