This chapter investigates the translation of syntactic structures characteristic of Chinese legislative texts into English, with a focus on the systematic rendering of fixed patterns across different functional sections. It analyzes the translation of recurring structures in general provisions, definitional clauses, obligation clauses, right-granting clauses, liability clauses, and supplementary provisions, highlighting how syntactic choices affect legal precision, enforceability, and cross-jurisdictional comprehensibility. Special attention is given to the ubiquitous “的” structure and its functional equivalents in English, examining strategies to preserve logical relationships while adapting to target-language legal conventions. By emphasizing syntactic consistency and context-aware adaptation, this chapter provides a framework for producing legally sound, linguistically coherent translations that support China’s engagement with international legal discourse.

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Translation of Syntactic Structures in Laws and Regulations

  • Xiaobo Dong,
  • Yafang Zhang

摘要

This chapter investigates the translation of syntactic structures characteristic of Chinese legislative texts into English, with a focus on the systematic rendering of fixed patterns across different functional sections. It analyzes the translation of recurring structures in general provisions, definitional clauses, obligation clauses, right-granting clauses, liability clauses, and supplementary provisions, highlighting how syntactic choices affect legal precision, enforceability, and cross-jurisdictional comprehensibility. Special attention is given to the ubiquitous “的” structure and its functional equivalents in English, examining strategies to preserve logical relationships while adapting to target-language legal conventions. By emphasizing syntactic consistency and context-aware adaptation, this chapter provides a framework for producing legally sound, linguistically coherent translations that support China’s engagement with international legal discourse.