中式英语之鉴Part Two(4)

人生不过三万天

Content: 1. Parallel structure: The expression of matching ideas in matching form
2.Difficulties in using parallel structure: i. Elements linked by coordinating conjunctions ii. Elements linked by correlative conjunctions iii. Items in a list or a series of headings iv. Elements linked in comparisons
3.Further refinements
4.Misleading parallel structure: When parallel structure is i,posed on elements that are not logically parallel, the result is always startling.

Evaluation: Pinkham's analysis of parallel structure provides a clear and practical framework for improving coherence and readability in English translations. By emphasizing the principle of "matching ideas in matching form," the chapter effectively highlights how parallelism enhances logical flow and rhetorical impact. The categorization of common difficulties—coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, lists, and comparisons—offers translators specific areas to scrutinize when refining their work. The discussion of misleading parallelism is particularly valuable, as it warns against forcing parallel structure where ideas are not logically equivalent. However, the chapter could benefit from more examples demonstrating how to reconstruct Chinese sentences that inherently lack parallel structure into natural English equivalents. While the rules are theoretically sound, applying them to complex or lengthy sentences—especially those with embedded clauses—requires additional guidance.

Reflection: This chapter has sharpened my attention to parallel construction, particularly in lists and comparisons. For instance, I now routinely check whether items in a series follow the same grammatical form. The principle has proven especially useful in translating official documents, where inconsistent phrasing can undermine professionalism. I've encountered cases where strict adherence to parallelism risks distorting the original meaning. Chinese texts sometimes present ideas in asymmetrical ways for emphasis or stylistic variation. In such instances, I prioritize conveying the intended nuance over rigid parallel structure, though I ensure the final English remains grammatically sound. Moving forward, I aim to strike a balance—applying parallelism to enhance clarity while remaining flexible when the source text's rhetorical effect demands it. This chapter reinforces that translation is as much about logical structure as it is about linguistic accuracy.