试析英语定语从句翻译策略A Tentative Study on The Strategies used in Translating English Attributive Clause.doc

试析英语定语从句翻译策略A Tentative Study on The Strategies used in Translating English Attributive ClauseA paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of ArtsThe Institute of Online EducationBeijing Foreign Studies University 摘要 本文旨在研究英语定语从句的翻译策略，由于前置法、后置法、合并法及状语转换法在英语定语从句中广泛应用，作者在文中着重关注此四种方法的翻译策略。此研究对多个语料进行举例分析。本文中首先简述了英给语定语从句的概念与翻译的研究现状，其次给出了前置法、后置法、合并法及壮语转换法的概念及相关的翻译方法。然后，通过对30个英语定语从句译文进行分析，分别评论各个译文所采用的翻译方法。最后就英语定语从句中应采用的翻译策略提出建议。本研究表明，在英语定语从句的翻译中，必须考虑汉英两种语言的文化差异，运用正确的翻译策略，才能撰写出高质量的译文。同时，英汉两种语系的迥异差别使得译者在翻译时必须善于变通，根据上下文语境适当调整，灵活处理。汉译时必须正确理解体会原文的逻辑概念，合理安排译文的语序，按汉语的表达习惯处理行文。这样才能重现原文的内容，又保证了译文的通顺流畅。作者希望本文的研究成果能够对英语定语从句翻译的实践有所裨益，同时也希望翻译学术界对英语定语从句的翻译工作给予更多的关注和支持。关键词：英语定语从句；前置法；后置法；合并法；状语转换法；翻译策略AbstractThis paper focuses its study in the translation strategies to be applied to English attributive clauses. The author shows her particular interest in translating strategies on reversing, postpositioning, combination and conversing into adverbial clauses because they are widely used. Based on the analysis of several rationale, this research aims to come up with some strategies in translating English attributive clauses.It first provides a review of the definition of English attributive clauses, and existing translation principles and strategies. Second, it covers concepts of reversing, postpositioning, combination and conversing into adverbial clauses, as well as the strategies of translating them. Then 30 selected examples of attributive clauses are analyzed and the translation strategies of every examples are commented by the author. Finally, the conclusion offers some suggestions on the use of appropriate strategies in translating attributive clauses.The research shows that only by taking into account the culture differences between English and Chinese, can a translator create or select effective strategies to help produce a quality translation. In addition, both of languages are from different language families, which makes the translator must versatile, appropriately and flexiblely deal with base on context. Therefore the translator should well understand the logical concept of the original context, and arrange the word sequences according to the Chinese way of expression to deal with the language, so as to reproduce the original content and ensure the fluent translation.The author hoped that this research can be useful for the future English attributive clause translation practice. Meanwhile, she looks forward to seeing more attention paid and effort devoted to the development of attributive clause translation.Key words: English attributive clause; reversing; postpositioning; combination; conversing into adverbial clause; translation strategy1. DIRECTIONS FOR LEARNERS1) Analyze the data in no less than 1,000 words by using one or some of the methods recommended in Step 2 and Step 3 of Stage 7 in Writing Your BA Paper Through Practical Translation Project Design. The analysis should be based on the examples from the data, or no less than 3 samples from each category of the data.2) The heading for this section has been given. You may decide on your own subheadings if there are any.3) Insert your analysis of the data in paragraphs, tables, diagrams or listings in the space below.4. Data Analysis Attributive clauses are widely used in English. In order to provide good translation for people, it is necessary to find proper translation strategies. The purpose of the research is to seek for corresponding translation strategies which can serve as reference for translation practice. Therefore, the focus is on the translation skills in detail that can be used as principles in handling translation.4.1 The Analysis of Translation Restrictive Attributive Clauses4.1.1 The analysis of reversing translation used in English restrictive attributive clausesReversing, as defined by Guo Fuqiang( Guo, 2008: 121-125), means changing the original sentence positionn of the attributive clause, make the clause before the modified word. Original ordering refers to translate the attributive clause according to its original order in the sentence.限制性定语从句与主句联系紧密，一般不能分割，翻译时，要省去连词，译成“ 的”定语词组，即将复合句译成汉语单句，前置法常用于较短的定语从句中。In Example 1, the restrictive attributive clause “which people communicate ideas with each other” （人们交流思想的） is made before the modified word “tool”（ 工具）by the translator. Between them, the translator add a“的” to change the original sentence position of the clause.In Example 2, the restrictive attributive clause “who prepared the magnificent dinner” is translated by adding“的” as “准备了这次盛大晚会的人”, and “ who have provided the splendid music” is translated as “演奏了这样美好音乐的人” by adding a “的” 。In Example 3, the restrictive attributive clause “what we value most” can be translated as “我们最珍惜的东西” by adding“的” 。Only in this way, can the sentence be read clearly and coherently.In Example 2, the restrictive attributive clause “the people who worked for her all admired her cleverness and courage” is translated as “在她手下工作的人都很佩服她的智慧和勇气” 。4.1.2 The analysis of postpositioning translation used in English restrictive attributive clausesPostpositioning, as it is mentioned in Gu Yueguos book, means some restrictive attributive clauses especially when they are very long, may best be put after the words they modify. ( Gu, 2008：185 )In Example 5, the restrictive attributive clause “ which is close to the heart of every Chinese and for which ” modifies “ the ideal ”, can be translated as “这个理想是每个中国人所爱的” 。In Example 6, the restrictive attributive clause “ who first read the newspaper ” modifies “ he ”. Here can be translated as “ 是他第一个看了那份报纸” 。In Example 7, “ that ” clause modifies “ each day we made choices ”. It can be translated as “ 我们每天都要做出选择，其选择结果也会影响自己的生活，有时也会影响别人的生活” 。4.1.3 The analysis of division translation used in English restrictive attributive clausesDivision means make a English attributive clause translated into a independent clause within a compound sentence.In Example 8, the restrictive attributive clause “ that weighed up to two pounds each ” modifies “ tomatoes ”. It can be translated as “西红柿，每个重达两磅” by repeating the English antecedent.Example 9 also can be used the same method as Example 8, split up the whole sentence and translate respectively.4.1.4 The analysis of mixture translation used in English restrictive attributive clausesMixture means that breaking the original phrase structure, then translated the original meaning.In Example 10, the restrictive attributive clause “ who wants to see you ” modifies “ a man downstairs ”. This sentence only can be simplely and smoothly translated as “ 楼下有人要见你 ” ，not only simple but also natural.In Eample 11, “ Good locks have pendulums ” is modified by “ which are automatically compensated for temperature changes ” . This original phrase structure must be broken for translating smoothly, so that it can be used division method to translate as “ 好的钟摆可以自动补偿温度变化造成的误差” 。Example 12 is a long and compound sentence, we can translate it by mixture.4.1.5 The analysis of conversing into cdverbial clauses translation used in English restrictive attributive clausesIn Example 13, the attributive clause plays the role of attributive but also plays the role of adverbial, indicating the reason. Therefore, this sentence could be translated into an adverbial clause of reason. Example 14 is same as Example 13.Example 15 expresses the purpose of the subject. So the translator could translate it into an adverbial clause of purpose. Example 16 could be translated into an adverbial clause of result. Example 17 could be translated into an adverbial clause of condition. 4.2 The Analysis of Translation Non-restrictive Attributive ClausesThe purpose of the research is to explore a corresponding translation strategies which can serve as reference for translation practice. Therefore the focus is not on the translation skills but on general rules that can be used as principles in dealing with translation of non-restrictive attributive clauses.On the other hand, the data analysis in this project will cover the following aspects: 1) The analysis of conversing into adverbial clauses adopted to translate non-restrictive attributive clauses. 2) Reversing used in translating non-restrictive attributive clauses. 3) Original ordering used in translating non-restrictive attributive clauses. 4) Division adopted to translate non-restrictive attributive clauses. 5) The analysis of combination used in translating non-restrictive attributive clauses.4.2.1 The analysis of conversing into adverbial clauses adopted to translate non-restrictive attributive clausesIn Example 18, the sentence “ I have not given up my effort to get a passport” is used to describe the fact, “which will enable me to visit China ” is used to express the purpose of getting a passport. Therefore this non-restrictive attributive clause can be translated into an adverbial clause of purpose as“在争取获得一张护照，以便访问中国” 。In the same way, Example 19 could be translated an adverbial clause of time.Example 20 describes the reason why a cat can see clearly in the night, so it could be translated into an adverbial clause of reason.Example 21 expresses the result of “ he decided to take this difficult course ”, so consider the whole sentence should be translated into an adverbial clause of result.Exampe 22 shows us the condition that men want to keep alive their families just desperate for work. Hence, this sentence can be translated into an adverbial clause of condition.4.2.2 Reversing used in translating non-restrictive attributive clausesIn Example 23, this is a compound sentence, in this case we can adopt the reversing to make the sentence smooth and clearly in sense. Because it is better to translate it as “如何看待当前这种使得我们每个人不寒而栗的战争呢？” rather than “如何看待当前这种战争呢？它使我们每个人不寒而栗”。Example 24 is a comparative sentence, which should use reversing to translate it as a simple sentence. It is better than translated as “他喜欢妹妹，其热情愉快；而他不喜欢哥哥，其冷漠高傲” 。The latter sounds unnatural.4.2.3 Original ordering used in translating non-restrictive attributive clausesIn Example 25, “ where he is a machinist ” plays a role of compensating, so it can be adopted original ordering to translate.In Example 26, there are two separated sentence to describe a fact. According to the context, it can be translated by original ordering.4.2.4 Division adopted to translate non-restrictive attributive clausesExample 27 and Example 28 are two simple sentences both in structures and meanings. They just describe the truth. Therefore we can adopt division to translate them separately.4.2.5 The analysis of combination used in translating non-restrictive attributive clausesIn Example 29, “ The sun, which had hidden all day ” could be translated as “整天躲在云层里的太阳” better than “太阳整天躲在云层里” 。As for Example 30, it is a long sentence but simple structure. In order to make the meaning clearly expressed, we could translate it as “甚至一直支持她的丈夫也劝她放弃” 。ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FOR TUTORSPlease tick in the proper cell and write your overall comments in the box of “Tutors Comments” below. In-text comments should also be offered if necessary.评价项目(Assessment Items)评价指标(Assessment Criteria)评估(Acceptable/Revise)请打勾进行评估（）合格需修改语料分析 Data Analysis 1. 与研究目标相关。The analysis is related to the objective of the research.2. 以“文献综述”中引用的概念或理论为支持。The Analysis is supported by the concepts or theories quoted in the Rationale.3. 针对语料中原语与译语的差异（建议从语言、体裁、修辞或文化等角度比较），或同一原语的不同译语间的差异（建议从翻译的社会背景、目标、对象或译者的翻译倾向等角度比较），具体分析语言、文化或社会因素对翻译的影响。The analysis illustrates the effects of linguistic, cultural or social variants on translation by comparing and contrasting the source language with the target language (from the linguistic, stylistic, rhetorical, cultural or other perspectives), or different translation version (in terms of the social background, translation purpose, target reader, translators approach to translation, etc.).4. 分析充分详细，涵盖语料中的相关示例或相关示例代表，代表不少于3例。The analysis is adequate and detailed, based on the examples from the data, or no less than 3 samples from each category of the data.5. 语言准确，表意清楚，逻辑连贯。The analysis is presented in clear, correct and coherent English.6. 字数不少于1,000字。The analysis contains no less than 1，000 English words.7 格式（标题、字体和行间距）符合要求。 The analysis is formatted as required.Tutors Comments:2. DIRECTIONS FOR LEARNERS1) Derive the results from the analysis you have made above, and then based on these results, make some suggestions on the future translating practice. The section of results and suggestions should contain no less than 1,000 English words.2) The heading for this section has been given. You may decide on your own subheadings if there are any.3) Insert the results and suggestions in the space below. 5. Results and Suggestions 5.1 ResultsWhat is practice like in attributive clause translation? Based on the above analysis, we find four principles suggested by Gu Yueguo (2008), putting restrictive attributive clauses before the word it modifies, adding的; put it after the word it modifies and making it another sentence, and merging it into the rest of sentence are applied by translator in translating English attributive clauses. Last but not the least, conversing into adverbial clauses are also adopted widely adopted in translating.Putting restrictive attributive clauses before the word it modifies, adding的, also called reversing; On the contrary, put it after the word it modifies and making it another sentence, and merging it into the rest of sentence are also named postpositioning. The advantage of reversing is to convey the linguistic and cultural information as well as the translators creative purpose to the readers. I t is used frequently in dealing with transalting English attributive clauses.Considering different culture and language order during translating attributive clause, the method of reversing is nominated to express the original logic concept and meaning. The specific translating strategies like reversing, postpositioning, original ordering, division, combination, and mixture are used to smooth the difference in express and habits caused by social and cultural difference between Chinese and English.Then what considerations should the translator take into account while in dealing with cultural differences in translation? What translation strategies are more appropriate for translating English attributive clauses? My research has come to the following findings:(1) The Chinese readers response is still a significant criterion and the main consideration in translating English attributive clauses. No matter what words, sentences or tone they choose, the translator should consider whether the translations are suitable for Chinese.(2) It is also very important to make the translation conforms to Chinese usual practice. Because there are no attributive clauses in Chinese, English attributive clauses are different from Chinese sentences in logic and structure, so that we can understand in right way.(3) According to the general principle of translation, the translator should ensure the translations are smooth and clear.5.2 Suggestions on the Use of Translation StrategiesAs we know, excellent translation should be faithful to the original in ideological content, reflecting the scene and flavor of the original and absorbing the new ways of expression. So is the translation of English attributive clause. Translators should adopt various creative strategies, so as to reach the “ closest to natural equivalence of the source-language message.” ( Nida and Taber, 1969:12 )Here are some suggestions for the future practice of translationg English attributive clauses. As long as we translate the clauses, the strategies of reversing, postpositioning, combination and conversing into attributive clauses. By the complementary use of these four principles, numerous attributive clauses could be understood by the Chinese people.The four specific strategies provided as follows.In case of short sentences of restrictive attributive clauses, which merged in the main sentences, should be translated by adding a 的。It is also adopted in non-restrictive attributive clause. For instance, “ the people who worked for her” is better to be translated as “在她手下工作的人” ；If some restrictive attributive clauses, especially when they are very long, may best be put after the words they modify, for if they are put before the words they modify, that will result in some ill-sounding top-heavy sentences ( Gu, 2008:186 ). It is also called postpositioning. The author completely agree with Gu Yueguo. If the structure of attributive clause is “ there be ” or “ it be+subject+attributive clause ”, the translator should adopt combination to make attributive clause translated into the predicate of Chinese. For example, “ There is a man downstairs who wants to see you ” can be translated as “楼下有人要见你”If some attributive clauses play the roles of adverbial in logicalstructure, explain reason, purpose, result, condition and concession etc., then the translator should find out these logical relationship from the original context and converse the attributive clause into adverbial clause.ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FOR TUTORSPlease tick in the proper cell and write your overall comments in the box of “Tutors Comments” below. In-text comments should also be offered if necessary. 评价项目(Assessment Items)评价指标(Assessment Criteria)评估(Acceptable/Revise)请打勾进行评估（）合格需修改结果和建议 Result(s) and Suggestion(s) 1. 归纳语料分析结果。The result(s) is (are) inferred from t