第九节　被动语态的翻译

被动语态是英语中较为常见的语法现象，与英语其他语法范畴（如时、体、数等）一起作用构成英语语言本身的严谨性和规范性。与汉语在此语法范畴上的特点相比，被动句在英语中占优势地位，这是由英语语言自身的特点以及说话人语言使用习惯上的特点所造成的。被动语态在商务英语中的应用也很广，尤其是在商务英语信函与合同中。在商务信函中，被动语态使语气委婉、礼貌；在商务合同中，被动语态使合同的语气更客观、公正。由于语言表达上的差异，在翻译商务英语信函和合同时，一般把被动语态转化为汉语的主动形式，并在措词和结构上加以把握，从而既保留原文的语用意义，又使译文通顺流畅。

【例60】At the heart of the system—known as the multilateral trading system—are the WTO’s agreements， negotiated and signed by a large majority of the world’s trading nations， and ratified in their parliaments.

译文：世贸组织被认为是多边贸易体制的代表，其核心是世贸组织的各项协定。这些协定是由世界上绝大多数国家和地区通过谈判达成并签署的，并经各成员立法机构的批准。

【例61】It is stipulated that foreign investment in a joint venture shall not be， in general， less than 25％ of the authorized capital.

译文：按照规定，合资企业中的外资一般不得少于额定资本总额的25％。

【例62】Your confirmation on this point would be appreciated.

译文：若贵方给予确认，我方将不胜感激。

【例63】I am requested by the Purchasing Department of our company to inform you that digital cameras ordered from your company has not yet been delivered.

译文：我公司采购部请我通知贵公司，我方从贵公司订购的数码相机至今未见货。

【例64】All disputes arising from the execution of，or in connection with the Contract shall be settled through friendly consultation between both parties.In case no settlement can be reached，the disputes shall be submitted for arbitration.

译文：因执行本合同所发生的或与本合同有关的一切争议，双方应通过友好协商解决。协商仍不能达成协议的，则应提交仲裁解决。

值得注意的是，在英语中有一些固定的被动结构，译成汉语时已成定式。例如：

It is found that… 人们发现

It is assumed that…假定

It must be stressed that…必须着重指出

It is generally considered that…大家普遍认为

It must be admitted that…必须承认

It is reported that…据报道

It is supposed that…假定

It is expected that…人们希望

It is hoped that…希望

It is believed that…人们认为

It is felt that…人们感到

It is stipulated that…按照规定

It should be noted that…应当指出

It is said that…据说

It is well known that…众所周知

It is understood that…大家明白

It will be seen from this that…由此可见

It cannot be denied that…无可否认

It has been proved that…业已证明

It is asserted that…有人主张

It can be foreseen that…可以预料

但有时候英语被动句也译成汉语被动句。

【例65】If the scheme is approved， work on the project will start immediately.

译文：如果方案被批准了，这项工程将立即动工。

【例66】He was dismissed by the boss of the factory.

译文：他被工厂的老板开除了。

有些英语的被动语态译成中文时，可以按中文的习惯加上诸如“受……、给……、让……遭到……、把……、使……、由……、为……所……、用……、靠……、予以……”等词，构成汉语的被动句。

【例67】The finished products must be carefully inspected before delivery.

译文：成品在出厂前必须予以仔细检查。