如何解决中式英语之名词泛滥的问题
名词泛滥一直是中式英语中很明显的问题,汉语中的一些名词如“任务”“工作”“研究”“情况”“状态”“问题”“制度”“事业”“局面”“观察”“调查”用来表示范畴或者性质时常失去具体意义,一般省略不译。此外,汉语还有另外一种表达习惯,喜欢重复汇总,汉译英时无需重复翻译。
以下是出现名词泛滥几种情况:
示例:
加快经济改革的步伐
to accelerate the pace of economic reform=to accelerate economic reform
示例:
随着机械化的实现
following the realization of mechanization=following the mechanization
示例:
反对挥霍无度的做法
opposing the practice of extravagance=opposing extravagance
示例:
这座寺庙结构坚固,因而屹立不倒。
The prolongation of the existence of this temple is due to the solidity of its construction.
This temple has endured because it was solidly built.
1.省去不必要的词(即,失去具体意义的词)
示例:
原文 | 原用法 | 修改 |
---|---|---|
根据指令的规定 |
under the provisions / terms of the Directive |
under the Directive |
Acme管理层做的决定 |
the decision by the management of Acme |
the decision by Acme / Acme’s decision |
培训过程 |
the training process |
training |
五年的时间 |
a period of five years |
five years |
金额10 000欧元 |
the / an amount of EUR 10 000 |
EUR 10 000 |
根据实际条件 |
under the conditions encountered in practice |
in practice |
增加筹资水平 |
increase funding levels |
increase funding |
2.优选动词,而不选抽象名词
示例:
原文 | 原用法 | 修改 |
---|---|---|
开展业绩评估 |
carry out an evaluation of performance |
evaluate performance |
开展欺诈调查 |
conduct an investigation into fraud |
investigate fraud |
进行10 000欧元付款 |
effect payment of EUR 10 000 |
pay EUR 10 000 |
在设置研究院后 |
after the setting up of the Institute |
after the Institute was set up |
实施了禁烟令 |
introduce a ban on smoking |
ban smoking |
并未公布法律变更情况 |
Changes to the Law did not come about. |
The Law was not changed. |
定期作物轮作是常规做法 |
The practice of crop rotation is regular. |
Crops are regularly rotated. |
3.优选动名词,而不选抽象名词
补充说明:英语多用名词以体现其静态特征,而汉语则恰恰相反,汉语善用动词以体现其动态特征。这种现象的蔚然成风也带来一定的负面影响,因为名词的使用离不开介词和冠词,这样,本来句子中可以用一个动词表达清楚的意思这时候很可能需要使用“冠词+名词+介词”的结构才能进行完整替代,无形中使得整个句子变得更加冗长,甚至读之令人更加费解。然而,名词化在英语中的运用则可以增加语言的抽象性和客观性,从而提高语言的正式性和权威性,这是其优势所在。
示例:
原文 | 原用法 | 修改 |
---|---|---|
维护公众健康 |
the preservation of public health |
preserving public health |
通过引进限速做法 |
by the introduction of a speed limit |
by introducing a speed limit |
提供一项服务的成本 |
the cost of the provision of a service |
the cost of providing a service |
开发项目设计 |
the development of a design for a project |
designing a project |
4.尽量简略,减少废话连篇
示例:
原文 | 原用法 | 修改 |
---|---|---|
确保用于作业的设备合适,并操作安全 |
ensure the suitability of the equipment used for the performance of work and its safety for use |
ensure that equipment is suitable and safe |
本通知试图增加大众对委员会调查流程的了解程度,并因此提高调查有效性,确保调查过程的高度透明化和预测性。 |
The notice seeks to increase understanding of the Commission’s investigation process and thereby enhance the efficiency of investigations and ensure a high degree of transparency and predictability in the process. |
The notice explains the Commission’s investigation process to ensure that it is efficient, transparent and predictable. |
参考文件:Clear English – Tips for Translators;The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish,仅供交流、学习之用,版权归原作者、原出处所有,若有侵犯了您的合法权益,请联系我们进行更正、删除,谢谢!
(编辑:T-win)