下面译文中的 in so far as 似乎译得不妥,请分析。
In so far as any inquiry is a secret one, it naturally limits all those engaged in carrying it out from effective contact with their fellow scientists either in other countries or in universities... (New Concept English, Book 4, p. 58)
[原译]就任何一项研究工作都涉及到保密来说,它必然要使所有从事于执行它的人不能和其他国家、或者各大学……的科学家同事们进行有效的接触。(上海科技文献出版社版,p.192)
in so far as 在这里是指“就……来说”吗？
这句译文很费解,其原因就在于译者没有弄清 in so far as 的确切含义。根据 Collins Dictionary 的解释, in so far as = in that = because。A Reference Grammar for Students of English 一书也作了这样的解释：
Our protest was successful, the Minister agreed to reconsider the matter.
我们的抗议取得了胜利，因为部长同意重新考虑这件事。
再看下面的例句：
He can be trusted in so far as he has never yet told a lie. (ELD)
他是可以信任的，因为他从未说过谎。
此外, in so far as 还作“就……而言”, “在……程度上”(to the extent that) 解:
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He is a Russian in so far as he was born in Russia, but he became a French citizen in 1920. (ALD) 就他出生于俄国而言，他是个俄国人，但他在1920年入了法国籍。
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I'll help you in so far as I can. 我将尽力帮助你。
[试译]由于研究是保密的,所以这就必然会限制所有从事研究工作的人员同其它国家或大学的……科学家同行们进行有效的接触。