翻译技巧讲解 1.doc

Translation TechniquesThe Passive Voice (1)被动语态. The Passive Voice in English-Chinese Translation 英汉翻译中的被动语态广泛使用被动句型是英语的一大特点。英语中的被动句型远远多于汉语。由于被动句型的感情色彩少于主动句型，凡是不需要或者不方便以及无从说出动作的执行者，或是为了上下文的连贯以及使句子得到更好的安排时，英语都会采用被动句型。科技文献中为了避免主观上的臆断，被动句型用得更为普遍。在汉语中，也有被动句，通常通过“被”或“把”等词体现出来，但其使用范围远远小于英语中被动语态的使用范围。由于汉语拥有英语中所没有的无主句，因此英语中的被动句型可以译成汉语的主动句，也可以把它译成汉语的被动句，而且译法灵活多样。常见的译法主要有以下几种：1. Conversion of the Passive Voice into the Active Voice 译成汉语主动句英语中被动结构的句子译成汉语主动句可以有几种不同情况：1）原文中的主语在译文中仍作主语例1：This week, scientists of the Anthropological Survey of India told the Herald Sun of Melbourne, Australia, that members of the ancient tribes it visited on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands near the earthquakes epicenter may have been spared because they noticed unusual behavioral changes in the birds, dolphins and lizards. (Unit 1 A)本周，印度人类学研究所的科学家们向澳大利亚墨尔本的先驱太阳报透露，该研究所曾走访过位于震中附近的安达曼尼科巴群岛上的原始部落居民，他们很可能是因为注意到了鸟类、海豚和蜥蜴的反常行为而得以幸免于难。例2：Scientists have long tried to figure out the intricate workings of human intelligence, but the process of how a thought is chemically produced in the brain still remains a mystery. (Unit 1 B)长久以来，科学家们一直试图弄清楚人类智能复杂的运行方式。但思维在大脑中的化学形成过程仍然是不解之谜。例3：Based largely on sightings of unusual animal behavior, the public was warned and thousands of lives were saved. (Unit 1 A)主要依据观察到的动物的反常行为，公众得到了预警，数千条生命得以幸存。例4：I was honored. (Unit 1 C)我倍感荣幸。 例5：The news was passed on by word of mouth.众口相传，消息不胫而走。 2）原文中的主语在译文中作宾语例1：Far more research is needed to determine how many animals process intelligence in their brains. (Unit 1 B)至于许多动物的大脑是如何进行思维的还有待更深入的研究。例2：There are many other amazing stories, but each experience with Cheyenne will depend on the person and can only be experienced by visiting her in person. (Unit 1 C)还有许许多多令人称奇的故事，但每个人与谢恩在一起的感受都不同，也只有亲自见到她才能体会到。例3：A railway bridge is being built by the workers.工人正在修建一座铁路大桥。 3）译成带表语的主动句，即译成“是的”例1：A computer program then turns the sounds into digital information that is translated into sound charts, which let Slobodchikoff see patterns in the noise which otherwise could not be understood. (Unit 1 B)然后用电脑程序将声音信号转为数字信号，并进一步转化为音图，从而使斯洛博奇科夫了解这些噪音模式，这些模式是以其他方式无法破译的。例2：The compass was invented by Chinese long ago.指南针是中国人很久以前发明的。例3：These signals are produced by colliding stars or nuclear reactions in outer space. 这些讯号是由外层空间的星球碰撞或者核反应造成的。 4）译成泛指人称句如果原文中没有合适的词充当译文的主语，可以增补“人们”、“有人”、“大家”、“我们”等泛指性的主语，以使表达更顺畅。例1：Elephants, she says, are known to “lay their trunks on the ground when an airplane or truck generates large seismic noise,” as if to feel it.( Unit 1 A)她说，众所周知，“当飞机或卡车发出巨大的震动声响时，”大象“会把鼻子贴到地面上”，好像是为了去感觉震动似的。例2：To explore the moons surface, rockets were launched again and again. 为了探测月球的表面，人们一次又一次地发射火箭。 此外，有一类以it作形式主语的英语句子，在译文中常要改成主动形式，有时不加主语，有时则加上不确定的主语，如“有人”、“大家”、“人们”、“我们”等。例如： It is believed that 有人认为（相信）It is generally considered that 大家普遍认为It is well known that 大家知道It is noticed that 人们注意到It is asked that 有人会问2. Conversion of the Passive Structure into a Subjectless Sentence 译成汉语无主句 原文没有体现行为主体时，可以把英语的被动句译成汉语的无主句。例1：Dogs senses of smell are so sensitive theyre said to be able to smell fear that its possible they could pick up on chemical changes in the air before an earthquake. (Unit 1 A)狗的嗅觉非常敏锐，据说它们还能够嗅到恐惧，甚至很可能会嗅到地震前空气中发生的一些化学变化。例2：Water can be shown as containing impurities.可以证明水含有杂质。例3：Attention has been paid to the new measures to prevent corrosion.已经注意到采取防腐新措施。 以下是一些常被译为汉语无主句的以it作形式主语的英语句型：It is said (stated, reported) that 据说（报道）It is estimated (predicted, calculated) that 据估计It is supposed that 据推测It is demonstrated that 据证实It is claimed (declared, announced) that 据称3. Keeping the Passive Structure Unchanged 被动语态保持不变 汉语也有用被动形式来表达的情况，这一类句子，都是着重被动的动作。有些英语被动语态译成汉语时往往可以保留被动结构，翻译时通常借助下几种方式： 1）译成含“被”或“给”或“叫”或“（遭）受”的汉语句型例1：Mark keeps extra clothing for people whose clothes are taken by Cheyenne, so I got a new shirt. (Unit 1 C)马克为那些被谢恩拿走衣服的人准备了备用的衣物，于是我拿到了一件新衬衫。例2：The town was completely destroyed by a great flood over a decade ago.十年前这个小镇给洪水完全冲毁了。例3：A diabetic man who lost his toes due to frostbite was encouraged to hike the same trail on which he had lost his toes, after visiting Cheyenne. (Unit 1 C)一位糖尿病患者因冻伤失去了脚趾，见了谢恩后，他受到鼓舞，又一次踏上了令他失去脚趾的路去远足。例4：I was seized with sadness as I thought of how the ancient city had been spared during the Second World War and now might be destroyed by an impending riot. 我想到这座古城在第二次世界大战时得到幸免而现在却要遭到即将来临的暴乱的破坏，内心感到悲伤。 2）译成含“为所” 的汉语句型例1：For example, there was a young boy with anger problems who was comforted by Cheyenne and encouraged to open up. (Unit 1 C)例如，一个脾气暴躁的小男孩为谢恩所安抚，鼓起勇气敞开了心扉。例2：I was so impressed by these words that I used them later for a Christmas card. 我为这些话所深深感动，后来我就把它们写在圣诞贺卡上。例3：As soon as all the facts have been found out, we can begin to formulate a theory. 一旦所有的事实为人们所发现，理论即可形成。4. Replacing the Passive Voice by Other Structures 被动语态用其他结构代替 1）译成“由”字句 例1：The first group was formed from the miners.第一组由矿工组成。例2：The bread is made of flour, sugar and cream. 这种面包由面粉、糖和奶油制成。 2）译成“把”字句例1：These boxes cant be stored below.不能把这些箱子放在下面。例2：I felt that I did not know enough about my own country, and that my time could be more profitably spent in China. 我觉得我对自己的国家还了解得不够，我把时间花在中国会更有益处。 3）译成具有使役意义的句子例1：I was profoundly puzzled by his enthusiasm.他的热情使我深为迷惑不解。例2：We should keep our promise to them that whenever the chance comes, they will be allowed to carry out their desire of fighting the enemy. 我们要信守诺言，一有机会就要让他们实现打敌人的愿望。 还有一些英语被动结构的句子翻译则要视情况而定，选择最佳的汉语表达。例如：例1：“It is only a few earthquakes that are preceded by unusual behavior,” he says. (Unit 1 A)“只是在几次地震前动物行为反常，”他说。例2：The village is populated by about 13,000 farmers.这个村子里住着大约13 000农民。ExerciseTranslate the following sentences into Chinese.1. Chinas presence is felt, more than ever, all over the world.2. It must be dealt with at the appropriate time with appropriate means.3. The economic development is decided to a great extent by science and technology.4. It should be understood that to err is human.5. It is considered not advisable to act that way.6. Mary was questioned by a police for a whole morning.7. The plan was especially supported by those who wished to have more exposure to the literary theory.8. Mother is a sentimental woman. Her heart is good and easily moved by tears.9. The three machines can be controlled by a single operator.10. The boy who was seriously injured was immediately admitted into the hospital.Translation TechniquesThe Passive Voice (2)被动语态II. The Passive Structure in Chinese-English Translation汉英翻译中的被动结构同英语相比，汉语被动句的使用范围小得多。造成这种现象的原因可能很多，但主要原因有三。其一，汉语中有许多动词既可用来表示主动意义，又可用来表达被动意义。其二，汉语是意合语言，这就决定了汉语在句子的构成上不太注重形式的整合，而是注重意义的连贯。 因此，汉语句子即使不用被动句的标志性词语，也可以表达被动意义。最后一个原因是汉语大量使用无主句，也使得汉语主动句居多。 上述原因决定了在汉英翻译过程中，需要根据英文表达习惯，将一些汉语主动句转译为英语被动句。现归纳为以下几种常见情况：1. Chinese Sentences with Passive Labels带有被动标签的汉语句子英语中的语态是通过动词的变化来体现的，而汉语的动词没有变化，通常使用带有表达被动意义标签的词语，如“被、遭、挨、受”或“被所、为所、加以”等来表示被动。这类句子，一般表示较强的被动意义，着重于被动的动作，可相应地译成英语的被动句。例1：海外华侨现在不再被人轻视了。 Overseas Chinese are no longer looked down upon.例2：她深受大家的尊敬。 She is greatly respected by everyone.例3：市场经济理念已为全国人民所接受。The concept of market economy has been accepted by the whole Chinese people.例4：该计划将由一个特别委员会加以审查。 The plan will be examined by a special committee.2. Chinese Sentences without Passive Labels不带有被动标签的汉语句子汉语中除了用带有被动标签的语句来表达被动含义之外，也存在一些形式上主动但意义上被动的无标签被动句，这类句子看似主动，实际上却带有被动含义，只是不用标志词“被”、“受”等而已。例1：这个问题正在研究。 The problem is now being studied.例2：说话时，已摆了茶点上来。Meanwhile refreshments had been served.例3：又一座立交桥将于年底通车。Another flyover will have been opened to traffic by the end of this year.3. Conversion of Chinese “Active” Structures汉语“主动”结构转为英语被动结构汉语中还有一些句子具有完全主动的含义，但因表达的需要（如语篇衔接，强调受动者等）而译作英语被动语态。例1：当他出现在舞台上时，观众给予了他热烈的掌声。When he appeared on the stage, he was warmly applauded by the audience.例2：医院为病人提供有助于健康的食物。The patients are provided with a very healthful diet in the hospital.例3：每年10月，杭州的西湖都要举行国际马拉松比赛。An International Marathon Championship Race is held around the West Lake in Hangzhou in October every year.4. Translation of Some Idiomatic Chinese Expressions一些汉语习惯表达法的译法在汉语中有一些习惯表达法，也应译作“It be + adj. / p.p. + that clause”结构的被动语态。例1：众所周知，火药是中国的四大发明之一。 It is well-known that gunpowder is one of the four great inventions of the ancient Chinese people.例2：据谣传，那场事故是由于玩忽职守造成的。 It is rumoured that the accident was due to negligence.例3：应该说，形式基本上是健康的。It should be said that the situation is basically sound. 例4：必须指出，你方关于质量低劣的抱怨是没有事实根据的。It must be pointed out that your complaint about inferior quality is unfounded . ExerciseTranslate the following sentences into English. 1. 据谣传，那位著名的歌星又要结婚了。 2. 人们发现橡胶是很好的绝缘体。3. 他被选为校学生会主席。4. 桌子上的花瓶叫那个孩子打破了，这下他准要挨骂了。5. 众所周知，华侨是刻苦耐劳的。6. 这家工厂在地震中遭到严重破坏。7. 大家认为，他对做这项工作很满足。8. 那歌星唱完一曲，追星族们顿时掌声雷动。9. 必须指出，有些问题还需要澄清。10. 该项目先由有关专家加以审查，而后再送交委员会。Translation Techniques Translation of Clauses (1)从句的翻译I. Nominal Clauses 名词性从句1. English Nominal Clauses英语名词性从句英语重“形合”，汉语重“意合”，这是两种语言的一个显著区别。英语句子的逻辑关系主要通过连词的使用得以体现，因此，出于结构严谨、逻辑清楚的需要，英语中出现了较多的“多枝公干”的复合句情况，名词性从句就是其中之一。而汉语句子结构松散，逻辑关系可以直接从句子本身的含义中体现出来。因此，在翻译名词性从句时，应注意如何将重“形合”的英语语句，通过对句子结构的重新调整，转化成重“意合”的汉语语句。下面按照主语从句、宾语从句、表语从句和同位语从句的顺序分述如下：1) 翻译主语从句时，我们可以根据实际情况采用顺译（即按原文的顺序）、逆译（即将主从句的顺序颠倒）和补译（即增加诸如“说”、“即”、“也就是”、“以为”、“认为”等词）的方法。例1: , what you are imagining is the day you get it. (Unit 3 A)，你所想象的只是拥有该辆车当天的情形而已。（顺译）例2: Its still doubtful whether she would play the part.她是否要演这个角色仍值得怀疑。（逆译）例3: It was generally accepted in Britain that the State should provide a full range of free education facilities from nursery schools to universities. 英国人普遍接受这样一个观点，即国家应该全方位提供从幼儿园到大学的免费教育设施。（补译）2) 宾语从句的翻译技巧可参照主语从句的翻译方法。例1: , so long as you know just what you can and cant expect from it. (Unit 3 A) ，条件是你要清楚金钱能给你带来什么，不能带来什么。（顺译）例2: We consider it essential that listening should be given priority in language learning. 听力在语言学习中应该放在首位，我们认为这是绝对必要的。（逆译）例3: He reminded people repeatedly that outward appearances could be deceiving. 他再三提醒大家说，外表有时是会骗人的。（补译）3) 表语从句的翻译主要用顺译。例1: This is what he showed me this morning. 这就是他今天早上给我看的东西。（顺译）例2: But thats also why youre never all that satisfied for long when good fortune comes your way. (Unit 3 A) 但这也是财富到手后你总是很快又不知足的原因所在。（顺译）4) 同位语从句的翻译方法可分为顺译、逆译和转译三种。其中转译是指改变同位语结构，用汉语中的其他结构进行翻译，如可以转译为前置定语、宾语、状语等。例1: He expressed the hope that he would come over to visit China again. 他表示希望再到中国来访问。（顺译）例 2: Instead of questioning the notion that you can buy happiness on the car lot, you begin to question your choice of car. (Unit 3 A) 你开始质疑自己选错了车，而不是质疑在车行购买幸福这一想法。(逆译)例3: There is only a remote possibility that many other elements will be found. 再发现许多新元素的可能性不大。（转译为定语）例4: In fact, we have to admit the fact that the quality of life is as important as life itself. 其实，我们必须承认生命的质量和生命本身一样重要。（转译为宾语）例5: Well be there tomorrow on the assumption that it doesnt rain. 假如不下雨，我们明天就去那里。(转译为条件状语) 2. Chinese Complex Sentences 汉语复句 汉语重意合，复句是其语言的典型句式，翻译时，要把握汉语复句的整体意义及层次，推导出复句的重心，然后将意合复句转换为以形态为主，有明显标记（主要是关联词）的英语复合句。这样才能保证译文准确、地道，符合英语的规范和表达方式。下面讨论使用频率较高的几种汉语复句的翻译：1) 并列关系复句的翻译：汉语并列关系复句一般不使用关联词语，而是通过语序来表示分句之间的并列关系。英译时，首先要增补连接性词语，使其成为形合句。例1: 不是他没说清楚，就是我没听明白。 Either he did not speak distinctly or I did not hear well. 例2: 我帮助我同学，他们也帮助我。 I help my classmates, and they help me.2) 因果关系复句的翻译：汉语的因果关系与事件发生的先后顺序有关，一般情况下，先发生的在前，也就是原因，后面的自然就是结果了。英语的因果关系原则上采用连接性词语把分句连接起来，具有很强的形合特征。英译时，要增补连接性词语，以表明分句事件的逻辑关系。分句的顺序也较为灵活，原因既可在前，也可在后。例1: 济南地段的黄河，夏天河面宽，水流急，泥沙沉淀淤积，河床逐年加高，水位高于地面10余米。 The Yellow River at Jinan is wide and turbulent in summer. With years of precipitation and deposition of silt, its bed has become higher and higher so that its average water level is about 10 meters above the ground.例2: 他昨天把腿摔断了，没有来。 He was absent because his leg was fractured yesterday.3) 条件关系复句的翻译 英译条件关系的复句时，同样要增补相应的连接性词语。例1: 前怕狼后怕虎，就走不了路。 We shall get nowhere if plagued by fears.例2: 小国人民敢于起来，敢于拿起武器，掌握自己国家的命运，就一定能够战胜大国的侵略。 The people of a small country can certainly defeat aggression by a big country, if only they dare to rise in struggle, dare to take up arms and grasp in their own hands the destiny of their own country.4) 转折关系复句的翻译汉语的转折关系复句有很多是隐性的，英译时，要增加相应的连接词，变隐性为显性，译为英语的复合句。例 1: 白杨不是平凡的树，它在西北极普遍，不被人重视，就跟北方农民似的。 White poplars are no ordinary trees. But these common trees in Northwest China are much ignored as our peasants in the North.例 2: 他们遇到了很多困难，不过还是及时完成了这项工作。 They came across many difficulties, yet they finished the work in time.Exercise 1Translate the following sentences into Chinese.1. Innumerable studies suggest that having friends matters a great deal. 2. And that is where the newest happiness research comes in.3. We always think if we just had a little bit more money, wed be happier.4. It is important that science and technology be pushed forward as quickly as possible.5. No one can change the fact that we have lost our dearest friend.6. The belief that failure is the mother of success had kept him go on experimenting.7. His view of the press was that the reporters were either for him or against him.8. That was how a small nation won the victory over a big power.9. But considered realistically, we had to face the fact that our prospects were less than good.10. It doesnt make much difference whether he attends the meeting or not.Exercise 2Translate the following sentences into English.1. 如果你对朋友经常说谎，日后即使说实话，他们也不会相信。2. 你不用买胶卷，所有的影像都存储在可反复使用的存储卡上。3. 那对年轻夫妇当时非常穷，买不起昂贵的彩电。4. 生不带来，死不带去，倒也公平。5. 我原计划今年2月访问美国，后来不得不推迟，这使我感到很扫兴。6. 我们拥有很多且不断增多的回头客，他们发现了我们宾馆在服务和设施方面的优势。7. 她对教授的推荐表示衷心感谢，凭借他的推荐，她找到了理想的工作。8. 教育孩子是一门科学，也是一门艺术，若教育违反孩子身心健康成长的客观规律，则必然失败。9. 路遥知马力，日久见人心。10. 不自由，毋宁死。Translation Techniques Translation of Clauses (2)从句的翻译. Attributive Clauses 定语从句定语从句分为限制性定语从句和非限制性定语从句两种。在翻译时，限制性定语从句可用合并法、分译法和混合法，非限制性定语从句可用分译法和合并法将其译成简单句、并列句或复合句。此外，在有些情况下，一些定语从句和主句之间存在着状语关系，因此，就功能而言，定语从句可以译成表原因、结果、让步、条件和目的状语的汉语分句。1. Restrictive Attributive Clauses 限制性定语从句 限制性定语从句对所修饰的先行词起限制作用，与先行词关系紧密，不用逗号分开。翻译此类定语从句可以用以下方法：1) Combination 合并法合并法是把限制性定语从句译成带“的”的前置定语，从而把复合句译成汉语的简单句。 例1：The short list of intellectuals who have materially advanced the betterment of civilization unquestionably includes Adam Smith. (Unit 4 A) 曾经在物质上积极促进文明进步的为数不多的知识分子当中，毫无疑问就有亚当斯密。 例2：The Greeks about whom Homer wrote did not comprise a business society, even though there were merchants and traders in Greece. (Unit 4 B) 荷马笔下的希腊人也没有组成什么商社，尽管那时希腊出现了商人。2) Division 分译法分译法是把结构较长且复杂的定语从句后置，译成并列分句，可以重复先行词，也可以不重复。 例1： Smith lived at a time when market forces were beginning to erode the rigidities of the remaining feudal and medieval practices and the mercantilism that followed them. (Unit 4 A) 斯密生活的时代，市场力量正开始侵蚀残存的顽固僵化的封建习俗、中世纪惯例以及随后的重商主义。 例2：To be sure, all of them had markets where spices, gold, slaves, cloth, pottery, and foodstuffs were offered for sale. (Unit 4 B) 不能否认，他们都有市场，在那些市场上有待售的香料，黄金，奴隶，布匹，陶器还有食品。3) Mixture 混合法混合法是把主句与定语从句合起来译，使之混合成一个独立的简单句。通常含有定语从句的“there be ”结构可用混合法。 例1： Many people speak about capitalism as if it were as old as the hills, as ancient as the Bible, implying that there is something about the system that accords with human nature. (Unit 4 B) 许多人谈论起资本主义，好像它亘古已有，历史悠久，暗示着资本主义制度有些方面是符合人性的。 例2： Although Marxs economic analysis is based on the discredited labour theory of value, there are elements of his theory that remain of worth. (Unit 4 C) 虽然马克思的经济分析是建立在令人质疑的劳动价值理论的基础之上，但其理论中仍包含有价值的成分。2. Non-restrictive Attributive Clauses 非限制性定语从句非限制性定语从句对先行词加以描写、叙述或解释，而不起限制作用。从句与先行词关系不太紧密，前有逗号分开。翻译此类定语从句可以用以下方法： 1) Division 分译法分译法是把非限制性定语从句译成并列分句，把原文从句后置，重复或省略关系代词所代表的含义；原文从句也可前置并重复关系代词代表的含义。有时也可译成独立句。 例1：Finally, a free market system means that there is a regular flow of wealth into production a flow of savings and investment organized through banks and other financial companies, where borrowers pay interest as the reward for having the use of the wealth of the lenders. (Unit 4 B) 最后，一个自由的市场体制意味着生产资本的有序流通，即由银行和其他金融机构组织的储蓄和投资的流动。在这些银行和金融机构里，借方要付给贷方利息作为使用其资金的回报。 例2：Influenced by the ideas and events of the Reformation, which helped undermine the concept of the divine right of kings, a view of individuals acting independently of ecclesiastic and state restraint emerged in the early part of the eighteenth century. (B3U4A) 宗教改革运动帮助人们逐渐消除神赐王权的观念。在这些改革思想和重大事件的影响下，18世纪初期，出现了一种要摆脱牧师影响与挣脱国家束缚的个人意识。2) Combination 合并法 合并法适用于翻译一些较短而具有描写性的英语非限制性定语从句，可译成带“的”的前置定语，这种方法不如限制性定语从句普遍。 例1：The sun, which had hidden all day, now came out in all its splendor. 那个整天躲在云层里的太阳，现在又光芒四射地露面了。 例2：He liked his sister, who was warm and pleasant, but he did not like his brother, who was aloof and arrogant. 他喜欢热情愉快的妹妹，而不喜欢冷漠高傲的哥哥。3. Attributive Clauses Functioning as Adverbials 兼有状语功能的定语从句英语中有些定语从句兼有状语从句的功能，在意义上与主句有原因、结果、让步、条件和目的等状语关系，翻译时可译成相应的复合句。1) Translating into Adverbial Clauses of Cause 译作汉语原因句 例1：It may not have seemed so to the peasants and merchants whose lives were constantly disrupted by war, famine, merciless taxation, and brigandage. (Unit 4 B) 因为农民和商人长期饱受