中式英语之鉴Part One 读书笔记

Cristina

Reader：李海祎  Time：2h  Reading task：Part One
Summary of Content：
Part One of 中式英语之鉴 introduces the concept of "Chinglish" and its pervasive influence on English translation and writing. The author argues that Chinglish arises from the unconscious transfer of Chinese linguistic habits into English, often due to cultural differences, syntactic structures, and semantic conventions. Through numerous examples, the author highlights how Chinese speakers tend to impose their native language patterns onto English, leading to awkward or non-native expressions. For instance, phrases like "people walk on the pedestrian walkway" reflect a literal translation of Chinese syntax, whereas a more natural English expression would omit redundancy. The author emphasizes that mastering English requires not only vocabulary acquisition but also a shift in mindset to embrace English idiomaticity and cultural context.
Evaluation：
The author’s analysis in Part One is both insightful and practical. By dissecting common errors in translation and writing, the book provides readers with a clear understanding of how cultural and linguistic differences manifest in Chinglish. The examples are well-chosen and relatable, making abstract concepts accessible to learners of English. However, the critique of Chinglish could benefit from a more balanced perspective. While the author rightly points out its pitfalls, Chinglish can also serve as a stepping stone for learners, offering a transitional phase toward fluency. Additionally, the book’s focus on linguistic correction might overlook the creative potential of blending languages, a phenomenon increasingly common in global communication. Despite these limitations, the book remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to refine their English expression.
Reflection：
Reading Part One has deepened my awareness of the challenges in cross-linguistic communication. As a language learner, I often struggle with the tension between translating thoughts directly from my native language and adopting a more natural English voice. This book has taught me the importance of moving beyond literal equivalences and embracing the cultural and contextual nuances of English. It has also inspired me to reflect on my own writing habits, such as overusing prepositions or structuring sentences based on Chinese syntax. Moving forward, I aim to practice more actively by exposing myself to diverse English texts and consciously analyzing how native speakers convey ideas. Ultimately, this book reinforces the idea that true proficiency in a language requires not just technical accuracy but also a genuine appreciation for its idiomatic and cultural essence.