同等学力研究生英语翻译技巧.pdf
同等学力研究生英语翻译技巧 状语从句的翻译 状语从句内容丰富,涉及面广,可以用来表示时间、原因、条件、让步、目的、结果、等意义。英语状语从句的翻译,一般比较容易处理,通常可以直接翻译。但是这里我们所要讨论的是,在汉语译文中,要如何将状语从句置于恰当的位置,并如何将其与主句之间自然连贯地连接起来,如何按汉语的习惯表达将句子类型进行相应的变化。由于两种语言表达上的不同,在状语从句的安排方面,存在着明显的差异,所以在翻译的时候也需要根据汉语习惯来灵活翻译。一、时间状语从句 在英语中,时间状语从句的连接词常常有:when(当.的时候),whenever(每当.),as(当.时),since(自从.),until(直到.,如果不.),till(直到.),before(在.前),after(在.后),as soon as(一.就),once(一旦.),the moment(一.就),immediately(一.就),the day(在.那天),no sooner.than(一.就),hardly(scarcely).when(一.就),the instant(一.就),instantly(一.就),directly(一.就),the minute(一.就),the second(一.就),every time(每当.),by the time(等到.的时候)等。翻译的时候,一般翻译在主句的前面。(一)译成相应的时间状语 While she spoke,the tears were running down.她说话时,泪水直流。She came in when I was having supper.我正在吃饭的时候,她进来了。As he finished the speech,the audience burst into applause.他结束讲话的时候,听众掌声雷动。(二)译成一(刚、每).就的结构 Ill let you know as soon as I have it arranged.我一安排好就通知你。Directly he uttered these words there was a dead silence.他刚说出这些话,大家就沉默下来。(三)译成条件句 由于时间状语的引导词除了显示时间关系之外,有时候可以表示条件关系,所以还可以翻译为条件句。Turn off the switch when anything goes wrong with the machine.如果机器发生故障,就把电门关上。A body at rest will not move till a force is exerted on it.若无外力的作用,静止的物体不会移动。We cant start the job until we have the approval from the authority concerned.如果没有有关当局的批准,我们不能开始这项工作。二、原因状语从句 英语中,原因状语从句的连接词常常是:because(因为),since(既然,由于),as(因为),now that(既然),seeing that(既然),considering that(考虑到,因为),in that(在某方面),in view of the fact that(鉴于)。在翻译的时候,大多数原因状语从句可以放在主句之前翻译。(一)译成表示原因的分句,放在主句之前翻译,显示前因后果的关系。The crops failed because the season was dry.因为气候干旱,作物歉收。We had to put the meeting off,since so many people were absent.由于很多人没有来,会议只好延期。(二)原因状语从句在汉语中的位置,常常是前因后果。然而,英语则比较灵活,状语从句可以在主句前,也可以在主句后面。所以在翻译为汉语译文时,也有放在后面的。如果把原因状语从句放在主句后面翻译的话,有时候可以用汉语的之所以.是因为的结构来连接。A gas differs from solid in that it has no definite shape.气体不同于固体是因为(就在于)它没有固定的形状。He will get promoted,for he has done good work.他将得到提升,因为他工作干得好。Theory is valuable because it can provide a direction for practice.理论之所以有价值,是因为它能给实践指出方向。(三)not.because 的结构 在翻译由 because 引导的具有否定意义的原因状语从句时,尤其要注意否定意义的表达一定要确切。not 与 because 发生关系,常常要翻译成并不是因为.。I dont teach because teaching is easy for me.1 我之所以教书并不是因为教书对我来说太容易 The machine did not move because the fuel was used up.机器停了下来,并不是因为燃料耗尽了。三、条件状语从句 英语中连接条件状语从句的连接词常常有:if(如果),unless(除非,如果不),providing that(假如),so long as(只要),on condition that(条件是),suppose that(假如),in case(如果),only if(只要),if only(但愿,要是.就好了)等。条件状语从句在翻译的时候,可以翻译在主句之前,也可以翻译在主句后面,有时候,还可以根据上下文省略连接词。(一)翻译在主句前面。It was better in case they were captured.要是把他们捉到了,那就更好了。If you tell me about it,then I shall be able to decide.假如你把一切都告诉我,那么我就能够作出决定。(二)翻译在主句后面,用来补充说明条件。如果、要是、假如等都是汉语中用来表示假设的常用关联词。汉语中表示假设的分句一般前置,但作为补充说明情况的分句则往往后置。You can drive tonight if you are ready.你今晚就可以出车,如果你愿意的话 No doubt I could earned something if I had really meant to.毫无疑问,我本来是可以赚到一点的,如果我真有那样打算的话。四、让步状语从句 英语中,表示让步关系的连接词常常有:though(虽然),although(虽然),even if(即使),as(尽管),while(尽管),whatever(无论什么),wherever(无论哪里),whoever(无论谁),however(无论怎样),no matter(不论,不管),for all that(尽管),granted that(即使),in spite of that fact that(尽管),despite the fact that(不管)等等。翻译的时候,通常把这些让步状语从句翻译在主句前面。No matter what I say or how I say it,he always thinks Im wrong.不管我说什么,也不管我怎么说,他说是认为我错了。While we can not see the air,we can feel it.我们虽然看不见空气,但却能感觉到它。Granted that you dont like the proposal,you shouldnt have rejected it without consulting others.即使你不喜欢这个建议,你也不应该没有同别人商量就把它否决了。五、目的状语从句 在英语中,连接目的状语从句的连接词常常有:that(为了,以便),so that(为了,以便),lest(以防),in case(以防,以免),for fear that(以防)in order that(为了)等等。(一)一般翻译在主句前面。一般来说,这种表示为了的目的状语从句通常放在主句前面翻译。He pushed open the door gently and stole out of the room for fear that he should awake her.为了不惊醒她,他轻轻推开房门,悄悄地溜了出去。We should start early so that we might get there before noon.为了正午以前赶到那里,我们很早就动身了。(二)还可以翻译在主句后面,表示省(免)得、以免、以便、使得、生怕等概念。He emphasized it again and again,lest she should forget.他反复强调这一点,免得她忘了。They hid themselves behind some bushed for fear that the enemy should find them.他们躲在树丛后面,以防被敌人发现。六、结果状语从句 (一)英语中,连接结果状语从句的连词常常有:so that,so.that,such.that,to such a degree 等等,通常可以翻译为结果,如此.以致于.,可以直接翻译。He made a wrong decision,so that half of his lifetime was wasted.他做了错误的决定,结果浪费了自己半生的时间。2 The difference is such that all will perceive it.差别这么大,所有的人都看得出来。(可以省略连接词而不翻译)(二)有时候,如果在主句中含有never,never so,not so,not such等否定词,but that 和 but what也可以连接结果状语从句,构成双重否定。翻译的时候,可以翻译为没有.不。She never comes but she borrow.她不借东西不来。(即:他如果不借东西就不来。)She is not so old but that she can read.他并没有老到不能读书。定语从句的翻译 英语中,定语从句分成限制性从句与非限制性从句两种。他们在英语中的位置一般是在其所修饰的先行词后面。限定性定语从句与非限定性定语从句的其别只是在于限制意义的强弱。而汉语中定语作为修饰语通常在其所修饰的词前面,并且没有限制意义的强弱之分,因此,限制与非限制在翻译中并不起十分重要的作用。英语中多用结构复杂的定语从句,而汉语中修饰语则不宜臃肿。所以,在翻译定语从句时,一定要考虑到汉语的表达习惯。如果英语的定语从句太长,无论是限制性的或非限制性的,都不宜译成汉语中的定语,而应用其他方法处理。常见的定语从句翻译有以下几种方法。一、前置法:把定语从句翻译到所修饰的先行词前面,可以用的来连接。既然定语从句的意义是作定语修饰语,所以在翻译的时候,通常把较短的定语从句译成带的的前置定语,翻译在定语从句的先行词前面。He who has never tasted what is bitter does not know what is sweet.没有吃过苦的人不知道什么是甜。Space and oceans are the new world which scientists are trying to explore.太空和海洋是科学家们努力探索的新领域。His laughter,which was infectious,broke the silence.他那富有感染力的笑声打破了沉寂。二、后置法:把定语从句翻译在所修饰的先行词后面,翻译为并列分句。英语的英语从句结构常常比较复杂,如果翻译在其修饰的先行词前面的话,会显得定语太臃肿,而无法叙述清楚。这时,可以把定语从句翻译在先行词后面,译成并列分句。翻译时可以用两种方法来处理。(一)重复先行词。由于定语从句的先行词通常在定语从句中充当句子成分,如果单独把定语从句翻译出来的话,常常需要重复先行词,还可以用代词代替先行词来重复。I told the story to John,who told it to his brother.他把这件事告诉了约翰,约翰又告诉了他的弟弟。We wish to express our satisfaction at this to the Special Committee,whose activities deserve to be encouraged.在我们对特别委员会表示满意,特别委员会的工作应该受到鼓励。You,whose predecessors scored initial success in astronomical research,have acquired a greater accomplishment in this respect.你们的先辈在天文学研究方面取得了初步的成功,而你们现在则在这一方面获得了更大的成就。Although he lacks experience,he has enterprise and creativity,which are decisive in achieving success in the area.他虽然经验不足,但很有进取心和创造力,而这正是在这一领域获得成功的关键。(二)省略先行词。如果把定语从句翻译在先行词后面,在通顺、完整的前提下,有时候可以不用重复先行词。It is he who received the letter that announced the death of your uncle.是他接到那封信,说你的叔叔去世了。They worked out a new method by which production has now been rapidly increased.他们制定出一种新方案,采用之后生产已迅速得到提高。After dinner,the four key negotiators resumed their talks,which continued well into the night.饭后,四个主要谈判人物继续进行会谈,一直谈到深夜。三、融合法:把定语从句和它所修饰的先行词结合在一起翻译。3 融合法是指翻译时把主句和定语从句融合成一句简单句,其中的定语从句译成单句中的谓语部分。由于限制性定语从句与主句关系较紧密,所以,融合法多用于翻译限制性定语从句,尤其是there be 结构带有定语从句的句型。There is a man downstairs who wants to see you.楼下有人要见你。(原句中的主句部分 there is a man 翻译成有人,然后将定语从句译成句子的谓语部分。)In our factory,there are many people who are much interested in the new invention.在我们工厂里,许多人对这项新发明很感兴趣。(原句中的主句部分 there are many people 翻译成许多人,作译文的主语,然后将定语从句译成句子的谓语部分。)We used a plane of which almost every part carried some indication of national identity.我们驾驶的飞机几乎每一个部件都有一些国籍标志。(原句的主句较简单,整句句子的重点是在定语从句中,因此,翻译时将主句译成主语,而将定语从句译成句子的谓语部分。)She had a balance at her bankers which would have made her beloved anywhere.她在银行里的存款足以使她到处受到欢迎。(原句的主句较简单,整句句子的重点是在定语从句中,因此,翻译时将主句译成主语,而将定语从句译成句子的谓语部分。)四、状译法 英语的定语从句与汉语中的定语还有一个不同的地方,那就是,英语中有些定语从句和主句关系不密切,它从语法上看是修饰定语从句的先行词的,但实际上限定作用不强,而是修饰主句的谓语或全句的,起状语作用。也就是说,有些定语从句兼有状语从句的职能,在意义上与主句有状语关系,表明原因、结果、目的、让步、假设等关系。在这种情况下,需要灵活处理,在准确理解英语原文的基础上,弄清楚逻辑关系,然后把英语中的这些定语从句翻译成各种相应的分句。(一)译成表示时间的分句 A driver who is driving the bus mustnt talk with others or be absent-minded.司机在开车时,不许和人谈话,也不能走神。(二)译成表示原因的分句 He showed no further wish for conversation with Mrs.Smith,who was now more than usually insolent and disagreeable.他似乎不愿再和史密斯太太讲话,因为她现在异常无礼,令人厌烦。(三)译成表示条件的分句 Men become desperate for work,any work,which will help them to keep alive their families.人们极其迫切地要求工作,不管什么工作,只要它能维持一家人的生活就行。(四)译成表示让步的分句 He insisted on buying another house,which he had no use for 尽管他并没有这样的需要,他坚持要再买一幢房子,。(五)译成表示目的的分句 He wishes to write an article that will attract the public attention to the matter.为了引起公众对这一事件的注意,他想写一篇文章。He is collecting authentic material that proves his argument.为了证明他的论点,他正在收集确凿的材料以。(六)译成表示结果的分句 They tried to stamp out the revolt,which spread all the more furiously throughout the country.他们企图镇压反抗,结果反抗愈来愈烈,遍及全国。(七)译成表示转折的分句 She was very patient towards the children,which her husband seldom was.她对孩子们很有耐心,而她丈夫却很少这样。名词性从句 英语的名词性从句包括主语从名、宾语从句、表语从句和同位语从句等。翻译的时候,大多数可以按照原文的句子顺序翻译成相应的汉语译文。但是,有时候,可以采用其他翻译方法来灵活处理。一、主语从句 4 (一)以 what,whatever,whoever,whether,when,where,how,why 等词引导的主语从句,在翻 译的时候,一般可以按照英语原文顺序来翻译。What he told me was only half-truth.他告诉我的只是些半真半假的东西而已。Whatever is worth doing should be done well.任何值得做的事情都应该做好。Whether he comes or not makes no difference.他来不来都没有关系。When we can begin the expedition is still a question.我们何时才能开始这次考察仍然是悬而未决。How he is going to do it is a mystery.他准备怎么做这个事情是个迷。(二)用 it 作形式主语的主语从句,可以把主语从句放到汉语句子最前面去翻译。为了强调起见,it 一般可 以译出来;如果不需要强调,it 也可以不译出来。It doesnt make much difference whether he attends the meeting or not.他参加不参加会议没有多大关系。(It 没有翻译)It seemed inconceivable that the pilot could have survived the crash.驾驶员在飞机坠毁之后,竟然还能活着,这看来是不可想象的。(It 翻译为这)有时候,如果主语从句仍然按照英语原来的顺序翻译的话,it 一般不需要译出来。在汉语译文的开始,一般 可以用.的是,.这样的结构来翻译。It is strange that she should have failed to see her own shortcomings.真奇怪,她竟然没有看出自己的缺点。(It 不用翻译,还可以用奇怪的是.这样的结构来翻译)二、宾语从句 (一)用 that,what,how,when,which,why,whether,if 等引起的宾语从句,翻译成汉语的时候,一般不需要改变它在原句中的顺序。I told him that because of the last condition,Id have to turn it down.我告诉他,由于那最后一个条件,我只得谢绝。Can you hear what I say?你听得到我所讲的吗,I dont know that he swam across the river.我不知道他游过了那条河。I dont know how he swam across the river.我不知道他是怎么游过那条河的。He has informed me when they are to discuss my proposal.他已经通知我他们将在什么时候谈论我的建议。有时可加说字,再接下去翻译译英语原文宾语从句的内容。Smith replied that he was sorry.斯密斯回答说,他感到遗憾。He would remind people again that it was decided not only by himself but by lots of others.他再三提醒大家说,决定这件事的不只是他一个人,还有其他许多人。(二)用 it 作形式宾语的句子,在翻译的时候,that 所引导的宾语从句一般可按英语原文顺序翻译;it 有 时候可以不用翻译。I made it clear to them that they must hand in their papers before 10 oclock in the morning.我向他们讲清楚了的,他们必须在上午十时前交卷。(it 没有翻译)I heard it said that he had gone abroad.听说他已经出国了。(it 没有翻译)但有时候,也可以在译文中将 that 引导的宾语从句提前到句子最前面翻译。I regard it as an honor that I am chosen to attend the meeting.我被选参加会议,感到光荣。(it 没有翻译)We consider it absolutely necessary that we should open our door to the outside world.打开国门,实行开放,我们认为这是绝对必要的。(it 翻译为这)5 三、表语从句 英语中的表语从句放在连系动词后面,充当表语成分,一般可以按照英语原文顺序直接翻译。It seems that it is going to snow.看起来要下雪了。That is why Jack got scolded.这就是杰克受到训斥的原因。The question remains whether we can win the majority of the people.问题是我们能否赢得大多数人民群众的支持。His view of the press was that the reporters were either for him or against him.他对新闻界的看法是,记者们不是支持他,就是反对他。四、同位语从句 同位语从句主要是用来对名词作进一步的解释,说明名词的具体内容。能接同位语从句的名词主要有:belief(相信),fact(事实),hope(希望),idea(想法,观点),doubt(怀疑),news(新闻,消息),rumor(传闻),conclusion(结论),evidence(证据),suggestion(建议),problem(问题),order(命令),answer(回答),decision(决定),discovery(发现),explanation(解释),information(消息),knowledge(知识),law(法律),opinion(意见,观点),truth(真理,事实),promise(承诺),report(报告),thought(思想),statement(声明),rule(规定),possibility(可能)等。(一)一般来说,同位语从句可以直接翻译在主句后面。He expressed the hope that he would come over to visit China again.他表示希望再到中国来访问。There is a possibility that he is a spy.有可能他是一个间谍。(二)有时候在翻译同位语从句时,可以将其放在所修饰的名词前面,相当于前置的修饰语,但不一定使用定语的标志词的。这种情况下,同位语从句都是比较简单。We know the fact that bodies possess weight.我们都知道物体具有重量这一事实。The rumor that he was arrested was unfounded.关于他被捕的传闻是没有根据的。(三)增加即(或者以为)这样的词来连接,或用冒号、破折号直接分开主句和同位语从句。But this does not in any way alter the fact that they are now,from a practical point of view,irrational.但这却丝毫改变不了这样一个事实,即从实用的观点来看,他们今天仍是不合理的。We have reached the conclusion that practice is the criterion for testing truth.我们已经得出这样的结论:实践是检验真理的标准。Not long ago,the scientists made an exciting discovery that this waste material could be turned into plastics.不久前,科学家们获得一个令人振奋的发现可以把这种废物变成塑料。被动语态的翻译 英汉两种语言都有被动语态,但由于表达习惯上的差异,英语往往习惯用被动语态来表达,而汉语则和主动语态来表达。如:That young man cannot be relied upon.译成汉语就应该是那位年轻人不可信赖或者我们不能信任那位年轻人。如果将此句译成汉语的被动句那位年轻人不可以被信赖,译文就会显得很别扭,不符合汉语的表达习惯。由此可见,翻译时经常进行语态的转换是十分必要的。英语中被动语态的使用十分广泛,尤其在考研翻译中,这种现象更为多见。相比之下,汉语被动语态使用的范围要小得多。因此,在英译汉时,大量被动语态的句子需要通过种种方法加以处理,以保证译文通顺流畅地表达原意。英语被动语态的汉译一般有以下几种方法。一、译成汉语主动句 将英语被动语态译成汉语主动语态的方法一般包括以下几种:(一)保存原文主语 当英语被动句中的主语为无生命的名词,而且句中不出现由by 引导的行为主体时,翻译时往往将原句中的主语仍然译成主语。6 thThe meeting is scheduled for April 6.会议定于四月六日举行。Water can be changed from a liquid into a solid.水能从液体变成固体。When rust is formed,a chemical change has taken place.当锈形成的时候,就发生了化学变化。(二)主宾颠倒 英语中很多被动句子在表示行为主体的词前都加上 by,翻译时可将这类 by 结构中的宾语译成主语,而将 原来的主语译成宾语。She was given a new pen by her father.她爸爸送给她一支新钢笔。Heat and light can be given off by this chemical change.这种化学反应能放出热和光。Only a small portion of solar energy is now being used by us.现在我们只能利用一小部分太阳能。有时英语被动句中并未出现 by 结构,而只是代之以一个由介词短语构成的状语。这时仍可采用主宾颠倒的 译法,将介词短语中的名词或名词词组译成句子的主语。Communication satellites have already been used for living transmission in our country.我国已将通讯卫星用于实况转播。The numerical data concerned are provided in the next chapter.下一章提供了有关的数据资料。(三)增加主语 有些英语被动句并未在句中出现表示行为主体的词或词组,在翻译这类句子时,可适当增添一些不确定的主 语,如人们、有人、大家、我们等。The issue has not yet been thoroughly explored.人们对这一问题迄今尚未进行过彻底的探索。She was seen to enter the building about the time the crime was committed.有人看见她大致在案发时进入了那座建筑物。What we say here will not be long remembered,but what we do here can change the world.我们在这里所讲的话,人们不会长久记住。然而我们在这儿所做的事,却能改变世界。二、译成汉语无主句 英语中有些被动句不需要或无法说出行为的主体,因此,翻译时往往译成汉语的无主句。这时,原句中的主 语一般译成宾语。Measures have been taken to prevent the epidemic from spreading quickly.已经采取了措施来防止这种流行病迅速蔓延。Water can be shown as containing impurities.可以证明,水含有杂质。The unpleasant noise must be immediately put an end.必须全部停止这种讨厌的噪声。三、译成汉语判断句 有些英语被动句并不突出强调被动动作,而着重对事物的状态、过程和性质等加以描述,其作用与系表结构 类似。因此,翻译这种英语被动句,经常采用是.的判断句式。The decision to attack was not taken lightly.进攻的决定 不是轻易作出的。Printing was introduced into Europe from China.印刷术是从中国传入欧洲的。The manuscript was sent to the printer in London a few weeks before the French revolution.手稿是在法国革命前几周寄往伦敦付印的。The credit system in America was first adopted by Harvard University in 1872.美国的学分制是 1872 年在哈佛大学首先实施的。四、译成汉语被动句 7 有些英语被动句着重被动的动作,因此,翻译时仍然可以翻译成汉语的被动句,以突出英语原文的被动意义。一般说来,被动句指的是具有被动形式标记的句子。虽然英语被动语态使用范围颇广,但其被动标记却很单一,主要是be+动词的过去分词及其变化形式。另一方面,汉语被动句式使用较少,但其被动标记要繁杂得多。汉语中表达被动意义的语言手段主要包括使用被、受、遭、让、给、由、把、得到、受到、加以、得以、为.所、由.来等等。The minister was found to have appropriated government money.部长被发现挪用公款。He had been fired for refusing to obey orders from the head office.他因拒绝接受总公司的命令而被解雇了。The schoolboy was knocked down by a minibus when crossing the street.那名男生在穿过街道时让一辆小公共汽车撞倒了。He was praised by his teacher.他得到了老师的表扬。Problems should be resolved in good time.问题应及时加以解决。For a long period to come,most of Chinas elderly will continue to be provided for by their families.在未来较长的一段时间里,中国的老年人仍旧要由家庭来赡养。五、常用被动句型It+被动语态+that的翻译 在这种句型中,it 是形式主语,that 引导出的是主语从句。汉语译文习惯上采用主动语态,有时还需要增译出泛指性的主语我们、人们、大家、有人等等,有时也可译成无主语的汉语句子,并酌情加上汉语介词根据或据。It is considered that bioclimatology is an involved subject.有人认为,生物气候学是一门复杂的学科。It is stressed that the field of science may be divided into two major areas:natural science and social science.有人强调说,科学的范畴可以分成两个主要领域:自然科学和社会科学。It should be pointed out that this process is oxidation.应该指出,这一过程就是氧化。下面是一些常用被动句型的习惯译法:It is hoped that.希望,有人希望 It is assumed that.假设,假定 It is claimed that.据说,有人主张 It is believed that.有人想信,大家相信 It is reported that.据报道,据通报 It is considered that.人们认为,据估计 It is said that.据说,有人说 It is supposed that.据推测,人们猜测 It has been announced that.已经宣布 It is asserted that.有人主张 It