中式英语之鉴阅读笔记p1-62

Sixshot102

Reader:Zhou Yi
Reading Time：3days
Reading Task: Part 1: Unnecessary Words and Unnecessary Modifiers (Pages 1-62)
Summary of the Content:
In Part 1 of The Chinglish Correction, the author focuses on two common issues in Chinese-to-English translation:unnecessary words and unnecessary modifiers.
Unnecessary Words:
The author explains that many Chinese expressions include redundant words when translated directly into English. For example, phrases like "advance planning" or "repeat again" are redundant because "planning" already implies something done in advance, and "repeat" inherently means doing something again.
The book provides numerous examples of such redundancies, often stemming from literal translations of Chinese expressions. For instance, "to accelerate the pace of economic reform" can be simplified to "to accelerate economic reform" since "pace" is implied.

Unnecessary Modifiers:
The author highlights that Chinese often uses modifiers (adjectives or adverbs) for emphasis, but these can be excessive or redundant in English. For example, "completely eliminate" can be simplified to "eliminate" because "eliminate" already means to remove something entirely.
The book emphasizes that English tends to favor conciseness, and overusing modifiers can make sentences sound awkward or unnatural.
The section includes exercises where readers identify and correct unnecessary words and modifiers in sample sentences, helping them develop a more concise and natural English writing style.
Evaluation:
The writing style of this section is clear and practical, with a strong focus on examples and exercises. The author effectively contrasts Chinese and English linguistic habits, making it easier for Chinese learners to understand why certain translations sound unnatural. The examples are relatable, especially for Chinese students who often struggle with literal translations.
However, the section could benefit from more in-depth explanations of why these redundancies occur in Chinese but not in English. While the examples are helpful, a deeper analysis of cultural or linguistic differences would enhance the reader's understanding.
Reflection:
This section made me realize how deeply ingrained Chinese linguistic patterns are in my thinking. As a translation student, I often find myself translating word-for-word without considering the natural flow of English. This reading reminded me that translation is not just about converting words but also about adapting ideas to fit the target language's norms.
In a broader sense, this issue reflects the importance of cultural awareness in communication. Just as unnecessary words can make English sound awkward, cultural misunderstandings can lead to ineffective communication in real-life situations. This section inspired me to pay closer attention to the nuances of English and to practice writing more concisely.
I also thought about how this applies to social issues, such as cross-cultural communication in global business or diplomacy. Miscommunication due to linguistic or cultural differences can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. Learning to eliminate "unnecessary words" in language can be a metaphor for eliminating unnecessary barriers in communication.
Overall, this section was both eye-opening and practical, and I look forward to applying these principles in my future translations.