10:59 Nov 3, 2013 |
English language (monolingual) [PRO] Certificates, Diplomas, Licenses, CVs / discussion about the use of English in the translation of a certificate | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ||||
| Selected response from: Parvathi Pappu India Local time: 04:15 | ||||
Grading comment
|
SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
4 +6 | optional |
| ||
5 | This is to certify |
|
Discussion entries: 12 | |
---|---|
this is to certify that vs we hereby certify that This is to certify Explanation: "This is to certify"; is what is normally written to validate someone |
| |
Grading comment
| ||
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade) |
this is to certify that vs we hereby certify that optional Explanation: I think it is to a large extent optional, you might try looking for examples of similar docuents to get an idea of usage. Personally, I'd say it depends a lot on exactly how the rest of the document is formulated (i.e. do they maintain the use of the first person plural?) — and also, on the people signing the document. If it is signed by one person, then 'we' sounds rather pompous, like the 'royal we' (but could be appropriate in say a historical or very formal register); if on the other hand, it means "We, the duly appointed members of the Board", then the use of the form with 'we' might be ideal. Generally, though, my preference for this sort of document is to stick to an impersonal form unless there is a very good reason to do otherwise. -------------------------------------------------- Note added at 2 hrs (2013-11-03 13:25:20 GMT) -------------------------------------------------- As I was at pains to point out, PERSONALLY... this is my own approach when deciding this sort of question — my 'self guidelines' if you like. However, I don't really think there is any one objectively 'right' answer, each translator needs to assess the various issues involved on a case-by-case basis. -------------------------------------------------- Note added at 1 day9 hrs (2013-11-04 20:12:10 GMT) -------------------------------------------------- In the light of your additional context, i.e. the IT original text which uses an impersonal expression, I'd definitely say you could safely use the equivalent impersonal expression in EN: 'this is to certify that...', or one of the alternatives suggested by Dariusz. |
| |