英语翻译的三个技巧.doc

云南大学旅游文化学院本科生学年论文题 目：Three Techniques in English-Chinese Alternating Translation 专业班级： 09级英语专业六班 作者姓名： 王志丽 作者学号： 20091201535 指导教师： 周真 庞芳 撰文时间： 2012年9月12日 ContentsAbstracti摘要iiIntroduction11. The Significance of Technique in English-Chinese Alternating Translation22. The Skills in English-Chinese Alternating Translation32.1 Combine the Context in English-Chinese Alternating Translation3 2.1.1Complex Sentence in English-Chinese Alternating Translation4 2.1.2Choose a Right Word in Translation52.2 Synonym in English-Chinese Alternating Translation52.3 Idioms and Proper Nouns in Literal Translation 63.The Strategies to English-Chinese Alternating Translation73.1 Train Sensitivity of English Context8 3.1.1 Listening Raises the Sensitivity of English Context8 3.1.2 Speaking Increases Sensitivity of English Context9 3.1.3 Reading Improves Sensitivity of English Context10 3.1.4 Writing Enhances Sensitivity of English Context 103.2 Know more about England Culture113.3 Enlarge English Vocabulary123.4 Master the Idiom and Proper Noun13Conclusion14Bibliography15Three Techniques in English-Chinese Alternating TranslationAbstract .On the broad horizon of globalization, the present essay explores the issue of globalization in the current age and its positive effect on culture and its translation. It tries to offer a new interpretation of the traditional definition of translation from the theoretical perspective of Cultural Studies. In my opinion ,in view of the characteristics of cultural communication translation. To the author, translation technique, as an important means in English-Chinese international cultural exchange, should focus on strategies of English-Chinese alternating translation. It is significant to improve yourself.Key Words: horizon; globalization ; perspective; significance iThree Techniques in English-Chinese Alternating Translation摘要这篇论文主要讨论的是英汉互译的技巧，当今社会随着国际化趋势的加强，英语在国际语言中，越来越发挥着它的积极性和必要性。传统意义上的翻译应该得到升华。这篇文章的主要目的是使英语学习者更好的掌握英汉互译的技巧，这篇文章介绍了英汉互译技巧的重要性以及方法与策略，得出了英汉互译的技巧是英语学习者提升自己的关键与必要。关键词： 视野 全球化 观点 重要性 iiIntroductionWhen it comes to translation techniques, we differ from those who tend to ignore them, or dismiss them lightly as something inconsequential. On the other hand, we also differ from those who tend to exaggerate the importance of translation techniques, or to look upon them as “panacea” . Different kinds of materials to be translated require different stresses in their rendition. Scientific materials stress their preciseness. Generally speaking, the basic translation techniques that merit our attention and that are to be applied in English-Chinese and Chinese-English translation include: (1) Diction , (2) Amplification , (3) Omission, (4) Repetition, (5) Conversion, (6) Restructuring, (7) Negation, (8) Division . Of course, different opinions are expressed on these labels of translation techniques. For example, some consider subordination a technique, assuming it to be an inseparable link in the process of comprehension; and some do not consider repetition itself as a technique, categorizing it as amplification; and quite a few people add the disposal of the passive voice, the rendering of technical terms, the rendering of long sentences, etc. to translation techniques, which, however, in the eyes of others, are not techniques at all but methods or approaches in tackling specific problems. Last but not least, translation techniques alone cannot guarantee faithful and smooth rendition-we may make use of them, but should not rely completely on them. Apart from translation techniques, a mastery of general knowledge and knowledge of the subject matter is of vital importance. In many cases, we can hardly do our translation well unless we have acquired adequate knowledge of the subject matter and the relevant background. As an experienced senior translator has pointed out: “The importance of the translators store of general knowledge-and of his/her knowledge of the subject matter can not be overemphasized, and it can almost be accepted as a rule that, given the required language proficiently, the greater the translators knowledge of the subject matter, the less arduously understanding occurs, and the more accurate his/her representation in the target language.” In order to expand his/her scope of knowledge, a conscientious translator should always do two things on his/her own: constantly exposing himself/herself to various reading materials on all subjects relevant to his/her work; conscientiously consulting relevant background materials or reference materials on the subject dealt with so as to keep up with the latest developments of the branch of knowledge he/she works in.1. The Significance of Technique in English-Chinese Alternating Translation Translation is a rendering from one language into another, i.e. ,the faithful representation in one language of what is written or said in another language. As a means of communication, translation plays an important role in human civilization. In the West, literary translation can be traced back to 300 BC, while in China, recorded translation activities are even earlier, dating from the Zhou Dynasty (1100 BC). However, not until recent centuries, especially by the end of the 19th century did systematic study of translation get underway. In the past decades translation theories and activities have developed fast both at home and abroad. A modern society sees an extensive use of translation on various occasions. If a foreign language is generally accepted as a tool of life, translation then obviously serves as a dynamic means of employing this tool. A proper and dexterous translation helps to promote mutual understanding between peoples of different cultural and social backgrounds, whereas a misunderstanding or improper rendering of words or expressions may lead to confusion.Take the familiar word “menu” for example. Its original meaning is “a list of dishes in a meal or to be ordered as separated meals, esp. in a restaurant”, and the Chinese equivalent seems to be clear: “菜单”. However, when used in computer science, “menu” no longer carries the original meaning. Instead, the meaning shifts to “a list shown on the display of a computer from which a user can select the operation the computer is to perform”. Evidently the Chinese counterpart should be something like “选项、项目单”. It is a pity that the initial translator neglected this definition, and as a result, the Chinese translation of this very popular term of computer science fails to convey its true meaning-the translated term “菜单” sounds incongruous with its actual content. So is the rendering of “Renaissance”. The original word refers to the period in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries, when the art, literature, ideas of ancient Greece were discovered again and widely studied, causing a rebirth of activity in all these things. It is commonly known as “文艺复兴” in Chinese via translation, although we know today that the movement extended far beyond literature and are circles, and the connotation of “Renaissance” is much more profound that of the Chinese term “文艺复兴”. The same fallacies also occurred in Chinese-English translation. For example, a popular Chinese lipstick with the trademark “ 芳 芳 ”, when transliterated into English as “Fang fang” 1, created a hideous image-the English word “fang” happens to have two disagreeable definitions: a. a long, sharp tooth of a dog; b. a snakes poisonous tooth. Consequently, this awkward transliteration gave rise to a disastrous failure of overseas trade. 2. The Skills in English-Chinese Alternating TranslationThe process of translation consists of two phases: comprehension and expression. Generally speaking, comprehension is of foremost importance, and expression is the natural consequence of thorough comprehension. However, in the practice of translation we may find that now and then some words in their usual senses are very difficult to deal with because of the disparity between the English and the Chinese languages. In this case, we have to resort to some special means of translation. Literal translation and free translation are two useful approaches in dealing with such awkward situations.2.1 Combine the Context in English-Chinese Alternating TranslationTranslation is an alternative approach which is used mainly to convey the meaning and spirit of the origin without trying to reproduce its sentence patterns or figures of speech. This approach is most frequently adopted when it is really impossible to translate the origin literally. For example: Adams apple 喉结 It rains cats and dogs. 大雨滂沱 The above illustrations can not be translated literally, otherwise, the Chinese rendition would make no sense at all, let alone the original meaning. More often than not, literal translation and free translation may be alternatively used in the process of translation, as illustrated by the following examples: 1. Theres no pot so ugly it cant find a lid. L T:再丑的罐儿也不愁配个盖儿。 F T:丑女不愁嫁。2. Little fish does not eat big fish. L T:小鱼吃不了大鱼。 F T:胳膊拧不过大腿。It is necessary a word in our translation on the basis of accurate comprehension of the original language. As a matter of principle, a translator is not supposed to add any meaning to or subtract any meaning from the original work. However, this does not mean that a translator should refrain from supplying necessary words to make his/her version both accurate in meaning and in keeping with the idiomatic use of the target language. In fact, it is precisely for the purpose of “faithful representation” of the thought of the author that we often resort to “amplification”. This is because English and Chinese are two entirely different languages and each has its own historical and cultural background. That are well understood in the country of their origin can hardly make sense to people abroad. Therefore, it is unimaginable for a translator to stick to the original pattern without alteration. For example, the translation of the word “wash”: 1) Mary washes before meals. 玛丽饭前洗手。 2) Mary washes before going to bed. 玛丽睡前洗脚。 3) Mary washes after getting up. 玛丽起床后洗脸。 4) Mary washes for a living. 玛丽靠洗衣度日。 5) Mary washes in a restaurant. 玛丽在饭店洗碗.2.1.1. Complex Sentence in English-Chinese Alternating TranslationTranslation of Chinese Complex Sentences . The concept of nominal clauses does not exist in Chinese syntax. Generally speaking, Chinese complex sentences are classified into two categories: combined sentence and sentence containing a modifier 1. Sentence Combination In point of structure, English complex sentences tend to be long with clauses embedded one in another, whereas Chinese sentences are short and brief. And the following illustration is a typical example. Original English: As was cleared up some time later, news came from a distance that an earthquake was felt the very day the little copper ball fell. Chinese Version: 过了一些时候，从远方传来了消息：在小铜球坠落的当天， 确实发生了地震。这一切终于得到了澄清。 The above English complex sentence, when translated into Chinese, is divided into several segmentsthis shows the differences in sentence structure between these two languages. Therefore, in Chinese-English translation, we may reverse the process, namely, combine clusters of short, loose Chinese sentences into long and compact English sentences. And the following are more examples to illustrate this approach. (1)门口放着一堆雨伞，少说也有12把，五颜六色，大小不一。 In the doorway lay at least twelve umbrellas of all sizes and colors. (2)我访问了一些地方，遇到了不少人，要谈起来，奇妙的事儿可多着呢。 There are many wonderful stories to tell about the places I visited and the people I met. (3)我们不知不觉地朝公园走去。公园就在人行桥那边，桥下很深的地方，汹涌的河水滚滚流过。 Somehow our path took us toward the park, across the footbridge high abovethe rolling waters of the river. 2. Sentences Sequence is another point for attention in Chinese-English translation of combined sentences. Different sentence sequences may be used to place stress on different aspects. For instance: Original Chinese: 只要已发现有可能反对他的人，他就本能地要用他的魅力和风趣将这个人争取过来。 English Version A: When he catches a glimpse of a potential antagonist, his instinct is to win him over with charm and humor. English Version B: As soon as he finds any possible opponent, he is, by instinct, to have an inclination for winning him over with charm and humor. English Version C: The sight of any potential antagonist arouses his innate impulse for winning him over with charm and humor. So the translation of the complex sentences is perhaps the most difficult of all in the process of English-Chinese translation. The prerequisites for the correct handling of long and complex sentences in English-Chinese translation lie in the translators correct comprehension of the original, and in his/her capability for adequate representation of the thought of the author in the target language. Correct comprehension, therefore, is always the first and foremost step; and the dialectical unity of faithfulness and smoothness is always what we should strive to achieve. This means we have to begin with a careful analysis of a long and complex sentence in the light of the context so as to understand clearly: (a) what the author is driving at; (b) what his argument or views are, and what “logic sequence” there is in the original work; (c) what grammatical relations there are among the three, four, five, or even more “modifiers” in the long sentence to be translated. 2.1.2 Choose a Right Word in TranslationMethods of discriminating the original meaning of an English word since English words are prone to various meanings, it is of vital importance for a translator to discern the right meaning of a given word. And the following are the major methods of discriminating word meaning suggested by some linguists.That is to say, a literal translation of the ingredients of a given English word. For example, Microwave微波,supermarket超市,splashdown溅落,data phone数据送话机. This may be either from the specific to the general or from the concrete to the abstract, and vice versa. Bottleneck 瓶颈交通狭口阻塞 (from the concrete to the abstract) brain trust 脑托拉斯智囊团 (from the specific to the general) brain drain 脑排干人才外流人才流失(from the concrete to the abstract) It is more than transient everydayness. (from the concrete to the abstract) 这远非一时的柴米油盐柴米油盐柴米油盐柴米油盐问题 2.2 Synonym in English-Chinese Alternating TranslationGenerally speaking, translation strives “to keep the sentiments and style of the original”. It takes sentences as a basic unit and takes the whole text into consideration at the same time in the course of translation. Furthermore, it strives to reproduce both the ideological content and the style of the original works and retains as much as possible the figures of speech. For example, the concept of “death” may be expressed as follows: breathe ones last (断气), go to ones eternal rest (安息), the long sleep (长眠), pass away, see God, see Marx, see ones ancestors, go west (归西), go to heaven (进天国), kick the bucket(蹬腿儿了) 2.3 Idioms and Proper Nouns in Literal Translation Domestication and foreign are the terms brought up by an American scholar L. Venuti 2to describe the two different translation strategies. The former refers to translation in which a transparent, fluent style is adopted in order to minimize the strangeness of the foreign text for target language readers, while the latter designates the type of translation in which a target text deliberately breaks target conventions by retaining something of the foreignness of the source text. Translation, generally speaking, is not only a transition between different languages, but also transferring information of culture in the source language to that in the target language. And the nature of translation is cultural communication. Since 1980s, many scholars put forward their own opinions upon domestication and foreign under the light of cultural translation. In their opinion, the fundamental task of translation is to transfer the original contents and cultures completely into the target language. During translation, translators should consider not only differences between languages but also those between cultures. Therefore, translators should put more emphasis on foreign. Take Chinese idioms for example. Since the exchanges among different countries and regions become more and more frequent, translators should put more emphasis on foreigner in translating Chinese idioms into English. During translation, translators should facsimile as much as possible the cultural features and connotations of Chinese idioms. In this way, English people can know more and better about China and really contact with the sophisticated Chinese culture. Meanwhile, to some extent, foreigners can help to spread unique Chinese cultural message and even help to enhance cultural communication between China and foreign countries. Many of the technical terms in English are borrowed from proper nouns such as names of people, places, firms, trade marks, organizations, and so on. In such cases, consulting relevant dictionaries will be of great help. Transliteration is usually adopted in dealing with such terms, and at the same time, labels that indicate the nature of such words are added to the corresponding translation. -Xerox 静电复制品 (derived from a trademark) -IBM System IBM 系统 (derived from a US corporation) -Kuru3 库鲁病