The idea that there are rules is to not live in
chaos, but in an orderly society. In the case of linguistic rules ,
what is being sought is that we can convey our ideas with clarity and
communicate without problems. But do we respect them always, beyond the
type of text with which we are working? Without much thought, probably the
first thing we answer is "Yes, of course; If not, what are the rules?
"." However, if we think about it a little more, maybe change
the opinion.
Suppose that we are on the verge of renting an apartment
and we must sign the contract.The first thing which we find is a long paragraph
in which detailed data from the parties, who are the landlord and the
tenant. Later, sure we find the number of the law governing the signing of
this contract, for example, the "Horizontal No. 13.512 property
law".Informatively, in a single paragraph and the number of the law, we have
several problems.
- The length of the paragraph and
the use of a paragraph consisting of a single sentence.
Generally, to facilitate reading and comprehension, we recommend the use of paragraphs composed of several sentences. - Misuse of orthotypographic
highlights.
Normatively, there is no reason to highlight the parties involved in the contract, to write "the landlord", "the tenant" and "parties" is sufficient. - The writing of the number of the
law.
According to the rules of the SAR, the numbers that do not represent quantities (years, postal codes, laws, for example numbers) are written without separation or white spots; However, in many countries, laws numbers are written with point and thus appear in official publications.
Imagine now that we are reading a manual for employees
aimed at Spanish speakers living in the United States. While the rule
sets that only the initial of the first letter of a title is capitalized,
we can find ourselves, for example, with a title like this: Policy of
use of the electronic devices. We would be in the presence of an
anglicism review. It is also likely that we find a sentence as in
85% of cases, it is not necessary to use your cell phonealthough the policy
is that the percent symbol will separate from the figure with a space
of no separation .
In these cases, the best thing is to analyze what kind of
text is about and to whom it is directed to, then, to determine the parameters
that we are going to handle. In the contract, we surely respect highlights
orthographically chose the lawyer who drafted it and let the number of the law
as contained in all publications that mention it. In the second example,
chances are that it is a translation of a text in English and that thecustomer has
given instructions that follow the English score. Perhaps, in these texts,
only we can confine ourselves to correct spelling.
Who we are dedicated to the translation and correction must
learn in depth about therules of the languages with which we work and
respect it wherever possible. However, we must also have the ability to
adapt different discursive genres, to the traditions of each discipline, to the
recipient and to the demands of customers. After all, to break the rules,
you must first know them.
