QHE May 3, 2014:

At this point I’m sure Celia is capable to convey the text, unless it’s an act of Much Ado.

Phil Hand May 3, 2014:

"Shall" could work in context Yes, I certainly agree that shall could be used, depending on the language used throughout the rest of the document. But I think it's worth noting that this sentence does appear to be permissive. The link you gave, David, is to a company charter, which defines the types of business that a company may undertake. Unless there is some point of law which says that companies engaged in import/export *must* provide guarantees (and I don't think there is), then the meaning must be permissive. The translator might well find it useful to mark it explicitly as permissive, and "shall" (depending on context) could be ambiguous or even misleading.

David Lin May 2, 2014:

Use of "shall" in law As used in statutes and similar instruments, this word is generally imperative or mandatory; but it may be construed as merely permissive or directory, (as equivalent to “may,”) to carry out the legislative intention and In cases where no right or benefit to any one depends on its being taken in the imperative sense, and where no public or private right is impaired by its interpretation in the other sense. Also, as against the government, “shall” is to be construed as “may,” unless a contrary intention is manifest. See Wheeler v. Chicago, 24 111. 105, 76 Am. Dec. 736; People v. Chicago Sanitary Dist., 184 111. 597, 56 N. E. 9.”.:;: Madison v. Daley (C. C.) 58 Fed. 753; Cairo & F. R. Co. v. Ilecht, 95 U. S. 170, 24 L. Ed. 423. SHAM PLEA. See PLEA. SHARE 1082 SHERIFF

-- From Law Dictionary: What is SHALL? definition of SHALL (Black's Law Dictionary)

celiacheung85 (asker) May 2, 2014:

Sorry for the late reply. I am very thankful that so many people in proz are willing to response to this question.

Oceanwide May 2, 2014:

Please refer to the following link: Please see http://34107585.boss.com.tw
If the asker is translating the same or similar data as referred to in the above link, then it's clear the 得 means "may", i.e., the company may choose to do that, it's entitled to do that, not obligated, that's just one item as authorized by its bylaw or as permitted by the relevant authorities.

Oceanwide May 2, 2014:

得 pronounced differently For "shall", it is pronounced as "dei", and used more in everyday expressions.
For "may", it is pronounced as "de", and used more in legal context.
Many academic books nowadays even mix it up often, but the specific context can make it clear in almost every case.

QHE May 2, 2014:

Hi Phil,

It doesn't seem that the act is optional, according to the original sentence per se.

Phil Hand May 2, 2014:

Hi, QHE - why a duty? This might be a point of law I don't know about. In import/export business, is it necessary to provide guarantees to other corporations?

Sharon Toh, MITI MCIL May 1, 2014:

I think 之 here is akin to 的.

Phil Hand May 1, 2014:

Is 之 a verb here? Taiwanese legal language is hard! Having read it ten times, I think I now understand it, but is 之 acting as the verb in this clause?