中式英语之鉴Part one(5)

人生不过三万天

Content: 1. Repeated References to the Same thing: in a given sentence or brief passage, there are two or more references to the same thing.
2.Repeated references that can be dispensed with: the repetition adds nothing to the meaning of the passage, only another form of redundancy and superfluous
3.Repeated references that need to be retained: sentences should have the same subject to make the result be coherent
4.Ways of shortening repeated references: i. The idea is based on a verb--the second reference may replaced with an expression like “do so” “do the same” “do likewise” “do this”  ii. Based on a noun: a. Eliminating the modifiers b. Replacing the expression with a summary noun c. Replacing the expression with a pronoun d. Replacing the expression with initials
5.Another reason for avoiding exact repetition: not only effect economies but also save another function as well

Evaluation: Pinkham's analysis of repeated references in The Translator's Guide to Chinglish offers a pragmatic approach to handling redundancy in translation. By distinguishing between dispensable and necessary repetitions, she provides translators with clear criteria for decision-making. The categorization of solutions—such as replacing verbs with "do so" or simplifying noun phrases—demonstrates a keen understanding of how English achieves concision without sacrificing clarity. One strength of this framework is its recognition that not all repetition should be eliminated. The emphasis on retaining coherence when the same subject must persist throughout a passage shows sensitivity to both grammatical and rhetorical needs. However, the chapter could benefit from more concrete examples illustrating when exact repetition is stylistically justified in English (e.g., for emphasis or rhythm). Additionally, while the techniques for shortening references are useful, they might occasionally risk oversimplifying nuanced source text content.

Reflection: Applying Pinkham's principles has refined my approach to handling repetition. Yet, I've also learned that some repetitions—especially in legal or technical texts—serve precision rather than redundancy. The suggestion to replace repeated nouns with pronouns or summary terms has been particularly valuable in streamlining translations. However, I've found that overuse of pronouns can sometimes create ambiguity, requiring careful judgment. Moving forward, I aim to balance concision with clarity, using Pinkham's strategies while remaining attentive to contexts where repetition enhances meaning or readability. This chapter reinforces that effective translation isn't just about cutting words—it's about optimizing communication.