Reflections on Redundant Expressions in "Chinglish"

Meribah

After reading the analysis of redundant nouns and verbs in "Chinglish," I was deeply inspired. The article not only reveals the common redundancy in "Chinglish" but also demonstrates through numerous examples how to enhance the clarity and precision of language by simplifying expressions. This process not only helps improve writing quality but also allows us to delve deeper into the nature and function of language.

I. The Ubiquity and Harm of Redundant Expressions

The article points out that many expressions in "Chinglish" contain unnecessary nouns and verbs. These redundant words not only complicate sentences but can also obscure their core meanings. For instance, "accelerate the pace of economic system reform" can be simplified to "accelerate economic system reform," and "we must take a series of measures to ensure" can be streamlined to "we must take measures to ensure." While such redundancy might be acceptable in Chinese, it appears cumbersome and illogical in English.

This phenomenon is not unique to "Chinglish" but is also prevalent in translations of other languages. For example, in French translation, we often encounter similar redundancy, such as "faire une étude" (conduct a study), which can be simplified to "étudier" (study). This redundancy not only makes sentences lengthy but can also confuse readers, making it difficult for them to grasp the main points.

II. The Importance of Simplifying Expressions

The article emphasizes that by simplifying expressions, we can more directly convey core meanings, making sentences clearer and more powerful. For example, "We must make a great effort in education" is more concise and clear than "We must make a great effort in the work of education." This simplification not only enhances the logic of language but also strengthens the persuasiveness of the expression.

This principle of simplification is equally applicable in other fields. In business writing, for instance, concise and clear expressions can help readers quickly understand key information, thereby improving communication efficiency. For example, when writing a business plan, avoiding lengthy background introductions and complex jargon and getting straight to the point can better attract investors' attention.

III. Cultural Differences and Language Expression

The article also notes that certain redundant expressions may be necessary in Chinese but appear superfluous in English. This reflects cultural differences between languages. For example, the word "situation" is commonly used in Chinese, but it is often unnecessary in English. This difference is not only evident at the lexical level but also in sentence structure and logic.

In cross-cultural communication, these cultural differences are particularly significant. For example, in international conferences, using clear and concise English expressions can help participants with different language backgrounds better understand the content. By avoiding redundancy and complexity, we can reduce misunderstandings and improve communication efficiency.

IV. Practice in Translation and Writing

The article provides numerous examples demonstrating how to identify and eliminate redundant expressions in translation and writing. These examples not only offer specific suggestions for revision but also help cultivate critical thinking skills. For instance, "We must pay great attention to the role of scientific research institutions" can be simplified to "We must highly value the importance of scientific research institutions." This simplification not only makes the sentence more concise but also highlights the core meaning.

In practical writing, we can apply these methods by repeatedly revising and polishing our texts to make them more concise. Similarly, in translation, we should remain vigilant and avoid directly translating redundant expressions from Chinese into English. In this way, we can not only improve translation quality but also enhance writing skills.

V. Conclusion and Outlook

Through reading this article, I have come to deeply understand the ubiquity and harm of redundant expressions in language. Simplifying expressions not only helps enhance the clarity and logic of language but also strengthens the persuasiveness of the expression. This principle of simplification is equally applicable in other fields, whether in business writing or cross-cultural communication, where concise and clear expressions can bring significant benefits.

In future studies and work, I will continue to pay attention to redundant expressions in language and strive to improve writing and translation quality by simplifying expressions. At the same time, I hope more people can recognize this issue and work together to promote the conciseness and efficiency of language.