《中式英语之鉴》Part 1 Chapter2

听雨

Reader:岳庆泽
Reading Time: 5~6 weeks
Reading Task: Part 1 Chapter 2
Summary of the content:
This chapter examines unnecessary descriptive words in writing.

1.Redundant modifiers.
First category involves obvious repetitions caused by misunderstanding word meanings. For instance, "valuable treasure" contains redundancy since all treasures are by definition valuable.

Next are unnecessary time indicators. English verb tenses already show time relationships. The sentence "I went to Changsha" clearly indicates past action without needing words like "previously."

Lastly, quantity words like "vast" often get overused. While Chinese frequently uses terms like "大量" to show quantity, English mainly uses plural forms (like adding -s) without extra modifiers.

2.Self-evidence modifiers
These repeat information already contained in the main word. "National economy" serves as an example - "economy" inherently refers to national-level systems, making "national" unnecessary. This mistake adds explanations for information already implied.

3. Intensifiers
Common in Chinese-to-English translations, these occur in two forms:

First, strengthening weak words: Writers sometimes use adverbs like "extremely" with basic verbs because they don't know stronger synonyms. This acts as compensation for limited vocabulary.

Second, over-emphasizing strong words: Like "serious chaos" - "chaos" itself conveys intensity. Adding "serious" actually weakens impact through exaggeration. Frequent use of such pairings reduces their effectiveness and creates predictable patterns.

4.Qualifiers
Context determines their appropriateness. Technical writing often uses words like "relatively" to show caution. However, in general use, phrases like "quite important" create doubt - if something's truly important, why use "quite"? This watering-down effect resembles giving weak praise.

5.Cliche
This category overlaps with previous types but focuses on worn-out phrases that lose impact through overuse. For example, "resolute" has become stale through frequent pairing with determination-related contexts. Writers should seek fresher alternatives like "determined" to maintain reader engagement.

Evaluation:  
1.Writing Approach:  
(1)Problem-Solving Focus: The chapter uses direct comparisons between wordy phrases ("before") and cleaner versions ("after"). This practical method lets readers see editing principles in action.  

(2)Voice: Straightforward but relatable. Playful examples (e.g., cutting "absolutely" from "absolutely perfect") reveal unnecessary wording through humor, teaching without lecturing.  

(3)Language Culture Gaps: Shows conflicts between Chinese communication habits (e.g., using modifiers for politeness) and English’s value of directness.  

2.Core Ideas:  
(1)Trim the Fat: Promotes concise expression, echoing writing guidelines like "Omit needless words" from Strunk & White’s *The Elements of Style*.  

(2)Confidence in Simplicity: Claims that removing filler words (e.g., "basically," "generally") makes arguments sound more authoritative by avoiding wishy-washy language.  

(3)Cross-Cultural Balancing Act: Encourages adapting Chinese thought patterns to fit English’s more compact sentence structures, rather than direct translation.  

3.Limitations:  
(1)One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Some "redundant" phrases like "carefully review" might be appropriate in formal contexts (e.g., legal contracts) to show thoroughness.  

Lost Nuance: Over-condensing language risks losing shades of meaning. For example, "mildly inconvenient" communicates a different reality than "inconvenient."

Reflection:
Chapter Two has brought me a lot of thinking and inspiration. In my future English learning and application, I will always pay attention to these issues, strive to overcome the expression habits of Chinglish, and pursue concise, accurate, and natural English expressions. This book provides me with valuable learning resources and also makes me realize that language learning is a continuous process of refinement and the pursuit of excellence.