《中式英语之鉴》Part Two读书笔记

Cristina

Reader：李海祎  Reading Time：4.7-4.11  Reading Task：Part Two：Sentence Structure
Summary of Content：
The section highlights how the fundamental differences between the two languages' grammatical systems lead to awkward and incorrect expressions in English. For instance, it points out that Chinese often omits subjects or verbs in sentences, which can result in incomplete or confusing English sentences when directly translated. The author provides numerous examples to illustrate how the rigid adherence to Chinese sentence patterns, such as the frequent use of passive voice in Chinese that doesn't always fit well in English contexts, can produce stilted and unnatural English. Additionally, the part discusses the improper use of conjunctions and the incorrect placement of modifiers, which are common issues for Chinese speakers when they try to construct English sentences based on their native language's syntax rules. Through these detailed analyses, the author aims to raise awareness of the challenges in sentence translation and offers guidance on how to avoid such errors.
Evaluation：
This part of the book is highly informative and practical for anyone involved in Chinese-English translation. The author's in-depth analysis of the sentence structure issues is well-researched and supported by a wide range of real-life examples, making the content both convincing and easy to understand. The clear identification of the differences between Chinese and English grammatical rules is particularly valuable, as it helps readers to pinpoint the root causes of many translation errors. The book not only criticizes the mistakes but also provides constructive suggestions on how to correct them, which is beneficial for improving translation skills. However, the content might be a bit dense and technical for readers who are not familiar with the basics of English grammar. A more detailed explanation of some grammatical concepts, along with more exercises for practice, would have made the material more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.
Reflection：
Reading this part has significantly enhanced my understanding of the complexities involved in Chinese-English translation, especially in terms of sentence structure. It has made me more aware of the potential traps that I might fall into when translating, such as unconsciously following Chinese sentence patterns that don't work in English. This awareness will definitely help me to be more cautious and thoughtful in my future translation work. It has also inspired me to pay more attention to the nuances of English grammar and syntax, as a good grasp of these is essential for producing accurate and natural translations. Moreover, it has highlighted the importance of not just focusing on individual words but also considering the overall coherence and fluency of sentences. I plan to review my past translations with a fresh perspective and practice applying the principles discussed in this book to improve my translation quality. I also realize that continuous learning and practice are crucial, as language is constantly evolving and there is always room for improvement in translation skills.