英汉互译实践与技巧2012

1、 谚语是凝聚着智慧的通俗话语，使得拉美人的言谈变得更加有趣而充满智慧。谚语简洁明快，丰富多彩，也往往带着刺。 When a neighbors dismally unattractive daughter announced her engagement, Imelda remarked, “You know what they say, Senora: Theres no pot so ugly it cant find a lid. ” And when her son-in-law bluster ed about how he was going to get even with hi

2、s boss who had dock ed his pay, Imelda fixed him with a cold eye and said, “ Little fish does not eat big fish .” One afternoon I heard Imelda and her daughter arguing in the kitchen. Her daughter had quarreled with her husbands parents, and Imelda was insisting that she apologize to them. Her daugh

3、ter objected, “But, Mama, I just cant swallow them, not even with honey . They talk so big until we need something; then theyre too poor. So today when they wouldnt even lend enough money to pay for a new bed, all I did was saying something that Ive heard you say a hundred times: If so grand, why so

4、 poor? If so poor, why so grand?“Impertinent !” snorted Imelda. “Have I not also taught you, What the tongue says, the neck pays for ? I will not have it said that I could never teach my daughter proper respect for her elders. And before you go to beg their pardon, change those trousers for a dress.

5、 You know how your mother-in-law feels about pants on a woman. She always says, What was hatched a hen must not try to be a rooster ! Her daughter made one more cry, “But Mama, you often say, If the saint is annoyed, dont pray to him until he gets over it. Cant I leave it for tomorrow ?” “No, no and

6、 no! Remember: If the dose is nasty, swallow it fast . You know, my child, you did wrong. But, A gift is the key to open the door closed against you . I have a cake in the oven that I was making for the Senoras dinner. I will explain to the Senora. Now, dear, hurry home and make yourself pretty in y

7、our pink dress. By the time you get back, I will have the cake ready for you to take to your mother-in-law. She will be so pleased that she may make your father-in-law pay for the bed. Remember: One hand washes the other, but together they wash the face . ”邻居家丑八怪的女儿宣布她订婚了，伊梅尔达就说： “ 太太，您可听见大伙儿是怎么讲的：

8、罐儿再丑，配个盖子也不犯愁 。 ” 当她的女婿嚷嚷着要去找克扣他工资的老板算账时，伊梅尔达冷冷地 盯着 他说： “ 小鱼吃不了大鱼。 ” 一天下午，我听见伊梅尔达和女儿在厨房争论开了。原来是女儿刚和公婆吵过嘴，她非要女儿去赔个不是。她女儿却偏不依： “ 可是，妈妈， 这样做我受不了，就是拌了蜜也噎不下呀 ！他们满嘴讲大话，可是一旦求上他们，却又说穷得不得了。就拿今天来说吧，我想借点钱，也就刚够买一张新床，他们都不肯，我便讲了你平时讲过上百遍的那句话： 既然那么阔，干吗要叫穷 ？ 既然那么穷，干吗摆阔气 ？ 伊梅尔达鼻子哼了一声，“没家教 ! 难道我没教过你 : ， 舌头闯祸，脖子遭殃 ？我可不

9、愿让人指着脊梁骨说我从来不教自己的姑娘要尊重长辈。你去陪个不是吧，不过先得把长裤换掉。你婆婆最讨厌女人穿男式长裤你是知道的。她常念叨： 孵出来是母鸡就别冒充是公鸡！ 做女儿的还想再争一争：可是，妈妈，你不是经常说， 如果圣人恼怒了，在他消气前就不要向他祈祷 。我能不能明天再去啊？ ” “ 不行，不行！要记住： 药越难吃，越要快吃。 你知道，孩子，是你错了嘛。不过， 大门把你关在外，礼物送到自然开 。 我炉里烤着一个蛋糕，本来是给太太晚餐吃的。待会儿我会向太太解释的。你现在赶紧回家，穿上那条粉红的裙子，把自己打扮得漂漂亮亮的。等你从家回来时，蛋糕就烤好了，你把它带去给你婆婆。这样她就会高兴了，还

10、会让你公公给你们买新床呢。记住： 手要相互洗，脸要双手洗 。 ” Unit One 翻译的定义翻译是指把一种语言文字的意义转换成另一种语言文字。简言之，翻译是一种用不同的语言文字将原文作者的意思准确地再现出来的艺术。从以上翻译定义我们知道， 原文的思想必须尽可能得到保持， 不可有所增删。译者的任务只是转换文字而不是改变其意思。因此，翻译有两种要素：准确性与表达性。准确性是翻译的首要条件。译者必须谨慎地遵循原作者的意思，所选用的字词和句式结构必须如实地传达出原文的意思。表达性是让译文易于理解。换言之，译者必须用自己的手段近可能地将原文的思想清楚而有力地表达出来。准确性使译出的思想明确无误，而表达

11、性则使译文生动，具有魅力。I. Important Role of 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 We

12、st, 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 pas

13、t 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

14、 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 meanin

15、g is “a list of dished 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 com

16、puter 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 scienc

17、e 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

18、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 te

19、rm “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 “Fangfang”, created a hideous image-the English word “fang” happens to have two disagreeable definitions: a. a long, sharp

20、tooth of a dog; b. a snakes poisonous tooth. Consequently, this awkward transliteration gave rise to a disastrous failure of overseas trade. Similar translation blunders are not unusual in social or economic activities in our country. To name a few, translating “五讲四美、三热爱” into “five stresses, four b

21、eauties and three loves”, “抓紧施肥” into “grasp manure”, “白酒” into “white wine” Had the translators had sufficient translation knowledge, such blunders would have been avoidable.III. Literal Translation and Free TranslationThe process of translation consists of two phases: comprehension and expression.

22、 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 t

23、he English and the Chinese languages. In this case, we have to resort to some special means of translation. Literal translation (直译) and free translation (意译) are two useful approaches in dealing with such awkward situations.The so-called literal translation, generally speaking, means “not to alter

24、the original words and sentences”; strictly speaking, it strives “to keep the sentiments and style of the original”. It takes sentences as it basic units and takes the whole text into consideration at the same time in the course of translation. Furthermore, it strives to reproduce both the ideologic

25、al 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 (

26、归西), go to heaven (进天国), kick the bucket(蹬腿儿了) etc. Actually, quite a lot of successful literal translations have been adopted as idiomatic Chinese expressions. For example, crocodile tears (鳄鱼的眼泪), be armed to the teeth (武装到牙齿), chain reaction (连锁反应), gentlemans agreement (君子协定), and so on. Similar

27、ly, some Chinese words and expressions may also find their English counterparts through literal translation. For example, “三教九流” (the three religions and the nine schools of thought), “四书五经” (the Four Books and the Five Classics), “纸老虎” (paper tiger), “一国两制” (one country, two systems), and so on.Fre

28、e translation is an alternative approach which is used mainly to convey the meaning and spirit of the original 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 original literally. For exampl

29、e:Adams apple 喉结At sixes and sevens 乱七八糟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

30、 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。FT: 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。Literal translation and free translation, however, are two relative concepts. In other

31、words, there is no absolute “literal”, nor entirely “free” version in the practice of translation, and overemphasizing either of them would result in ridiculous consequence. The key point for a translator to grasp is to comprehend the original thoroughly, and then put it into idiomatic Chinese. In t

32、he process of translation, specific approaches such as literal or free translation may be of some help, but we should avoid the two extremes. In the application of literal translation, we should endeavor to rid ourselves of stiff patterns and rigid adherence to translation rules, trying to be flexib

33、le; while in the practice of free translation, we should be cautious of subjectively, avoiding groundless affirmation or arbitrary fabrication. Whatever the circumstances are, we may alternate or combine these two approaches when it is necessary.1. Every life has its roses and thorns.人生道路上既铺满鲜花，又布满荆

34、棘。2. Ill have Lisa where I want her. 我得让丽莎听从我的调遣。3. He carried his age astonishingly well .他一点也不显老，面容年轻得令人惊讶。4. Shed never again believe anything in trousers. 她再也不愿意相信任何男人了。5. He was a dead shot. However, he met his Waterloo this time.他是一个神枪手，可这次却遭到了惨败。6. Nixon was pleased by the distinction ,but no

35、t overwhelmed.尼克松对受到破格礼遇非常高兴，但并没有受宠若惊。7. Yet China was a land of constant surprise and shifting impression.而中国是一片令人惊讶,日新月异的土地。8. After the failure of his last novel, his reputation stands on slipper ground.他上部小说写砸了，名声从此岌岌可危。9. Mrs. Sawyer looked radiant , too, and for the first time gobbled up her d

36、inner like a litter pig.索耶太太也容光焕发，第一次大口大口吃饭，活像一只小猪。10. He walked at the head of funeral procession, and every now and then wiped his crocodile tears with a big handkerchief.他走在送葬队伍的前头，还时不时用一条大手绢抹去他那鳄鱼的眼泪。11. It is the same old story of not being grateful for what we have until we lose it of not bein

37、g conscious of health until we are ill.还是那句老话：物失方知可贵，病时倍思健康。12. When we are in buoyant health ,death is all but unimaginable .We seldom think of it. The days stretch out in an endless vista. So we go about our petty tasks ,hardly aware of our listless attitude toward life.当我们年轻富强时，死亡几乎是难以想象的事。我们很少想到

38、死。来日方长，前途无量。于是，我们忙于琐碎的事物，根本意识不到我们对生命的漠然态度。Unit Two DictionI. Correspondence between English and Chinese at Word LevelIn most cases there is no existing pattern for sentence translation, nor are there fixed rules for word transformation. Generally speaking, the correspondence between English and Chin

39、ese at word level may be categorized as follows:1. Word-for-Word CorrespondenceThis is most evidently shown in proper nouns and technical terms. For example:2. One Word with Multiple Equivalents of the Same Meaning3. One Word with Several Equivalents of Different Meanings4. Equivalents Interwoven wi

40、th One AnotherIn this case, a certain word may be treated differently according to various circumstances 5. Words without EquivalentsIn this case, an explanation is given instead of an equivalent. Methods of Discriminating the Original Meaning of an English WordSince English words are prone to vario

41、us 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.1. Judging from the Word Formation2. Judging from the ReferencesIn many cases the meaning of a word

42、 may be judged from the references. This is frequently shown in pronominal words:1) third person pronoun; indefinite pronouns such as some, any, each, both; and definite pronouns such as much, many, few, little, etc. For example:He (father) sent John to the university and was eager to have him disti

43、nguish himself. 他送约翰上大学，巴望能让儿子出类拔萃。2）demonstrative pronouns, such as this, that, these, those and demonstrative adverbs such as here, there, now, then, etc. For example: Health is above wealth, for this cannot give so much happiness as that. 健康比财富更重要，因为财富不能象健康那样给人那么多幸福。3）references of comparison. Fo

44、r example: I hate blue shirts; while shirts suit me but gray is the most preferable.我讨厌穿蓝衬衫，喜欢穿白衬衫，而最喜欢穿灰衬衫。 Without the referential words “father”, “health”, “wealth”, and “shirt” in the above three sentences, it would be very difficult to make out the real meaning of such words as “him”, “himself”

45、, “this”, “that” and “the most preferable”.3. Judging from the Context and CollocationThe meanings of the words “tension” and “story” in the previous examples are explicit enough in the context. Here is another example: develop.-His plane developed engine trouble only seven miles after takeoff. （发生故

46、障）-Modern aircraft are so heavy that the wings must develop a very large lift force in order to sustain the aircraft. （产生升力）-Inspired by these ideas, in 1752 Franklin developed a practical lightning rod.（研制避雷针）-As young Goddard grew into manhood, he developed tuberculosis.（患上结核病）Collocation is also

47、an inseparable factor in diction. Lets look at the word “delicate” in the following illustrations, where different renditions are given to the same word so as to suit the collocation.n delicate skin 娇嫩的皮肤n delicate porcelain精致的瓷器n delicate upbringing娇生惯养n delicate living奢侈的生活n delicate health虚弱的身体n

48、delicate stomach容易吃坏的胃n delicate vase容易破碎的花瓶n delicate diplomatic question微妙的外交问题n delicate difference 讲不大清楚的差别n delicate surgical operation难做的外科手术n delicate ear for music 对音乐有鉴赏力n delicate sense of smell灵敏的嗅觉n delicate touch 妙笔生花n delicate food美味的食物n delicate features 清秀的五官4. Judging from Different

49、 Branches of Learning and SpecialtiesFor example, the word “base” means “词根” in lexicology; “本金” in business; “底涂” in painting; “基线” in survey; “根据地” in military science; and here are some more:The lathe should be set on a firm base. 车床应安装在坚实的底座上。As we all know, a base reacts with an acid to form a

50、salt.众所周知，碱与酸反应生产盐。Line AB is the base of the triangle ABC.AB线是三角形ABC的底边。He is on the second base.他在二垒。The weary troops marched back to the base.疲惫不堪的士兵列队返回基地。II. Techniques of Translating a Given English Word In his Stylistics and Translation, Mr. Liu Miqing has suggested 7 techniques in translatin

51、g a given English word. We may add in another technique, pictographic translation, to make up the total number of 8.1. DeductionDeduction is to deduce the original meaning in the light of the explanation of an English dictionary. This is a major means in English-Chinese translation. For example:n bo

52、omer: a person born in the marked rise in birthrate 生育高峰期出生的人n community: a social group or class having common interests群体，派2. TransplantThat is to say, a literal translation of the ingredients of a given English word.n microwave 微波n supermarket超市n splashdown溅落n dataphone数据送话机3. ExtensionThis may b

53、e either from the specific to the general or from the concrete to the abstract, and vice versa.n Bottleneck 瓶颈交通狭口阻塞(from the concrete to the abstract)n brain trust 脑托拉斯智囊团 (from the specific to the general)n brain drain 脑排干人才外流人才流失（from the c to a）n It is more than transient everydayness. 这远非一时的柴米油

54、盐问题（from a to c）4. SubstitutionThis technique is used to replace the words of the original expression with Chinese synonyms or idioms according to different situations.n to kill sb. as an example 杀一儆百n Please withhold the handout.请不要发这些材料。n He was indeed a good riddance.他还是不在的好。n The same is not tru

55、e with a mortal illness.如果是得了不治之症，情况就不一样了。5. ExplanationThis technique is commonly used when there is no corresponding Chinese expression and all the above-mentioned techniques fail to make sense.-mindlessness 思想上的混沌状态-togetherness 不分彼此的集体感-redshirt 美国大学中在体育方面有发展前途的学生-swan song 绝唱，归天之作 -a throwaway

56、society 一个大手大脚、浪费成风的社会 6. Combination This technique is used to integrate two words of close meaning into one expression. -so subtle and careful an observer 一位如此精细的观察者 -his mendacity and dishonesty 他的狡诈 -a grim and tragic Christmas 一个惨淡的圣诞节 -the body and mind cramped by noxious work 有害工作造成的身心困顿 7. T

57、ransliteration This technique is most frequently used in dealing with proper nouns (esp. the names of people and places, trademarks, etc.). besides, it is also used in coinage when no existing Chinese expression is available. -Wall Street 华尔街 -The Times 泰晤士报 -Pentium 奔腾 -Citroen 雪铁龙 -quinine 奎宁 -hacker 黑客 8. Pictographic Translation By this technique English words are translated according to their actual shapes. -H-beam 工字梁 -O-ring 环形圈 -U-steel 槽钢 -V-belt 三角皮带 -X-brace 交叉支撑 -Y-curve 叉形曲线 IV. Diction in Chinese-English T