ReadingTask3

Azi

Reader: 英语2301石希羽
Reading Time: 2025.3.18
Reading Task: Clichés, twenty more exercises
This section of "unnecessary modifiers" in Chinglish, categorizing them into five types:
Redundant modifiers (e.g., "new innovations" → "innovations").
Self-evident modifiers (e.g., "further reform" → "reform" when context implies progression).
Intensifiers (e.g., "thoroughly destroyed" → "destroyed" or replaced with stronger verbs).
Qualifiers (e.g., "fairly well" → omitted if understatement is unintended).
Clichés (e.g., "vigorous development" → "intensive development" to avoid repetition).
The text emphasizes that modifiers should be critically evaluated rather than automatically translated. Examples illustrate how overused adjectives/adverbs (e.g., "resolutely," "unswervingly") lose impact through repetition, becoming "deadening" to English readers. Solutions include omission, substitution with synonyms, or rephrasing entire clauses.
Analysis of Writing Style, Themes, and Ideas
Style:
Pragmatic and structured: Uses clear examples (e.g., government reports, political documents) to illustrate issues.
Authoritative yet accessible: Cites experts like Cheng Zhenqiu and provides actionable advice (e.g., using Roget’s Thesaurus).
Repetitive emphasis: Reinforces the dangers of clichés by repeating phrases like "deadening effect" and "overworked modifiers."
Themes:
Cultural contrast: Highlights differences between Chinese and English modifier usage (e.g., Chinese tolerance for redundancy vs. English preference for concision).
Loss of meaning through excess: Explores how overused words become "empty noises," akin to background sounds ignored by listeners.
Ideas:
Judgment over rules: Advocates case-by-case evaluation rather than rigid translation rules.
Context matters: Modifiers may be necessary in specific contexts (e.g., political sensitivity, intentional understatement).
Balance is key: Even strong words lose power if overused (e.g., "resolutely" limited to twice per page).
Inspiration and Real-World Applications
Personal Communication:
Avoid filler words: Replace "very," "fully," or "actually" with precise language (e.g., "significantly improved" instead of "very good").
Trim redundancy: Cut phrases like "advance planning" (planning is inherently about the future) or "end result" (results are always final).
Professional Writing:
Political/Corporate Documents: Replace clichéd calls to action (e.g., "energetically implement") with active verbs (e.g., "accelerate implementation").
Reports/Presentations: Use synonyms to vary tone (e.g., "demanding task" instead of "arduous task").
Social Commentary:
Media Literacy: Recognize how repeated political slogans (e.g., "unswervingly follow") desensitize audiences, mirroring the described "deadening effect."
Cultural Exchange: Encourages mutual understanding—Chinese speakers might overuse modifiers due to linguistic habits, not intent to bore.
Strengths of this part:
Practical advice with real-world examples.
Balances linguistic theory with actionable strategies.
Limitations of this part:
Overgeneralizes at times (e.g., assuming all "further" is redundant).
Fails to address cases where repetition serves rhetorical purposes (e.g., poetic effect).
        Unnecessary Modifiers
        ├─ Categories:
        │ ├─ Redundant (new innovations → innovations)
        │ ├─ Self-evident (further reform → reform)
        │ ├─ Intensifiers (thoroughly destroyed → destroyed)
        │ ├─ Qualifiers (fairly well → omitted)
        │ └─ Clichés (vigorous → intensive)
        ├─ Core Idea: Critically evaluate, don’t auto-translate
        ├─ Solutions: Omit, substitute, rephrase
        ├─ Themes: Cultural contrast, loss of meaning, judgment
        └─ Applications:
        ├─ Personal: Trim filler words
        ├─ Professional: Vary vocabulary in reports
        └─ Social: Analyze media/political rhetoric