中式英语之鉴3

加菲猫

The third chapter of “The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish” by Joan Pinkham and Jiang Yajun delves into the overuse of nouns in Chinese English (Chinglish), a habit that can significantly impede the clarity and natural flow of English sentences. This chapter was particularly eye-opening for me, as it highlighted a tendency in my own writing that I had not previously recognized.

The authors explain that in Chinese, it is common to use nouns to express actions or concepts that would typically be conveyed through verbs in English. This can lead to overly complex and awkward sentence structures in English. For example, the phrase “the realization of the modernization of our country” is a direct translation from Chinese but sounds unnatural in English. The more concise and natural expression would be “to modernize our country.”

One of the key takeaways from this chapter is the importance of verb-based expressions in English. Verbs are the powerhouse of English sentences, conveying action and vitality. By relying too heavily on nouns, we can inadvertently create passive and lifeless sentences. The authors encourage readers to transform noun-based expressions into verb-based ones to enhance the dynamism and readability of their writing.

The chapter is rich with examples, each carefully dissected to show how noun overuse can be corrected. This practical approach was incredibly helpful, as it allowed me to see the principles in action and understand how to apply them to my own writing.

Additionally, the chapter discusses the cultural and linguistic reasons behind this tendency in Chinglish. Understanding these underlying factors helped me grasp why this issue is so prevalent and why it requires conscious effort to overcome.

The exercises provided at the end of the chapter were invaluable for reinforcing the concepts learned. They challenged me to identify and correct noun overuse in various sentences, thereby solidifying my understanding and improving my skills.

In conclusion, Chapter 3 of “The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish” has had a profound impact on my approach to writing in English. It has taught me to be more mindful of my use of nouns and to strive for verb-based expressions that are more natural and dynamic. This chapter is an essential read for anyone looking to enhance their English writing skills and avoid the common pitfalls of Chinglish.