《中式英语之鉴》阅读笔记

十九

Part One: Unnecessary Words
3. Redundant Twin Words
This chapter highlights the problem of using two words with similar meanings side by side, a common practice in Chinese but often unnecessary in English. Examples include "help and assistance" or "practice economy and reduce expenditures," where one word suffices. Such redundancy can be eliminated by choosing one of the words or rephrasing the sentence for greater precision.
1. Synonymous Words
Pairs like "rough and bumpy" or "contacts and dealings" can be replaced by a single word.
2. Inclusive Relationships
When one word's meaning encompasses another (e.g., "best and thorough"), the more specific term should be used.
3. Vague Terms
Words that are too vague to stand on their own (e.g., "strengthening and building") should be replaced with more precise terminology.

4. Saying the Same Thing Twice
This chapter deals with the repetition of ideas within a short span of text. The author provides examples where the same idea is expressed in different words or where one part of a statement implies the other. For instance, "Arrive at the station on time to catch the train" is redundant because arriving on time inherently means catching the train.
1. Different Words, Same Idea:
Phrases like "practice economy and reduce expenditures" can be simplified to "practice economy."
2. Implied Meanings:
Statements such as "allow them to retain more of their profits and increase their financial capacity" can be shortened since retaining profits implies increased financial capacity.
3. Contradictory Redundancies:
Avoiding phrases that state the same idea positively and then negatively, such as "pay attention to it... and not neglect it."

5. Redundant Reference to the Same Thing
This chapter discusses the issue of redundantly referencing the same thing multiple times in a short span of text. If the same concept is mentioned repeatedly, it can be eliminated to improve conciseness. For instance, "the system of laws has been established and the situation in which there were no laws has changed" can be simplified to "the system of laws has been established."
1. Redundant References:
Phrases that restate the same concept in different words should be avoided.
2. Eliminating Redundancy:
By identifying and removing redundant references, the text becomes clearer and more concise.

Part Two: Sentence Structure

1. The Noun Plague
This chapter critiques the overuse of nominalizations in Chinglish, a phenomenon the authors term "The Noun Plague." Chinglish is a language based on vague, general, abstract nouns. It’s complicated, long-winded ponderous and obscure.
1. Abstract Noun Overload:
Chinese often replaces verbs with abstract nouns, while English prefers dynamic verbs for clarity and conciseness.
Example: The realization of mechanization and electrification of agriculture → The mechanization and electrification of agriculture.
2. Nominalized Verbs:
Using weak verb-noun pairs like “conduct an investigation” instead of strong and direct verbs like “investigate”.
Example: We should make an improvement in our work. → We should improve our work.
3. Redundant Noun Phrases:
Adding unnecessary nouns that English omits.
Example: Our troops used the method of slow advance. → Our troops advanced slowly.