“Essence Equivalence” Principle in Legal Translation

摘要：本文依据中文法律行文简洁明了，言简意赅的特点，探讨中译英时应遵循“重神似不重形似”原则的重要性，通过若干用实例分析印证，指出对中文法律用语深层次的理解是做好法律翻译，保证译入语准确的关键。

关键词：原则,法律文件,目标文本

Abstract: On the basis of an analytical study of a number of sample translations, this article discusses how the principle of “seeking agreement in essence, not in form” should be applied to the translation of legal documents from Chinese into English. The need to adopt the principle of “seeking agreement in essence rather than in form” originates in considerations of the linguistic characteristics of Chinese and English legal documents as it is conducive to fidelity to the source text and higher level of acceptance of target texts.

Key words: principle, legal documents, target texts

Introduction

Legal translation is not something new. With strengthening of socialist legal system, expansion of economic relations and trade with other countries, and rapid increase of international legal and cultural exchange, a large amount of Chinese legal documents are being translated into other languages every year. As a result of quickened pace of globalization process, the translation of legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, announcements, declarations, treaties and various international statues, will undoubtedly become a key link in global association and cooperation.