中式英语之鉴chapter1

抹茶圆子

Reader：董佳宜
Reading Time:
A few hours spent reading Chapter 1.
Summary of the Content:
Chapter 1 discusses a frequent issue in English writing among Chinese learners: the overuse of unnecessary nouns and verbs. This stems from the structure of the Chinese language, where sentence formation relies heavily on nouns and verbs, which can result in wordiness and awkward phrasing when translated directly into English. The author, Pinkham, offers practical advice to avoid this issue, focusing on the importance of conciseness and clarity in English.
Key points include:
Simplification of phrases, such as replacing “make an investigation of” with “investigate” or “reach an agreement on” with “agree on.”
The removal of nominalizations (nouns formed from verbs) to make sentences more active and concise, e.g., changing “The implementation of the plan was successful” to “We implemented the plan successfully.”
The importance of thinking in English rather than translating directly from Chinese to ensure more natural and fluent writing.
Evaluation:
The writing style is practical and clear, providing concrete examples to illustrate each point. Pinkham’s insights are particularly useful for Chinese learners of English, as they address common pitfalls in translation and sentence structure. The chapter offers clear, actionable advice that not only improves the quality of writing but also enhances overall fluency.
The themes in the chapter emphasize the value of directness and simplicity in English, which can be a significant shift for those accustomed to the more formal and complex structures of Chinese writing.
Reflection:
This chapter is a valuable resource for anyone transitioning from Chinese to English writing. It highlights the importance of adapting to the nuances of English grammar and encourages writers to simplify their language to ensure clarity. The focus on thinking in English rather than relying on direct translations is particularly insightful, as it suggests a more intuitive approach to writing.
For me personally, this chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and directness in communication, whether in professional or casual settings. It also underscores how language structures influence thought and expression, prompting me to be more mindful of my own language choices when writing in English.