英汉互译1-introduction

5. Translation Techniques

[1] Diction 遣词用字

[2] Amplification 增词法 [3] Omission 省略法 [4] Repetition 重复 [5] Conversion 转换

[6] Restructuring 词序调整 [7] Negation 正反交替 [8] Division 长句拆译

? 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.

? A translator should:

[1] constantly exposing himself to various reading materials on all subjects relevant to his

work;

[2] conscientiously consulting relevant background or reference materials on the subject

so as to keep up with the latest developments of the branch of knowledge he works in.

Reflections and Practice: Discussion:

1. What is the nature of translation?

2. How is translation generally categorized? Which of the categories are you familiar with? 3. How do you understand Yan Fu’s three-character guide “信、达、雅”? What’s your opinion on

the principles or criteria of translation?

4. What is literal translation? What is free translation?

5. What do you know about translation techniques? Name a few of them and try to cite some

examples.

Put the following sentences into English, using either literal or free translation.

1. 对华政策 2. 麒麟 3. 刑事律师 4. 裸婚 5. 人肉搜索 6. 住房公积金 7. 红白喜事 8. 个税起征点 9. 替罪羔羊 10. 合租 11. 王牌主播 12. 结婚证 13. 海市蜃楼 14. 老烟枪 15. 对口会谈 16. 谅解备忘录

Put the following expressions into Chinese, using either literal or free translation.

1. English disease 2. French chalk 3. in one’s birthday suit 4. an apple of love 5. black art 6. confidence man 7. sweet water 8. blue stocking 9. dressing room 10. horse sense 11. capital idea 12. familiar talk

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13. red tape 14. black stranger 15. Spanish athlete 16. Greek gift 1. It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest. 2. The thief was caught red-handed.

3. She’d never again believe anything in trousers. 4. He can rub brine on a green wound!

5. She blackened her neighbor’s character with false gossip. 6. John is too yellow to stand up and fight. 7. It's more a poem than a picture.

8. He was a dead shot. However, he met his Waterloo this time. 9. Tour affectionate lover till death

I love my love with an E, because she’s enticing; I hate her with an E, because she’s engaged; I took her to the sign of the exquisite, and treated her with an elopement; her name’s Emily, and she lives in the east.

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