I recently learned from the news that Chen Zhongcheng, the esteemed legal translator and critic, has passed away. His name may not resonate much with those outside China, but within the country, anyone even slightly interested in legal translation is likely familiar with him. Chen’s work has been a guiding light for many, including myself. His books are essential reading for legal translators, and three of them, in particular, have profoundly influenced my career.
The first is Window on Legal Translation (《法窗译话》), a book that opened my eyes to the intricacies of legal terminology. Chen’s detailed analysis of specific legal terms broadened my understanding of the subtleties involved in translating legal documents. His work encouraged me to pay closer attention to the nuances of language—a lesson that has served me well throughout my career.
Next is his Legal English Reading series, which includes Commercial Law, Civil Law, and Comprehensive Laws. These books, filled with articles sourced from English originals and presented in a bilingual format, were invaluable at a time when English reading materials were scarce. I pored over these texts, making meticulous notes on the translations. Chen’s skillful and seasoned translation work gave me a new perspective on legal language, and even now, as a seasoned legal translator, I often revisit those notes with admiration for his professionalism.
Lastly, The Comparative Study of the AAA Translations of the General Civil Law of PRC (《<民法通则>AAA译本评析》) stands out as a masterpiece of legal critique. This book provides a meticulous analysis of three different translations of China’s General Civil Law by the State Council Legislative Affairs Office, CCH, an Australian company, and the China Law Reporter magazine. While some of Chen’s critiques might seem outdated in today’s context, his deep understanding of both legal principles and language remains impressive. Many of my lawyer friends, upon my strong recommendation, have read this book and appreciated its insights. Even if we do not entirely agree with some of his assessments, we all deeply respect Chen’s seriousness and straightforwardness. His meticulousness serves as a constant reminder to approach our legal translation work with the utmost care.
In the last three decades of his life, Chen Zhongcheng left us a wealth of knowledge through his relentless dedication and hard work. May he rest in peace, knowing the profound impact he has had on our field.
老先生的书对我影响也很大。我觉得《法窗译话》中的很多观点即使放到今天，也依然具有很强的指导意义。
陈老先生的严谨和专业精神令人敬佩。他不仅是法律翻译的开创者，也是我们后来者的榜样。
陈老《民法通则》译本评析中的很多观点即使放到今天，也依然具有很强的指导意义。
在如今浮躁的环境中，很少有人能像他那样执着地追求完美。
I’ve always admired the meticulous nature of legal translators, and reading about Mr. Chen makes me appreciate the craft even more. How do you balance the need for accuracy with the often tight deadlines in legal translation?
It’s a constant challenge. The key is to develop a disciplined approach to your work, ensuring that accuracy never takes a backseat to speed. Planning and setting realistic deadlines with clients can help manage this balance.