第一篇:翻译技巧和经验第35期略论逆向翻译的应用
由于英汉语言在思维方式和表达方法上的差异,进行英译汉时,有些句子按字面意思正面表述不能忠实地表达原义,而反面表达则可能达到与原文等值或近似等值的效果,这种情况称之为逆向。逆向翻译包括两个方面:一是将正面表述译成反面表述,或是将反面表述译成正面表述;二是将对比的两个方面的顺序颠倒,如将甲比乙强译成乙比甲弱,把宾语转换为主语。根据笔者的翻译实践,在以下情况,最好甚至必须进行逆向翻译。现以吴景荣先生主编的《当代英文散文选读》上的几篇课文为例,说明如下。
一、当正面翻译难以表达原义时:
1.At the close of 1933,Keynes addressed a letter to Franklin D.Roosevelt,which,notseeking reticence,he published in the New York Times.…The following year he visitedFDR but the letter had been a better means of communication.Each man was puzzledby the face-to-face encounter.在上述句子中如何理解和翻译not seeking reticence?译成他“不想保持沉默”,固然不错。但从凯恩斯的做法来看,他一面致函总统,一面将信件在美国最有名的大报上发表,其目的是为了获得公众的支持,扩大影响,同时也是为了给总统施加舆论压力,上述译法不能体现这种积极含义。如果按逆向翻译,译成“为了要使公众皆知”,或甚至译成“为了追求轰动效应”,则更能体现原义。
第二句如果按表面字义译成“第二年他拜访了罗斯福,但是他那封信成了更好的交流方式”,不仅不能表达原义,而且简直不知所云了。如果进行逆向翻译,把后面的分句译成“但是这次会谈的效果反而不如上次那封信”,则既能体现原义,又通顺连贯:
1933年底,凯恩斯致函罗斯福总统。为了使公众皆知,他把这封信在《纽约时报》上公开发表了。……第二年他拜访了罗斯福,但这次会晤的效果还不如上次那封信。他们两人都对这种面对面的会晤感到困惑。
2.In economics one should never be right too soon.The shrewd scholar always waitsuntil the parade is passing his door and then steps bravely out in front of the band.第一句很难按字面翻译,译成“人们不应该正确得太快”,显然无法理解。根据后面一句的具体说明,这段话可以逆向译为:在经济学方面,人们应该耐心等待时机再宣布自己正确的主张。精明的学者总是待游行队伍经过自己门前时,才勇敢地冲了出来,走到队伍的前列。
二、当正面翻译意义不明确,容易产生误解时:
3.I was singled out for attack as the Crown Prince of'keynesism'.I was greatlypleased and hoped that my friends would be properly resentful.文章作者说,他被(保守份子)挑了出来,作为凯恩斯的头号弟子加以攻击。他接着说,“我对此感到非常欣慰,并且希望我的朋友们不要过份的愤慨”,把properly逆向理解为not excessively,译成“不要过分的”,则意义明确。若按字面译成“适当的愤慨”,就难以理解了。4.The uneventful dignity of his life makes for a biography which it would be odd to bethrilled by and which it would be insensitive not to be stirred by.这是评论英国著名辞典家James Murray生平的一句话。按字面意义译为“…对他的传记感到吃惊是很奇怪的,而不为之激动则是不敏感的”,意义不很明确,若按逆向翻译,则易于理解。他的一生是平凡的,但却是很庄严的。读他的传记不会令人感到惊奇,但是要是不为之感动,那就是感情麻木了。
三、当逆向翻译使重点突出,表达有力时:
5.At all costs time must be gained.这是邱吉尔在对德作战时说的一句话。逆向翻译为,“必须不惜一切代价争取时间”,更能表达这句铿锵有力的声明。
6.It is within our power to build better cities and revive the civic pride of their citizens,but weshall have to stop operating on the fringe of the problem.We shall have radically to replanthem to achieve a rational density of population.这是关于如何解决城市交通拥挤的两句话。We shall have to stop operating on the fringe of theproblem,按字面意义正面译成,“我们必须停止在这个问题的细枝末节上下功夫”,不能有力地表达原义,最好逆向翻译为:
我们有能力建造更好的城市,恢复市民的自豪感。但是我们必须要抓住问题的关键。我们需要彻底地重新规划城市,使城市人口密度趋于合理。
四、当逆向翻译使译文表达更连贯顺畅,更符合汉语规范时:
7.You may find it difficult to understand the thought of Hume,and if you have nophilosophical training its implications will doubtless escape you.句中的its implications will doubtless escape you如按原来顺序正面表述,既不连贯,又不通顺,因为第三个分句换了主语。按逆向翻译则可以做到意思连贯,行文顺畅。你会发现很难理解休姆的思想,而且如果你没有受到过哲学训练,毫无疑问,你将无法理解它的含义。
8.In full face he does not inspire confidence.His profile,however,is simply ridiculous,and theback view of him is really horrible.这是“At the Tailors”一文的作者对自己形象的夸张的滑稽描写。为了使前一句与后一句保持连贯一致,可以进行逆向翻译,把否定译成肯定。他的正面形象使人失望,侧面简直滑稽可笑,背面更是真的令人害怕了。
五、当逆向翻译更简洁清晰时:
9.Nature seldom provides me with the word,the turn of phrase,that is appropriate withoutbeing far-fetched or commonplace.这个句子比较复杂,用了两个否定词,表达方式也比较特殊,难以按字面翻译,按逆向翻译则可以做到简洁清晰:
我自然而然想到的词语,很少有恰当的,不是牵强附会,就是陈词烂调。译文中有两处使用了逆向翻译。一是把Nature provide me…译成“我自然而然想到的,把宾语转换为主语;二是把seldom…without being far-fetched o`r commonplace译成“不是…,就是…”。
综上所述,在正面翻译难以表达原义,或是译文不连贯、通顺、简洁的情况下,逆向翻译不失为一种很好的补救手段。正所谓”山重水复疑无路,柳暗花明又一村”。
第二篇:英文散文的逆向翻译
逆向翻译包括两个方面:一是将正面表述译成反面表述,或是将反面表述译成正面表述;二是将对比的两个方面的顺序颠倒,如将甲比乙强译成乙比甲弱,把宾语转换为主语。在以下情况下,最好、有时甚至必须进行逆向翻译。现以吴景荣先生主编的《当代英文散文选读》上的几篇课文为例,说明如下。
一、当正面翻译难以表达原义时:
1.At the close of 1933,Keynes addressed a letter to Franklin D.Roosevelt,which,not seeking reticence,he published in the New York Times.&The following year he visited FDR but the letter had been a better means of communication.Each man was puzzled by the face-to-face encounter.在上述句子中如何理解和翻译not seeking reticence,译成他不想保持沉默,固然不错。但从凯恩斯的做法来看,他一面致函总统,一面将信件在美国最有名的大报上发表,其目的是为了获得公众的支持,扩大影响,同时也是为了给总统施加舆论压力,上述译法不能体现这种积极含义。如果按逆向翻译,译成为了要使公众皆知,或甚至译成为了追求轰动效应,则更能体现原义。第二句如果按表面字义译成第二年他拜访了罗斯福,但是他那封信成了更好的交流方式,不仅不能表达原义,而且简直不知所云了。如果进行逆向翻译,把后面的分句译成:
但是这次会谈的效果反而不如上次那封信,则既能体现原义,又通顺连贯:1933年底,凯恩斯致函罗斯福总统。为了使公众皆知,他把这封信在纽约时报上公开发表了。&&第二年他拜访了罗斯福,但这次会晤的效果还不如上次那封信。他们两人都对这种面对面的会晤感到困惑。
2.In economics one should never be right too soon.The shrewd scholar always waits until the parade is passing his door and then steps bravely out in front of the band.第一句很难按字面翻译,译成人们不应该正确得太快,无法理解。根据后面一句的具体说明,这段话可以逆向译为:在经济学方面,人们应该耐心等待时机再宣布自己正确的主张。精明的学者总是待游行队伍经过自己门前时,才勇敢地冲了出来,走到队伍的前列。
二、当正面翻译意义,不明确,容易产生误解时:
3.I was singled out for attack as the Crown Prince ofkeynesism'.I was greatly pleased and hoped that my friends would be properly resentful.文章作者说,他被(保守份子)挑了出来,作为凯恩斯的头号弟子加以攻击。他接着说,我对此感到非常欣慰,并且希望我的朋友们不要过份的愤慨,把properly逆向理解为notexcessively,译成不要过份地,则意义明确。若按字面译成适当的愤慨,就难以理解了。4.The uneventful dignity of his life makes for a biography which it would be odd to be thrilled by and which it would be insensitive not to be stirred by.这是评论英国著名辞典家James Murray生平的一句话。按字面意义译为&对他的传记感到吃惊是很奇怪的,而不为之激动则是不敏感的,意义不很明确,若按逆向翻译,则易于理解。他的一生是平凡的,但却是很庄严的。读他的传记不会令人感到惊奇,但是要是不为之感动,那就是感情麻木了。
三、当逆向翻译使重点突出,表达有力时:
5.At all costs time must be gained.这是邱吉尔在对德作战时说的一句话。逆向翻译为,必须不惜一切代价争取时间,更能表达这句铿锵有力的声明。
6.It is within our power to build better cities and revive the civic pride of their citizens,but we shall have to stop operating on the fringe of the problem.We shall have radically to replan them to achieve a rational density of population.这是关于如何解决城市交通拥挤的两句话。We shall have to stop operating on the fringe of the problem,按字面意义正面译成,我们必须停止在这个问题的细枝末节上下功夫,不能有力地表达原义,最好逆向翻译为:我们有能力建造更好的城市,恢复市民的自豪感。但是我们必须要抓住问题的关键。我们需要彻底地重新规划城市,使城市人口密度趋于合理。
四、当逆向翻译使译文表达更连贯顺畅,更符合汉语规范时:
7.You may find it difficult to understand the thought of Hume,and if you have no philosophical training its implications will doubtless escape you.句中的its implications will doubtless escape you如按原来顺序正面表述,既不连贯,又不通顺,因为第三个分句换了主语。按逆向翻译则可以做到意思连贯,行文顺畅。你会发现很难理解休姆的思想,而且如果你没有受到过哲学训练,毫无疑问,你将无法理解它的含义。
8.In full face he does not inspire confidence.His profile,however,is simply ridiculous,and the back view of him is really horrible.这是At the Tailors一文的作者对自己形象的夸张的滑稽描写。为了使前一句与后一句保存连贯一致,可以进行逆向翻译,把否定译成肯定。他的正面形象使人失望,侧面简直滑稽可笑,背面更是真的令人害怕了。
五、当逆向翻译更简洁清晰时:
9.Nature seldom provides me with the word,the turn of phrase,that is appropriate without being far-fetched or commonplace.这个句子比较复杂,用了两个否定词,表达方式也比较特殊,难以按字面翻译,按逆向翻译则可以做到简洁清晰:我自然而然想到的词语,很少有恰当的,不是牵强附会,就是陈词烂调。译文中有两处使用了逆向翻译。
一是把Nature provide me&译成我自然而然想到的,把宾语转换为主语;
二是把seldom&without being far-fetched or commonplace译成不是&,就是&。?综上所述,在正面翻译难以表达原义,或是译文不连贯、通顺、简洁的情况下,逆向翻译不失为一种很好的补救手段。正所谓山重水复疑无路,柳暗花明又一村。
第三篇:广交会翻译经验
广交会陶瓷摊翻词汇&工作总结
种类:
Ceramics 陶瓷总称 Terracotta 低温陶瓷(陶)Stoneware 中温陶瓷(石瓷)Porcelain 高温陶瓷(瓷)Dolomite 白云土
Bone china 骨瓷(很贵)
额外要求:
Pantone Color---色卡,有些客人说自己提供颜色,会问起 Capacity---容量,有人说CBM
Customize---订造,有时候客人会提供样品给老板让老板帮他做 包装(packing):一个瓷器一般从内到外的包装
Bubble bag---气泡袋,就是小时候玩的那种可以捏小气泡的袋 Color box---彩盒,我们平时买东西的盒子
Inner box---内盒,一般客人会要求一个内盒装6个产品,即一内盒里有6彩盒 Carton---外盒,纸皮箱(不知道普通话怎么说),入货柜时还有7层(ply)纸箱和5层纸箱,7 层的比较稳固
Container---货柜,一般分为20尺(20 feet)和40尺(40 feet)以及40尺高柜(40 feet HQ),20 ft和40 ft HQ用得比较多
瓷器本身(以茶具为例):
Glaze---釉,即瓷器上面的色,行业叫釉,派生glazing Light glazing---光釉,表面反光的,亮亮的感觉 Mat glazing---哑光,不解释 Spout---茶壶的出水口 Lid---茶壶盖
Handle---茶壶杯子的把手 Saucer---碟子,放杯子用的 Creamer---奶壶,也有说 milk pot Sugar pot---糖罐 pieces(pcs)set---15头,即1壶6杯6碟1奶壶1糖罐
外贸术语:
MOQ---Minimum Order Quantity(qty),起订量
FOB---Fee on Board,离岸价,一般说 FOB+港口,如FOB Shenzhen,客人有时会问“FOB where?”,超级常用
CIF---Cost, Insurance and Freight,到岸价。基本不用。
Delivery date---交货期,一般是收到订金(TT[telegraphic transfer] XX% deposit)后几天发货,20ft和40ft柜的交货期不同,这个得问老板
工作流程:
1、有客人进来,看东西---打招呼,这个时候先递上工厂(除了外贸公司,一般都是自己的厂过来摆摊,说factory比较好,因为客人都希望得到第一手的资料)名片然后问他要名片,“This is our namecard, may I have yours?”有些客人会不给的。所以我一般是等他们先递上。
2、客人拿起货品---这个时候一定要拿名片了,因为是有意拿报价的,别忘了拿订书机帮客人订在他的本子上。
3、客人问报价(photo quotation)等货品基本情况---这个没难度,客人问一句,就翻译给老板听,再翻译给客人听,记住:什么都要问老板!因为对于不同国家地区的,老板会给不同的offer。同时记录下每个价格。有时候客人会想把A的壶改为B的尺寸,又把盖子改为铁盖,要求比较复杂,但都要记录得清清楚楚,因为回到工厂老板会根据这个给他e-mail 报价。另外,有些客人会带外贸公司的员工过来的,报价一般先报给外贸公司员工,因为他们要计算提成,所以由他们计算好后再告知客人。
4、客人问能不能拍照---如果问了报价的,一般老板都会让他拍。有些老板比较紧张自己的设计,怕他拍了回去给别的厂做,所以那些走进来不问报价只想拍照的,要问下老板让不让他拍。
5、客人要求回去e-mail报价---告诉老板就是了,有什么时间格式要求老板自然会问的,翻译就是了。
句型:对应上面流程
1、Good morning.(等客套话)This is our business card, may I have yours? / Thank you!
2、无
3、问报价:How do you quote this? / Tell me the quotation, please? / How much is it?
问容量:What's the capacity? How many ml/cc?
问材料:What's the material? Is it porcelain?
问样品:May I take this sample with me? 问老板后答:OK./ Yes, but we may charge you.(收样品费)/ Maybe you can come the last day of the exhibition, you can get it free, because we also need it for exhibition.要求改货品要素:I want A in B's size, and a stainless steel lid, how much then? 遇到以上的问题尽管问老板,然后详细认真记录!
4、问:May I take picture?
5、问:Send me photo quotation.最后的客套话,希望合作、保持联系、很开心你来我们摊位等自由发挥。
注意事项:
1、认真记录笔记。如果你想每年老板都叫你帮做翻译,你一定要认真负责,虽然翻译不用负责任,他们拿多少订单也跟我们无关,但是我们是收工资的,还是要对得起自己的良心。老板跟我说他朋友摊位上有些翻译就是乱来,回工厂报价的时候跟当时所说的大不同,后来搞得跟客人很不爽。
2、第一次到摊位时问老板货品的基本情况。一般老板都会让人教我们怎么看货品的标签。
3、空闲的时候找老板多聊天,了解行业。这是一个学习的大好机会,能跟老板学习生意之道,行业潜规则等。(例如伊朗过海关的时候是以重量计税的,一般都会把重量写轻一点,帮客人减一下税)
4、多主动跟老板及员工聊天。这点很重要,不仅能学到东西,而且这样会让自己感觉不那么被冷落。之前有些老板要找自己的同乡做翻译,我觉得不可理解,这次我总算知道了,吃饭的时候他们几个说家乡话,我只能自己死命在吃,感觉不怎么能融入。所以后来我都选择自己挑起话题,让他们和我聊开来。
5、保持良好状态和心态。每天早起、长时间交通、中午不能午睡等情况跟我们在学校的作息大有不同,必须适应好。
6、去之前练习一下听各个国家地区的口音。
第四篇:汉英翻译技巧
汉英翻译技巧
第一节 汉语无主语句的英译处理
一、祈使句对应为祈使句
e.g.小心轻放。
Handle with care.量体裁衣,看菜吃饭。Fit the dress to the figure and fit the appetite to the dishes.宁为鸡首,不为牛后。Better be the head of an ass than the tail of a horse.二、采用英语的被动结构译出 采用英语被动结构翻译的汉语无主语句一般的情况:一是某些表示事物存在的无主语句;二是有些句子突出宾语部分,在翻译时可以不用补出主语而用原句中的宾语来充当主语。e.g.这儿将修建更多的居民大楼。More apartments will be built here.利用发电机,可以将机械能转变为电能。
The mechanical energy can be changed back into electrical energy by a generator.在合同中,详细地规定了双方必须履行的各种条件。
In the contract, all kinds of conditions which both sides should follow were laid down in detail.没有爱心,就无法了解人生。
Life cannot be understood without much charity.三、采用倒装语序 e.g.地下埋藏着大量的金银。
Hidden underground is a wealth of gold and silver.随着一声吼叫,忽的从树林里窜出一只老虎来。
Following the roar, out rushed a tiger from among the bushes.山里住着个老和尚。
In the mountain lived on an old monk.四、采用 THERE BE 结构 例句:没有顺利,无所谓困难;没有困难,也无所谓顺利。
Without facility, there would be no difficulty;without difficulty, there would also be no facility.剩下的时间不多了。There is very little time left.萝卜白菜,各有所爱。
There is no accounting for taste.无水则无鱼。
Without water there would be no fish.楼下有人想和你说话。
There is a man downstairs who wants to speak to you.you are wanted downstairs.五、采用 IT 作主语译出
例句:要解决问题,还必须做系统、周密的调查工作和研究工作。
In order to solve the problem it is necessary to make a systematic and thorough investigation and study.与自然作斗争,倍感快乐。It is a great joy to battle against nature.活到老学到老。
It is never too old to learn.子曰:学而时习之,不亦说乎?有朋自远方来,不亦乐乎?
Confucius said, is it not a pleasure after all to practice in due time what one has learnt? Is it not a delight after all to have friends come from afar?
六、增添适当的代词或名词充当主语 例句: 知彼知己,百战不殆。
If you know your enemy and yourself, you can fight a hundred battles without peril.不入虎穴,焉得虎子。
If one does not enter the tiger’s den, how can he get a tiger’s cub.六、因文制宜,区别对待
例句:未经审批机关批准,合同中不得规定禁止接受方在合同期满后继续使用技术的条款。
Unless approval has been obtained from the examining and approving organ, a contract shall not include provisions prohibiting the recipient from continuing to use the technology after the expiry of the contract term.由于英语被接受为联合国的官方语言之一,这就使英语在国际外交场合使用得更为广泛了。
The use of English in international diplomacy is strengthened by its acceptance as one of the official languages of the U.N.说明白了一切,就再无奥妙可言了。It will leave nothing in obscurity;everything is seen.Exercises: 1.要适可而止,否则就要完蛋。
2.不远处传来了提琴的声音,调子哀enough, or we will die.Enough is 伤。Not far away from the sound of the fiddle, and that'll sorrow.3.在游廊的最左端,靠近一道门,坐着一位将近30岁的男子。
4.他的书桌上放着带有细菌的小碟the left, near a door, sits a nearly 30 years old man.Most of the veranda at 子。His desk is put a little dish of bacteria
All in all, it was two 5.总之,是两点而不是一点。
6.花瓶里没有水了。and not a bit.The vase no water.7.要
很容易看得出来那作家是一位生手,刚从事写作。8.。
Very easy to see the writer is a beginning, just writing
9.不怕一万,就怕万一one thousand.Ten thousand not afraid, afraid of 10.还看不出来他能挑得起这副担子。Also see he can pick up the burden alone.11.去年
12.必须认真做好建厂前的准备工作。The factory must do the preparing work before.Should teach children to 13.应该教导儿童讲实话。
14.必须保证8小时的睡眠。
15.发现了错误,一定要改正。tell the truthhours of sleep.must correct.Must ensure that eight
Find a mistake,第二节、汉语“是”字句的英译处理
一、表示“等同”
例句:他最佩服的就是你。
Of all the people, you are the one he admires most.二、表示“类属” 例句:这台机器是进口的。
The machine was imported from abroad.他是来找你的。He is here to see you.三、表示“事物状态” 例句:要是旧社会,遇上这样大的水灾,早已是哀鸿遍野了。
If a flood of such magnitude had hit the land in the old days, the stricken area would have been a scene of desolation and despair.你现在是身不由己,只能听他的。You have to listen to him whether you like it or not.四、表示“存在” 例句:她满脸是泪,默不作声。She was soundless and her cheeks were bathed in tears.别看他长得胖,其实浑身是病。Despite his stout build, he suffers from all sorts of diseases.五、在两个类似结构中表示“区别”,转换为英语相对的对比结构。例句:他是他,我是我,我们谁也管不着谁。
We have our own wills, he and I, neither is the other’s master.昨天是昨天,今天是今天,情况是不断变化的。
Events are moving very fast;what was true yesterday may not be so today.这个人言行不一,说是说,做是做。This man’s deeds do not match his words;he never practices what he preaches.敌是敌,友是友,必须分清界限。A friend is a friend, a foe is a foe;one must be clearly distinguished from the other.六、表示“让步”,用适当的副词或者让步句型来体现。例句:书是好书,可惜贵了点。It is true that this is a good book, but it’s a bit too expensive.他的本意是好的,只是措辞不当。He meant well, but he didn’t put across his ideas properly.你就是有天大的本事,恐怕也施展不开。
However capable you are, you probably can do nothing in this circumstance.这房子老是老,但离商店近,采购方便。
Indeed, the house is old, but as it is close to the stores, it is convenient for shopping.六、表示“强调”,一般转换为强调句式 例句:是谁教你这样做的? Who told you to do so? 是这位解放军战士救了你。
It was this PLA man who saved you.我写的信是给她的,不是你。
It was to her that I wrote a letter, not to you.七、表示“凡是”,由英语习惯句型决定。
例句:是人都会犯错误。
Every man is liable to error./ No one is free from error.是孩子他都喜欢。He loves all children.正如一句话所说,是亲三分像。As an old saying goes, blood is thicker than water.是重活他都抢着干。Whenever there is a tough job, he is always the first to do it.八、表示“恰当” 例句:屋里的家具放得都不是地方。The furniture in the room is arranged exactly where it should not be.你来得正是时候。
You have come just in the nick of time./ You can’t have come at a better come.她穿的裙子很是漂亮。
The dress looks very beautiful on her.九、表示“选择”或“疑问” 例句:你是看电视还是听音乐? 他不是出国了么?
十、表示“确认”,有强调的意思,一般通过助动词、副词或短语来体现。
例句:她爸爸是不同意她和汤姆来往的。
Her father does disapprove of her having anything to do with TOM.这件事他是不知道。
He certainly doesn’t know this.这孩子是可爱。
The child is lovely indeed.我不是不懂,只是不想说。
It is not that I didn’t understand, but that I didn’t want to say anything.十一、表示“特征”,一般直译。例句:马克思主义的基本原理是普遍适用的。
The fundamental tenets of Marxism are universally applicable.本领高强的人,往往是谦虚好学的。Men of capability are often modest and show a desire to learn.作战时他总是身先士卒,故能所向披靡。
He was always at the head of his men in battle, and so his army was invincible.练习题
1、我们是坐船去武汉的。
2、玩弄她的感情是卑鄙的。
3、这个故事好是好,就是长了点。
4、这场火灾是他们不小心而引起的。
5、满屋都是烟,连他衣服上都是烟味。
6、他开办这家工厂完全是白手起7、8、9、10、11、12、家的。
这本书我是有的,可是我一下找不到。
这原来是破旧、窄小的一条旧街。
这人真讨厌,总是死皮赖脸的缠着人家。
既然要搞掉他,罗织罪名还不是易如反掌。
今天开这个会啊,是想听听各方面的意见。
不管怎么样,我是决意要完成这项任务的。
Keys: 1.We went to wuhan by chartered boat.2.It was mean of him to play with her/affections.3.It is a good story all right, but a bit too long.4.The fire resulted from their carelessness.5.Smoke filled the room;even his clothes smelled of smoke.6.He built up his factory literally from nothing.7.I have the book somewhere but I cannot lay my hands on it now.8.This place was originally a narrow, shabby street.9.The man is quite a nuisance;he keeps pestering/bothering others/me shamelessly.10.Now that they have decided to get rid of him, charges can easily be framed.11.Look!We are holding this meeting today to make sure that different opinions are put forward freely.12.I mean to accomplish the task, come what may happen.汉语习语的英译处理
习语是人们在语言发展过程中,经过长期的社会实践提炼出来的短语或者短句,是语言的精华。从广义上讲,汉语习语包括成语、谚语、俗语、歇后语等。具体特点表现在:
1、习语本身是修辞手段的集中体现,如谐音等来增加美感,如“嘴上没毛,办事不牢”,“吃得苦,耐得烦;不怕死,霸得蛮”;英语中的“by hook or by crook”, as red as a rose。
2、习语是语言中独立、不规则而固定的因素。如“露出马脚”不能说成“露出猪脚”,“雪中送炭”不能说成“雪中送煤”。基于上述特点,翻译过程中必须注意:
1、尽量保存原文的民族特色和风格,在可能的情况下以直译为主。
2、不能把习语当做普通语句处理,注意修辞美感。
一、汉语习语英译的常用方法
1、英语同义句借用法
A: 借用意义和形象相同或相似的 B: 借用意义相同但形象不同的 例如: A:
随大流,以牙还牙 隔墙有耳 一文不名绞尽脑汁 针锋相对 时时刻刻 千钧一发 浑水摸鱼 swim with the tide a tooth for a tooth walls have ears
without a penny to one’s
name
to rack one’s brain give tit for tat every now and then hung by a thread to fish in troubled water
如坐针毡 a bed of thorns 谋事在人,成事在天
Man proposes, God disposes 星星之火可以燎原
Little chips light great fire.一朝被蛇咬,十年怕井绳 Once bit, twice shy.空中楼阁、君子协定、事实胜于雄辩、有其父必有其子、B:
半斤八两 six of one and half a dozen of the other 无足轻重
of no account 锦囊妙计
ace in the hole/sleeve 非公莫入
no admittance 徒劳无益
hold a candle to the sun 茫然若失
be all adrift 水中捞月
fish in the air 乳臭未干
the smell of the baby 寿终正寝
die in the bed 一丘之貉
birds of a feather(flock together)
2、直译法
蓬头垢面 with disheveled hair and dirty face
求同存异 see common ground while reserving differences 扑朔迷离
complicated and confusing
朴实无华
simple and unadorned 能者多劳
the abler a man, the busier he gets.自力更生 regeneration through one’s own efforts 顺水推舟 push the boat with current 欺软怕硬 bully the weak and fear the strong 半途而废 give up halfway 口蜜腹剑 with honey on one’s lips and murder in one’s heart.有钱能使鬼推磨
If you have money you can even make the devil turn your mill(serve for you).十年树木百年树人
It takes ten years to grow trees but a hundred years to rear/cultivate people.路遥知马力,日久见人心。
A long road tests a horse’s strength, while a long time proves one’s heart.天有不测风云,人有旦夕祸福
Storms gather without warning in nature, while bad luck befalls men overnight.3、意译法
畏首畏尾 over-cautious
不到黄河不死心
Not stop until one reaches one’s goal 独木不成林
One person cannot accomplish much.4、节译法 汉语习语中有些是对偶词组,往往前后两对含义相同
无影无踪 vanish without a trace 长吁短叹 千真万确 一朝一夕 根深蒂固 不屈不挠 自给自足 经久耐用 同心同德 清规戒律 油头粉面 惊心动魄
sigh deeply be quite true overnight deep-rooted unswerving self-sufficient durable with one mind taboos(regulations)high-painted soul-stirring
5、直译加注法
东施效颦 Dongshi, an ugly woman, knitting her eyebrow in imitation of the famous beauty Xi Shi only to make herself uglier—blindly copying others and making oneself look foolish.二、汉语习语中数词的英译
1、直译法
千金难买一笑
A thousand pieces of gold can hardly purchase a smile.一寸光阴一寸金
An inch of time is an inch of gold.一着不慎满盘皆输
One careless move loses the whole game.百花齐放,百家争鸣
Let a hundred flowers blossom and a hundred schools of thought contend.听君一席话,胜读十年书
One evening’s conversation with a gentleman is worth more than ten-year study.2、保留部分数字
杀一儆百 punish one as an example to others 三心二意 two-minded 两面三刀 double-faced and tricky 十拿九稳 ninety percent sure
3、省略法(当数字是虚指时)昙花一现 be a flash in the pan 一干二净 neat and tidy;不三不四 dubious;inappropriate 百无聊赖 to be overcome with boredom 白问不厌 to serve patiently and tirelessly 三言两语 a few words 五谷丰登、五光十色、五湖四海、十万火急、才高八斗、千秋万代(throughout the ages)
第五篇:英译汉翻译技巧
英译汉翻译技巧
王 瑛
英译汉部分要求翻译单句, 而不是段落或篇章。考生首先要读懂句子,了解句子的语法结构、使用的固定词组、习惯用法及词与词之间的语义关系, 然后, 再正确分析原文的语言现象和逻辑关系,进行透彻的理解, 最后, 力图用简洁明了的汉语表达出原文的意思。因此, 考生有必要掌握一些基本的翻译技巧。
一、翻译技巧一
一般的英译汉考题不会只是简单句。我们在做题时, 首先要从语法入手, 找寻和确定句子大的框架结构, 通过分析把句中的从句和插入部分先排除掉, 明确句子结构有助于我们正确理解整句话的意思。
(一)重点分析句子结构
其实, 就英语的句子结构而言, 是有规律可循的。除去省略句、倒装句、感叹句和
一些特殊句子外, 英语句子的结构可归纳为三类: 1.to be句型: 主语 + be + 表语
Miss Jones is a manager.琼斯小姐是位经理。
2.to do句型: 主语 + do +(宾语)+(状语)He teaches English in this school.他在这所学校教英语。
3.there be句型: There be + 主语 + 状语
There are beautiful wildflowers in the hills.山中有美丽的野花。
(二)确定语法现象和惯用结构
英译汉考题中常见的重点语法有: 时态、语态、主语从句、表语从句、宾语从句、同位语从句、定语从句、状语从句、动词不定式、动名词、分词、虚拟语气、倒装句、强调句等。考生要非常熟悉这些语法现象, 才不至于对句子产生误解。例如:
Anyone who is interested in it can go with us.对这事感兴趣的人可以跟我们去。(who引导定语从句修饰主语anyone) The problem discussed at yesterday’s meeting is very important.昨天会上讨论过的那个问题非常重要。(过去分词短语作后置定语修饰主语the problem) You could have done better if you had been more careful.要是细心一点的话,你就会做得更好。(if 引导虚拟语气的条件状语从句) Hardly had I said that when she entered the room.我刚说完,她就进来了。(倒装句, 否定词hardly位于句首, 助动词had 放在主语I之前) It was not until last night that I noticed this matter.直到昨晚我才注意到这件事。(强调句: It was not until+强调成分+that句子其余成分) The books were either works on travel or detective novels.这些书要么是关于旅行的, 要么就是侦探小说。(连接词either„ or„连接两个表语)(三)熟悉固定搭配词组和习惯用法
英译汉考题中还常常会设计一个关键的考点 – 固定搭配的词组和习惯表达法, 旨在考查考生对词汇的掌握和运用情况。考生在理解这些习惯用语时会感到很困难, 这是因为单从组成某个习惯用语的词的字面意思上来理解其含义, 往往会出偏差, 必将影响到对整个句子的理解。例如:
They came up with a cure for the disease at last.他们最终发现了治疗这种疾病的方法(短语动词,意为“提出;发现”)
The news got around by word of mouth.这一消息通过人们的口传播开来。(介词短语,意为“口头流传”)
It’ll be cheaper in the long run to use real leather.从长远的观点来看, 用真皮更便宜。(介词短语,意为“从长远的观点来看”)
I’ll tell them the truth, regardless of what they want to hear.不管他们愿不愿意听, 我要告诉他们真相。(形容词短语,意为 “不管...”)
Punishment had very little effect on him.惩罚对他没有什么效果。(名词短语,意为“对„起作用”)
(四)熟练掌握过渡连接词
过渡连接词是使上下文的连接自然、紧凑的有效方法,使文章整体具有结构上的粘着性和意义上的连贯性。因此,熟练掌握过渡连接词能充分把握住原文的意图和出题思路。过渡连接词按语义划分为以下最常见的几种类型
表示增补: and , also , besides , what’s more , in addition , furthermore „
表示因果: for this reason, because of, since, as a result, thus, therefore, so, hence „
表示转折: however, still, but, otherwise, despite, nevertheless, though, in fact „
表示列举: firstly, secondly, for one thing„for another, to begin with, then, last „
表示解释: for example, for instance, that is, namely „ 表示总结: in short, to sum up, in conclusion, briefly, on the whole „
例如:
The railroad connects two cities, namely, New York and Chicago.这铁路联接两个城市, 即纽约和芝加哥。(表示解释) She was very tired, nevertheless, she kept on working.她虽然很疲倦, 然而她却继续工作。(表示转折) He said that he could not find it and, furthermore, that nobody would ever find it.他说他找不到它, 而且也没有人会找到它。(表示增补) He was ill, and therefore could not come.(表示结果)他病了, 所以未能来。
二、翻译技巧二
每一种语言,在词意的运用,语句的铺排、句子的结构方面,都有其独特的方式,而每一词每一字所承载的文化信息亦各不相同。因此, 英译汉的表达方式总体上可以分成两大类:
(一)直译法:
一般来说, 在语言条件许可的情况下, 应该尽可能地用直译, 使译文既能保持原文的内容, 又能保持原文的形式和风格。例如:
o All roads lead to Roma.条条大路通罗马。
o The soldier was as brave as a lion.那个士兵像狮子一样勇敢。
o My brother is like a duck to water in the new job.我哥哥在新的工作岗位上如鱼得水。
o It is he who has consistently offered fuel in snowy weather but never added flowers to embroidery.他这个人一向对人是雪中送炭,从来不是锦上添花。
(二)意译法: 为使译文得到和原文基本相同的文化信息,当翻译中遇到两种文化有差异,用直译无法使译文传达准确的信息时,就要在母语中寻找与其对应的表达方式,利用各种必要的转换手段进行意译。例如: He is down and out as if/though he lived a dog’s life.他穷困, 潦倒,好像过着牛马一样的生活。(转译法-a dog’s life转换词义)
He behaved politely while answering the interviewer’s questions.他在回答采访者问题时, 很有礼貌。(省略法–behaved 一词不译出) He is a stranger to the company’s business.他对于该公司的经营业务是陌生的。(转换法–stranger 名词转换成形容词) All preparation must be done before you do experiments.在做试验之前, 一切准备工作都必须做好。(增加法-preparation增加“工作”)
Each country has its own customs.各国有各国的风俗.(重复法-Each country重复使用“各国”)