英汉互译技巧

英汉互译技巧 Addition in Translation I. Introduction 1. Addition is a skill commonly used in translation practice. It has actually been employed in the skill of extension to preserve the meaning of an image or a metaphor and to reproduce the artistic effect. 2. Translation is a kind of explanation to some extent, without which the TL version may be difficult to understand. E. Nida uses a figure to suggest the necessity of explaining a text in translation. · The area of the square is equal to that of the rectangle. The channel to readers is too narrow to let the square pass due to linguistic and cultural diversities. · Therefore, in translation practice, the square must prolonged to be a rectangle for the passing and the area of the rectangle remains the same as that of the square. · This implies that the original is explained with some additional parts and its total meaning is not changed in the process. 3. Explanation of any type must be different from the original in form, hence the deviation from stylistic features of the original. So it must be adopted with carefulness in translation practice. Here exists the matter of degree. 4. Addition is always to add what is implied but not explicitly expressed in the form. 5. Addition is also in conflict with conciseness which is one the principles in language use. II. Discussion in Detail Types of Addition · Syntactical addition: to meet the needs of TL syntax · Semantic addition: for the clearness and completion of meaning in TL version · Artistic addition: for artistic effect All these are to improve the readability of the TL version and be faithful to the original. 1. Syntactical addition a. Add what is omitted in the original · Is it your book? Yes, it is. (= it is mine) 这是你的书吗？是我的。 · We don’t retreat, we never have (…) and never will (…). 我们不后退。我们从没有后退过，将来也决不后退。 · Better be wise by the defeat of others than by your own. 从别人的失败中吸取教训比从自己的失败中吸取教训好。 · Everything was on a large scale for him, the highs were higher, the lows (…) lower. 他总是喜欢夸大事实，高的说得更高，低的说得更低。 · The footmen were as ready to serve her as they were (…) their own mistress. 仆人们愿意服侍他，就像他们愿意服侍他们的女主人一样。 b. Add when a verb or prep is followed by several objects · But this naval competition strained the Liberal Government's principles as well as their budgets. 但这种海军战备竞赛使自由党政府的原则无法自圆其说，也使其预算捉襟见肘。 · Ignorance is the mother of fear as well as of admiration. 无知是羡慕的根源，也是恐惧的根源。 · The early Georgians used to walk in muddy lanes or over blown downs or through dim, green-gray beech-woods or fragrant forests of pine. 早期的乔治亚人或是走过泥泞小路，风积沙丘，或是穿行于青灰幽暗的山毛榉丛与芳馥的松林之间。 · People forget your face first, then your name. 人们首先忘记你的容貌，接着又忘记你的名字。 2. Semantic addition a. For clarity—zeugma(轭式搭配)= syllepsis(一语双叙法) · She opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy. 她向这个无家可归的男孩打开了大门，也就向他敞开了心扉。 · He caught a bus and a cold. 他赶上了公共汽车，于是也就赶上了一场感冒。 · He took my advice and my wallet. 他接受了我的建议，也掏空了我的钱包。 · He lost his coat and his temper. 他丢了上衣，便发了脾气。 · …when I and my sorrows are dust.(A Tale of Two Cities) 等到我的尸骨化为灰烬，我的悲哀也随风散去时。 · weeping eyes and hearts 流泪的眼睛，哭泣的心灵 b. Add what is implied · He also found the time for carrying out at least two passionate love affairs. 他也忙里偷闲，至少有过两次艳遇。 · He wanted to learn, to know, to teach. 他想学习，增长知识，也想把自己的知识教给别人。 · The sole criterion of the greatness of art is its eternal power to impress and arouse. 衡量艺术是否伟大的唯一标准，就是看它那产生深刻印象并唤醒人们的永恒力量。 · He was wrinkled and black, with scant gray hair. 他满脸皱纹，皮肤黝黑，头发稀疏灰白。 c. Add category words after abstract noun · In the land of individual freedom of choice， the option to escape individualization and refuse to participate in the individualizing game is emphatically not on the agenda. 在个体的自由选择中，要想逃避分化过程，拒绝加入分化活动是绝对不可能的。 · After all preparations were made, the planes were flown across the U.S. to San Francisco. 一切准备工作就绪后，飞机就飞越美国去旧金山。 d. Add overlapping words or numerals to indicate plurality · There were rows of houses which he had never seen before. 一排排的房子都是他没见过的。 · The lion is the king of animals. 狮子是百兽之王。 e. Addition denoting tense—contrast of tense · They had always been able to control things. Now control was getting away from all of them. 他们以前一向能够控制局面，而现在他们的这一控制正在逐渐丧失。 · And instead of the raisins (dried grape) they give when a woman’s lying in, they stuffed my hand full of goat turds. 平日里，要是哪个婆娘坐月子，他们准发些葡萄干。可那回塞了俺满手的羊屎球。 f. Addition denoting tone · All that made this Christmas Day was my knowing it was. · 今天算是圣诞节，只是因为我知道是圣诞节罢了。(weakening the strength of meaning) · The little boy had brought with him knife, scissors and what not, tinkling in his pocket. · 这小孩身带着刀子啦、剪子啦，以及诸如此类的东西，在口袋里丁铃当啷地直响。 g. Addition due to specific background · Nixon learned that the country would welcome a presidential visit. 尼克松了解到，该国欢迎美国总统的访问。 · In April, there was the “ping” heard around the world. In July, the ping “ponged” . 四月里，全世界听到中国“乒”的一声把球打了出去；到了七月份，美国“乓”的一声把球打了回来。 h. Addition for coherence · This difference, to be sure, only magnifies the privileges which the attackers in a hit-and-run global war share with the torturer. · 当然，两者的这一差异只是让人们更清楚地看到种种特权，打后就逃的全球性战争中的攻击者与施行折磨之人共享这些特权。 · They are not needed as the would-be producers; but in a society in which consumers are cast as the driving force of economic prosperity, the poor are also worthless as consumer. · 不需要他们，因为他们不是未来的生产者；但是，在一个消费者而不是生产者被认做经济繁荣的驱动力量的社会中，穷人作为消费者是毫无价值的。 3. Artistic Addition · My Solitude being no longer endurable, I went out and walked the town for hours. · 寂寞难耐，我随外出，走街串巷达数小时之久。 · Not to meander at present, I will go back to my birth. · 现在不再离 题 快递公司问题件快递公司问题件货款处理关于圆的周长面积重点题型关于解方程组的题及答案关于南海问题 太远，还是言归正传，接着说我是怎样出生的。 · (Tempest)Juno: · Honor riches, marriage blessing,/ Long continuance and increasing,/ Hourly joys be still upon you. · 富贵尊荣/美满良姻/百年偕老子孙盈庭/幸福朝朝，欢娱暮暮。 · The innate love of melody gave the simplest music a power which could well-nigh/almost drag her heart out of her bosom at times. · 他对音乐的天生爱好使这朴实的乐曲有时具有荡气回肠、沁人心脾的力量。 Conversion 转译法 · Conversion · A word in one language belonging to a certain part of speech is not necessarily to be turned into one of the same part of speech in another language. Usage · Different expression in English and Chinese · For example: verbs · He admires the President’s stated decision to fight for the job. · 他对总统声明为保住其职位而决心奋斗表示钦佩。 · The growing awareness by millions of Africans of their extremely poor and backward living conditions has prompted them to take resolute measures and create new ones. · 原译：数以百万计的非洲人对于他们非常贫穷落后的生活条件的日益觉醒促使他们采取坚决的措施，创造新的生活条件。 · 改译：数以百万计的非洲人已逐渐意识到他们的生活状况异常贫穷落后，这就促使他们奋起采取坚决的措施创造新的生活条件。 examples · Formality has always characterized their relationship. · 他们之间的关系，有一个特点，就是以礼相待。 · The pallor of her face indicated clearly how she was feeling at the moment. · 她苍白的脸色清楚地表明了她那时的情绪。 · The President had prepared meticulously for his journey. · 总统为这次出访作了十分周密的准备。 Words Converted into verbs · Converted into nouns · Converted into adjectives · Others Converted into verbs · Noun ---verbs · Prep.---verbs · Adj. ---verbs · Adv.---verbs Nouns ---verbs · Nouns derived from verbs (in political articles) · examples examples · The turning point of my life was my decision to give up a promising business career and study music. · 我生活的转折点是我决定不做发迹有望的商人而专攻音乐。 · Rockets have found application for the exploration of the universe. · 火箭已经用来探索宇宙。 ·  Until 1972, all efforts by the two nations to curb the nuclear arms race had foundered on one point: U.S. insistence on the right to make on-site inspections of the Soviet strategic arsenal and Russia’s refusal. · 到1972年为止，美苏之间关于限制核军备竞赛的一切努力都在这一点上失败了：美国坚持有权视察苏方战略武器现场，而苏联则拒绝这样做。 Nouns ---verbs · Nouns with the meaning of action · examples examples · As the week drew to a close, the enemy rout was complete. · 一周快结束时，敌人彻底溃退了。 · The sight and sound of our jet planes filled me with special longing. · 看到我们的喷气式飞机，听见隆隆的机声，令我特别神往。 · A glance through his office window offers a panoramic view of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. · 从他的办公室窗口可以一眼看到华盛顿纪念碑和林肯纪念馆的全景。 Nouns ---verbs · gerund · examples · One of our ways for getting heat is burning fuels. · 我们获得热的一种方式是燃烧燃料。 · Heating water does not change its chemical composition. · 把水加热不会改变水的化学成分。 · The flowing of current first in one direction and then in another makes an alternating current. · 电流先向一个方向流动，然后又向另一个方向流动构成交流电。 Nouns---verbs · Nouns with –er: teacher, thinker · Not refer to their professions or careers but have the meaning of action. · examples examples · I am afraid I can’t teach you swimming. I think my little brother is a better teacher than I . · 我未必会教你游泳。我想我弟弟比我教得好。 · Talking with his son, the old man was the forgiver of the young man’s past wrong doings. · 在和儿子谈话时，老人宽恕了年青人过去所干的坏事。 · Although he was always the “background” briefer on foreign policy issues, he could never be identified as anything other than “a White House official” or “a high Administration source.” · 虽然外交问题的“背景情况”总是由他介绍，但他仍只能称为是“一位白宫官员”或“一位政府高级人士”。 More examples · She is a well-known singer. 歌唱家 · Some of my class-mates are good singers.我们班同学中有些人唱歌唱得很好。 Nouns ---verbs · Nouns, as subjects, in the idioms eg. To have a look at, to have a rest. · examples examples · They took a final look at Iron Mike, still intact in the darkness. · 他们最后看了铁麦克一眼——它依然安然无恙地耸立在黑暗中。 · The next news bulletin, shorter than usual, made no mention of the demonstration. · 下一个新闻节目比通常短，没有提到游行。 · A great cloud rose from the ground and followed the trail of the great sun. At first it was a giant column, which soon took the shape of a supramundane mushroom. For a fleeting instant it took the form of the Statue of Liberty magnified many times. · 一朵庞大的烟云随着一轮巨日从地面升起。它起初是个巨大的圆柱，很快形成了凌云驾空的大蘑菇，一瞬间又变成了一座扩大了许多倍的自由神像。 Prep. ---verbs · Prep. With the meaning of action, eg. across, past, toward · examples examples · Party officials worked long hours on meager food, in cold caves, by dim lamps. · 党的干部吃简陋的饮食，住寒冷的窑洞，靠微弱的灯光，长时间地工作。 · The computer is of high sensibility. · 这台计算机具有很高的灵敏度。 · Machine parts of irregular shape can be washed very clean by ultrasonics. · 用超声波能把形状不规则的机件洗得很干净。 Adj. ---verbs · Adjectives for consciousness , feeling, desire · For examples: content, confident, certain, careful, angry, sure, ignorant, afraid, doubtful, aware, concerned, glad, delighted, sorry, ashamed, thankful, anxious, grateful, able, familiar · examples · If we were ignorant of the structure of the atom, it would be impossible for us to study nuclear physics. · 如果我们不知道原子的结构，我们就不可能研究核子物理学。 · The fact that she was able to send a message was a hint. But I had to be cautious. · 她能够给我带个信儿这件事就是个暗示。但是我必须小心谨慎。 · They are quite content with the data obtained from the experiment. · 他们十分满足于实验中获得的数据。 · The developed countries are rich in skilled work force and capital resources, so they can concentrate on producing many technology-intensive products such as computers, aircrafts, and so on. · 发达国家拥有大量的熟练劳动力和资本,所以它们能集中生产许多技术密集型的产品,比如计算机和飞机等. Adv.---verbs · Adverbs used as predicatives or object complements · examples · As he ran out, he forgot to have his shoes on. · 他跑出去时， 忘记了穿鞋子。 · Have the oiling of the parts through before the machine is operated. · 在开动机器之前，要把部件的上油工作做完。 · After careful investigation they found the design behind. · 经过仔细研究后，他们发现这个设计落后了。 Converted into nouns · Verbs derived from nouns · Verb in the sentence of passive voice: can be translated into the structure such as “受（遭）到……+名词”、“予（加）以+名词” · examples Verbs derived from nouns · Verbs derived from nouns · Verbs coming from nouns · examples Verbs derived from nouns · The development of scientific research in China is characterized by the integration of theory with practice. · 中国科学研究发展的特点是理论联系实际。 · As the war progressed, he would symbolize their frustrations, the embodiment of all evils. · 随着战争的进行，他成了他们受挫的象征，成了一切坏事的化身。 · To them, he personified the absolute power. · 在他们看来，他就是绝对权威的化身。 Verbs coming from nouns · In the early dawn, the guard towers were silhouetted against the sky. · 黎明时，天空映出了嘹望塔的轮廓。 · Most U.S. spy satellites are designed to burn up in the earth’s atmosphere after completing their missions. · 美国绝大多数间谍卫星，按其设计，是在完成使命后，在大气层中焚毁。 · Some of them were already planning to staff a Humphrey Administration in the event the Democratic candidate won an election. · 他们中间有些人，已经在为民主党候选人一旦获胜后的汉弗莱政府计划人事安排。 Verb in the sentence of passive voice: can be translated into the structure such as “受（遭）到……+名词”、“予（加）以+名词” · examples examples · Snow was treated very shabbily by the U.S. press and officialdom during this period, victimized for his views. · 在这期间，斯诺受到了美国新闻界和政界极不公正的对待，由于他的观点，他受到了迫害。 · Throw a tennis ball on the floor. The ball bounces back. In the same way, when light falls on certain things it bounces back. When this happens, the light is said to be reflected. · 将网球扔到地板上，球会弹回来。同样，光照到某些物体上时也会弹回来。这种情况叫做光受到反射。 · Satellites, however, must be closely watched, for they are constantly being tugged at by the gravitational attraction of the sun, moon and earth. · 由于经常受到太阳、月亮和地球引力的影响，卫星活动必须加以密切的观察。 Adj. ---nouns · The + adj.: the sick病号, the poor穷人 the old, the infirm, the ill, the very young老、弱、病、幼者。 · Others · examples examples · He was eloquent and elegant-----but soft. · 他有口才、有风度，但很软弱。 · The Wilde family were religious. · 王尔德全家都是虔诚的教徒。 · They are considered insincere. · 他们被认为是伪君子。 Converted into adj. · Nouns derived from adj. · Nouns + a(n) used as predicatives · adverbs Nouns derived from adj. · The pallor of her face indicated clearly how she was feeling at the moment. · 她苍白的脸色清楚地表明了她那时的情绪。 · The security and the warmth of the destroyer’s sick bay were wonderful. · 驱逐舰的病室很安全也很温暖，好极了。 · He talked for some time with Bundy, and his questions reflected the enormity of his doubts. · 他同邦迪谈了一会儿，他提出的问题反映出他有很大的怀疑。 Nouns + a(n) used as predicatives · He is a stranger to the operation of the electronic computer. · 他对电子计算机的操作是陌生的。 · The blockade was a success. · 封锁很成功。 · Independence thinking is an absolute necessity in study. · 独立思考对学习是绝对必要的。 adverbs · As verbs are converted into nouns in Chinese, the adverbs modifying verbs turn into adjectives. · examples examples · In science and engineering, it is of great importance to state the laws and principles accurately. · 工程学方面，定律和原理的正确叙述非常重要。 · The wide application of electronic computers affects tremendously the development of science and technology. · 电子计算机的广泛应用，对科学技术的发展有极大的影响。 adverbs · The adverbs before or after the verbs, which in meaning are used as the attributive, can be translated into Chinese as adjectives. · examples examples · The power plant supplies the inhabitants sixty li about with electricity. · 这个电厂供电给周围六十里的居民。 · The buildings around are mostly of modern construction. · 附近的建筑物大部分是现代化的。 · Other words · Adj. & adv. · Nouns & adv. Adj. & adv. · When the noun is converted into verb, the adjective modifying the noun can be translated into adverb in Chinese. · Eg. · Occasionally a drizzle came down, and the intermittent flashes of lightning made us turn apprehensive glances toward Zero. · 偶尔下一点毛毛雨，断断续续的闪电使得我们不时忧虑地朝着零区方向望去。 Adj. & adv. · When the verb turns into noun in Chinese, the adverb modifying the verb can be converted into the adjective. · Eg: · He routinely radioed another agent on the ground. · 他跟另一个地勤人员进行了例行的无线电联络。 Adj. & adv. · The difference between Chinese and English. · Eg: · This is sheer nonsense. · 这完全是胡说。 · He was in a clear minority. · 他显然属于少数。 Nouns and adv. · Nouns converted into adverbs · examples examples · When he catches a glimpse of a potential antagonist, his instinct is to win him over with charm and humor. · 只要一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人争取过来。 · The new mayor earned some appreciation by the courtesy of coming to visit the city poor. · 新市长有礼貌地前来访问城市贫民，获得了他们的一些好感。 Nouns and adv. · Adverbs converted into nouns · examples examples · He is physically weak but mentally sound. · 他身体虽弱，但思想健康。 · They have not done so well ideologically, however, as organizationally. · 但是，他们的思想工作没有他们的组织工作做得好。 exercises · Translate the following sentences into good Chinese. Pay attention to the translation of the italicized words. · An acquaintance of world history is helpful to the study of current affairs. · On the walk through the city they saw breadlines. · He is no smoker, but his father is a chain-smoker. · He has already made mention of the matter in his speech. · Up the street they went, past stores, across a broad square, and then entered a huge building. exercises · They were suspicious and resentful of him. · The successful fishermen of that day were already in. · On that day they were escorted to the Great Wall of China. · His image as a good student was badly tarnished. · They are going to build a school for the blind and the deaf. exercises · I recognized the absurdity of dealing with them through intermediaries. · Warm discussions arose on every corner as to his achievements. · I’ve often wondered, in the years since, whether I made the right choice. · The sun rose thinly from the sea. · He had the kindness to show me the way. · answers · 读一点世界史，对学习时事是有帮助的。 · 在走过市区的时候，她们看见领救济食物的人排着长队。 · 他倒是不抽烟，但他爸爸却一支又一支不停地抽。 · 他在讲演中曾提到过这件事。 · 他们沿着大街走去，经过许多商店，穿过一个大广场，然后进入了一座大厦。 answers · 他们不信任他，讨厌他。 · 那天交好运的渔人们都已回来。 · 他们那天和陪同人员去参观中国的长城。 · 他作为一个好学生的形象，已遭受到很大的玷污。 · 他们将为盲人和聋人修建一所学校。 answers · 我认识到，通过中间人跟他们打交道是愚蠢的。 · 到处在热烈地讨论他的成就。 · 究竟我这样做是作对了呢，还是作错了？几年来，我经常在纳闷。 · 淡淡的太阳从海上升起。 · 他好意地给我指路。 Exercises and answers · Translate the following sentences into good Chinese. Pay attention to the translation of the italicized words. · An acquaintance of world history is helpful to the study of current affairs. · 读一点世界史，对学习时事是有帮助的。 · On the walk through the city they saw breadlines. · 在走过市区的时候，她们看见领救济食物的人排着长队。 Exercises and answers · He is no smoker, but his father is a chain-smoker. · 他倒是不抽烟，但他爸爸却一支又一支不停地抽。 · He has already made mention of the matter in his speech. · 他在讲演中曾提到过这件事。 · Up the street they went, past stores, across a broad square, and then entered a huge building. · 他们沿着大街走去，经过许多商店，穿过一个大广场，然后进入了一座大厦。 Exercises and answers · They were suspicious and resentful of him. · 他们不信任他，讨厌他。 · The successful fishermen of that day were already in. · 那天交好运的渔人们都已回来。 · On that day they were escorted to the Great Wall of China. · 他们那天和陪同人员去参观中国的长城。 Exercises and answers · His image as a good student was badly tarnished. · 他作为一个好学生的形象，已遭受到很大的玷污。 · They are going to build a school for the blind and the deaf. · 他们将为盲人和聋人修建一所学校。 · I recognized the absurdity of dealing with them through intermediaries. · 我认识到，通过中间人跟他们打交道是愚蠢的。 Exercises and answers · Warm discussions arose on every corner as to his achievements. · 到处在热烈地讨论他的成就。 · I’ve often wondered, in the years since, whether I made the right choice. · 究竟我这样做是作对了呢，还是作错了？几年来，我经常在纳闷。 · The sun rose thinly from the sea. · 淡淡的太阳从海上升起。 · He had the kindness to show me the way. · 他好意地给我指路。 1. This war is becoming the most important story of this generation. 2. It is quite another story now. 3. Some reporters who were not included in the session broke the story. 4. He will be very happy if that story holds up. 5. The Rita Hayworth story is one of the saddest. 6. A young man came to Scott’s office with a story. 7. Last Dec. the Post first reported that probes were being made in each of those cities, but officials refused to confirm the story. 1、这场战争行将成为这一代人的最重大的事件。 2、现在的情况完全不同了。 3、有些没有参加那次会议的记者把内情捅了出去。 4、如果这一说法当真，那他就太高兴了。 5、丽泰海华丝的遭遇算最惨的了。 6、一个年轻人来到科斯特的办公室报案。 7、去年12月，《邮报》首先报道侦察工作已经在那些城市里进行，但官员们拒绝证实这条消息。 1、在这种情况下。 2、这种情况必须改变。 3、现在的情况不同了。 4、他们的情况怎么样？ 5、前线有什么情况。 6、我们可能去那儿，那得看情况而定。 1. under such circumstances/ such being the case 2. This state of affairs must change. 3. Now things are different. 4. How do matters stand with them? 5. How is the situation at the front? 6. We may