Terjemahan - seni & perniagaan » Linguistics »
Word capitalization in contracts and agreements
Penyiaran jaluran : Richard Marzan
Richard Marzan
Richard Marzan  Identity Verified
Local time: 11:04
Bahasa Inggeris hingga Bahasa Sepanyol
+ ...
Jan 6, 2011

Below is the source text in English that I'm translating into the Spanish language. As you may note there are many words within the text that begin with capital letters. My question is: In my translation to the Spanish, do I have to write those words following this pattern in English? It's an Agreement.

The words are: Right to Receive Payments, Payments, Capital Account, Agreement.

------
Section 1.01. Termination by the CP of the MAP’s Right to Receive Payment... See more
Below is the source text in English that I'm translating into the Spanish language. As you may note there are many words within the text that begin with capital letters. My question is: In my translation to the Spanish, do I have to write those words following this pattern in English? It's an Agreement.

The words are: Right to Receive Payments, Payments, Capital Account, Agreement.

------
Section 1.01. Termination by the CP of the MAP’s Right to Receive Payments; Termination of the MAP Capital Account. Notwithstanding Section 3.01(iii) of this Agreement, if the CP terminates Payments to the MAP, the CP shall by notice to the MAP terminate the right of the MAP to receive Payments, and upon the giving of such notice, the MAP Capital Account shall be terminated. ▲ Collapse
 
Mark Robertson
Mark Robertson
Local time: 16:04
Ahli (2010)
Bahasa Portugis hingga Bahasa Inggeris
+ ...
Capitalised Words Jan 6, 2011

If the contract contains a definitions clause and the capitalised words are the words defined in the definitions clause you must retain the capitalisation, otherwise you should observe the rules of the target language. The source text does look a bit strange and seems to be internally inconsistent. For example the expression "to receive payments" appears twice, once capitalised and once uncapitalised.
 
Henry Hinds
Henry Hinds  Identity Verified
Amerika Syarikat
Local time: 09:04
Bahasa Inggeris hingga Bahasa Sepanyol
+ ...
Untuk memperingati
Rules Jan 6, 2011

Absent any governing authority on the subject, I can only state my own practice. I such cases as this (a legal document) I always retain capitalization as in the original, among other things because it serves as emphasis. In other cases it would be preferable to follow the overall Spanish rule of capitalizing only the first word of titles.
 
Lingua 5B
Lingua 5B  Identity Verified
Bosnia dan Herzegovina
Local time: 17:04
Ahli (2009)
Bahasa Inggeris hingga Bahasa Croatia
+ ...
Emphasis in English Jan 6, 2011

Henry Hinds wrote:

Absent any governing authority on the subject, I can only state my own practice. I such cases as this (a legal document) I always retain capitalization as in the original, among other things because it serves as emphasis. In other cases it would be preferable to follow the overall Spanish rule of capitalizing only the first word of titles.


I'm aware that capitalization is sometimes used in English to emphasize something but that's not the way to emphasis notions in all other languages ( or not always). There are very specific rules related to this in my language, such as if you capitalize an inanimate entity it may indicate personification ( this is just an example, doesn't fit this legal context though).

For the topic starter: I'd definitely ask the client if it's relevant to retain the capitalization, and if not, I'd follow the standard rules for the Spanish language.

[Edited at 2011-01-06 19:57 GMT]
 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Penyelaras-penyelaras forum ini
Fernanda Rocha[Call to this topic]
Rita Pang[Call to this topic]
Simone Catania[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Word capitalization in contracts and agreements






Wordfast Pro
Translation Memory Software for Any Platform

Exclusive discount for ProZ.com users! Save over 13% when purchasing Wordfast Pro through ProZ.com. Wordfast is the world's #1 provider of platform-independent Translation Memory software. Consistently ranked the most user-friendly and highest value

Buy now! »
TM-Town
Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business

Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.

More info »