Olha Nahorna
(Leonid Yuzkov Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law),
Yaroslav Nahornyi
(Leonid Yuzkov Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law)
TEACHING DISCOURSE MARKERS
IN LEGAL ENGLISH TO FUTURE TRANSLATORS
Discourse markers are functional elements that contribute to the coherence and cohesion of discourse and have an essential role both in the interpersonal and in the expressive use of language [3, p. 229]. Discourse markers (linking words, personal pronouns, definite articles, demonstrative pronouns, conjunctions, synonyms) demonstrate the speaker’s adherence to the basic patterns of discourse, thus, its adaptation to the relevant context.
Legal English is a very formal, strict and precise type of discourse which is used in legal documents. It often raises problems to non-lawyers as demands conformity to both linguistic and professional standards of behaviour. Here are the most distinguished features of legal English [1, p.41]:
- Long and complex sentences where several clauses are joined together with commas or coordinators (and/but);
- Usage of archaic words and phrases (aforesaid, thereof, thereto);
- Usage of legal terms (ad hoc, per ce, pro rata);
- Passive constructions are common (The inquisitorial system can be defined by…).
This work studies discourse markers related uniquely to legal English and proposes the ways they can be taught to philology students who specialize in legal translation. Furthermore, this research underlines the significance of proper usage of discourse markers in legal English not only by non-native speakers but also by non-lawyers.
Legal texts require the translator to be extremely careful when choosing terms in order to avoid misleading the recipient of the message and be sure that the concept is understood in the way it is used in the original. Appropriate and efficient teaching techniques that can enable students to fully comprehend and master the specifics of discourse markers according to the context of their usage will enhance the professional competence of future translators. Future translators who have not been trained to work with legal text and with discourse markers in particular can fall into the ever-present trap of distortion.
As a rule, discourse markers signal that further information about a previous idea will be given, so usually they fulfil four basic functions [2, p.112]:
- Giving extra information;
- Comparing, contrasting and qualifying;
- Introducing the result of previous information;
There are a number of tasks which will help philology students learn the proper meaning and correct usage of discourse marker (DM). For example:
- Underline each DM in the sentence.
- Complete each sentence with a necessary DM.
- Look at the proposed discourse markers and decide what function they realize (nevertheless, despite this, the fact that, furthermore, instead, although, consequently, notably, while, besides, however).
- Put the sentences into the correct order, using DMs as clues.
- Complete a body of the letter, using correct DMs.
- Work with a partner, take turns rephrasing the sentences from the text using the proposed DMs.
- Write a letter of advice to your client explaining the process of establishing a business in the UK. Mind DMs.
To sum up, strict legal English patterns have many limitations that students need not only to be aware of, but to adhere to. Mastering legal English is a complex process that requires knowledge of grammatical, lexical and discourse patterns. Cohesion, speaker/writer attitudes toward messages, and attitudes toward each other are recorded in the context use of discourse markers.
Competent professionals are able to combine grammatical and lexical structures into coherent and relevant discourse units that meet specific communication goals, thus the purpose of a teacher is to guide students in developing their communication skills. When used correctly, discourse markers become practical and functional tools that facilitate communication and demonstrate social politeness, adaptability, cooperation through language.
СПИСОК ВИКОРИСТАНИХ ДЖЕРЕЛ
- Krois-Lindner A., Firth M. Introduction to International Legal English. Cambridge University Press, 2008. 160 p.
- Krois-Lindner A. International Legal English. Cambridge University Press, 2011. 336 p.
- Matei M. G. Teaching the pragmatic functions of discourse markers in legal English. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov. Vol. 13(62). No. 2. 2020. P. 229-338.