Part4

抹茶圆子

Part 4

Chapter Summary

Chapter 4 delves into the issue of redundancy, a common pitfall in English writing by Chinese speakers. The author references authorities like Wilson Follett and Robert Graves to underscore the importance of avoiding repetitive expressions unless they serve a rhetorical purpose or are necessary for emphasis. The chapter categorizes redundancy into three types:

1. Simple Restatement: This involves using different words to convey the same idea. For example, "He is tall and of great height" is redundant because both phrases mean the same thing.
2. Self-Evident Statements: These occur when one part of a sentence implies the other. For instance, "He bought a ticket in order to enter the cinema" is redundant because buying a ticket inherently means to gain entry.
3. Mirror-image Statements: This type of redundancy repeats an idea from both positive and negative angles. An example is "We must be careful and not careless," which essentially conveys the same message twice.

The author suggests several strategies to address redundancy: deleting unnecessary words, replacing redundant phrases with more concise alternatives, and rephrasing sentences to highlight deeper meanings. The chapter emphasizes that while redundancy may be grammatically correct, it detracts from professionalism and reader engagement.

Evaluation

This chapter provides valuable insights for non-native English writers, particularly those from Chinese-speaking backgrounds. The categorization of redundancy into distinct types offers a clear framework for identifying and addressing the issue. The practical solutions proposed, such as deletion and rephrasing, are straightforward and effective. However, the chapter could benefit from more nuanced discussions on the rhetorical uses of repetition in different genres, such as poetry or speeches, where repetition can enhance meaning and impact. Additionally, the focus on formal texts limits the applicability to more creative forms of writing.

Personal Reflection

Reading this chapter has made me more aware of the redundancy in my own writing and translations. In Chinese, it is common to use parallel structures and repetitive phrases for emphasis, but this often leads to verbose English. I now understand the importance of critically evaluating each word and phrase to ensure they are necessary and contribute to the overall meaning.

In the context of translation, I have learned to balance fidelity to the original text with the need for concise and clear English. Sometimes, what appears to be redundancy in Chinese may actually carry subtle nuances that should be preserved. For instance, in legal documents, certain repetitive phrases may be necessary to cover all possible scenarios. The key is to discern when repetition adds value and when it is merely superfluous.