中式英语之鉴Part one( 4)

人生不过三万天

Content: 1. Saying the same thing twice: on idea should be expressed twice in the same passage.
2. Forms of repetition in chinglish: i. Simple restatement ii. Self-evident statement iii. Mirror-image statement
3. Dealing with repetition in translations: i. Find further (or different) meaning ii. Deleting the redundant words iii. Changing the wording iiii. Letting the repetition stand(for emphasis or other useful purposes)

Evaluation:
Chapter 4 in part one effectively categorizes repetition into three distinct forms - simple restatement, self-evident statements, and mirror-image expressions - offering translators a clear diagnostic framework. This classification is particularly useful as it helps distinguish between different types of redundancy that might otherwise be treated uniformly. The proposed solutions demonstrate practical wisdom, acknowledging that not all repetition should be automatically eliminated. The four-strategy approach (finding deeper meaning, deletion, rewording, or intentional retention) shows nuanced understanding of translation challenges. This balanced perspective is crucial, as it recognizes that some repetition serves legitimate rhetorical purposes in the source text. While it mentions emphasis as a valid reason, real-world cases from different genres (legal, literary, academic) would strengthen the practical application. Additionally, the analysis might explore how certain Chinese rhetorical traditions deliberately employ repetition for rhythmic or mnemonic purposes, which could inform translation decisions.

Reflection
I frequently encounter mirror-image statements in Chinese source texts, where concepts are presented in parallel structures (e.g., "We must work hard and strive diligently"). Previously, I might have preserved both phrases for fear of losing meaning, but now I'm more confident in condensing such expressions when appropriate. The most valuable lesson has been learning to distinguish between empty repetition and meaningful reinforcement. For instance, in translating marketing materials, I've found that some apparent redundancies actually contain subtle shifts in emphasis that warrant preservation. Pinkham's suggestion to "find further meaning" has proven particularly useful here - by probing deeper, I often discover that what initially appears repetitive actually conveys progression or intensification.Moving forward, I plan to apply these principles more systematically, using the three-category test to evaluate each case of potential repetition. I'll also be more intentional about documenting instances where preserving repetition proved justified, building my own reference set of exceptions to the general rule of concision. This chapter has reinforced that good translation requires not just linguistic skill but also critical judgment about when to deviate from standard advice.