Plain Language and Modality: Analysis of a Parallel Corpus with Shall and Simple Future Tense in the Enacting Terms of Delegated Directives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_misc/mj.202611856Keywords:
Delegated Directives, modal shall, plain language, parallel corpus, simple future tense, enacting termsAbstract
Plain language should be recognised, by both writers and translators, as a key element for the qualities of European legal drafting. This is particularly relevant in the context of drafting European directives, where it is essential to maintain legal certainty, facilitate uniform interpretation across Member States and ensure that amendments are seamlessly integrated into existing legislative frameworks without introducing ambiguities or inconsistencies. This study focuses on a parallel corpus (English/Spanish) of enacting terms used in 20 delegated directives available in the EUR-Lex database. In particular, the study focuses on the use of the English modal verb shall and the simple future tense in Spanish. The corpus selection of delegated directives ranges from 2019 to 2024, after the publication of the Joint Practical Guide of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission for Persons Involved in the Drafting of European Union Legislation in 2015. The study findings serve to identify common structural patterns and provide insights into the use and translation of modality in line with current European recommendations on plain language.
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