Book Note 4 on《中式英语之鉴》

悦悦悦

Book Note 4 on《中式英语之鉴》:
Reader: 赵悦
Reading Time: 2天
Reading Task: Chapter 7-8
Summary of the Content:
Chapter 7: The Noun Plague
This chapter focuses on the overuse of nouns in Chinese - English translation, which is a common characteristic of Chinglish. The author points out that Chinese often has a preference for nominalization, and when translated literally, it results in sentences filled with too many nouns, making the text heavy and difficult to read. For example, constructions like “make an improvement” are more roundabout compared to the more straightforward “improve”. The author also explains how nominalizations can create a distance between the actor and the action, obscuring the clarity of the message. Moreover, many Chinese - originated noun phrases lack a clear verb to drive the meaning, and the solution lies in converting nouns back to their verb forms or using more dynamic verbs in translation.
Chapter 8: Pronouns and Antecedents
Chapter 8 delves into the issues related to pronouns and their antecedents in Chinglish. One of the main problems is the inconsistent or unclear use of pronouns. In Chinese, the context often allows for more flexibility in pronoun usage, but in English, a pronoun must have a clear and unambiguous antecedent. For instance, the overuse of “it” without a proper reference is a common mistake. The chapter also discusses the use of possessive pronouns and how Chinese speakers sometimes omit them when they are required in English. Additionally, problems with relative pronouns, such as incorrect selection of “which”, “that”, or “who”, are analyzed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the grammatical and semantic rules governing their use in English.
Evaluation:
Clarity and Practicality:
The explanations in both chapters are extremely clear. The author uses numerous examples, both from Chinese - English translations and native English expressions, to illustrate the points. This makes it easy for learners to understand the concepts and identify the Chinglish mistakes in their own writing. For example, in the “Noun Plague” chapter, the side - by - side comparison of Chinglish and correct English sentences shows vividly how nominalizations can be improved.
Systematic Analysis:
The analysis of both noun overuse and pronoun - antecedent problems is systematic. In the chapter on pronouns, the author covers different types of pronouns (personal, possessive, relative) and their associated errors, providing a comprehensive view of the topic. This systematic approach helps learners to build a solid understanding of the grammar issues related to Chinglish.
Cultural Insights:
By highlighting the differences between Chinese and English in terms of noun usage and pronoun - antecedent relationships, the book offers valuable cultural insights. It helps Chinese learners of English understand that language is not just about grammar rules but also reflects cultural ways of thinking. For example, the Chinese preference for nominalization may be related to a more abstract and implicit way of expression.
Reflection:
After reading these two chapters, I have become more aware of my own writing habits. I realize that I often fall into the trap of using too many nouns in my English writing, influenced by Chinese. For example, I used to write “conduct a discussion” instead of “discuss”. Now, I will be more conscious of simplifying my sentences by using verbs directly.
Regarding pronouns, I have always been a bit confused about when to use “which” and “that” correctly. The chapter has provided me with clear rules and examples, which I will apply in my future writing. I also understand that I need to be more careful about making sure that every pronoun has a clear antecedent, as this is crucial for the clarity of my English writing. Overall, these chapters have given me practical tools to improve the quality of my English writing and avoid common Chinglish mistakes.