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英汉口译中的文化因素处理

时间:2022-03-29 理论教育 版权反馈
【摘要】:第十二单元 英汉口译中的文化因素处理第一部分 技能总述在英汉口译过程中,除了要传达英语语言所表述的表层意思之外,译员需要同时把英语语言所反映的英语文化的深层含义表现出来。口译员的跨文化意识决定其能否把握口译的尺度且不受文化差异的负面影响。在英汉口译过程中,口译员应当充分意识到两个民族中对同一个词汇具有不同引申含义的情况,避免产生误解。

第十二单元 英汉口译中的文化因素处理

第一部分 技能总述

在英汉口译过程中,除了要传达英语语言所表述的表层意思之外,译员需要同时把英语语言所反映的英语文化的深层含义表现出来。口译不仅是跨语言同时也是跨文化的交流活动。在跨文化的交流活动中,对于译者来说,最大的困难就是英汉两种文化的差异。在一种文化中一些不言而喻的东西,在另一种文化里却要费很大的力气加以解释。口译员的跨文化意识决定其能否把握口译的尺度且不受文化差异的负面影响。文化因素的考虑与否决定着口译的准确性及口译质量,而跨文化意识的有无或程度的强弱也是衡量一名优秀的口译者的重要的准绳。

英汉口译中的跨文化差异主要表现在以下几个方面:

一、英语习语

英语习语具有鲜明的文化个性和丰富的文化、历史信息,体现不同历史文化特点,是英语民族语言的精华。英语习语可包括成语、谚语、俗语、俚语、历史典故等。随着中西文化的交流,英语文化中的许多圣经故事、神话、典故、文学作品等形成的习语已被中国接受和欣赏,这些习语结构简单,意义深远,往往是不能单从字面意义去理解和翻译,在口译过程中,要求译员注意英汉之间的习语的异同,运用正确的口译技巧,在准确传达原习语的意义的同时,充分考虑到原文浓郁的民族风格。

二、英语民族的思维方式

英语民族擅长于用抽象概念表达具体的事物,注重抽象思维。句子常以主语和谓语为核心,统摄多个短语和从句,由主到次,形散而意合。总是先概括后分解、先表态后叙述、先总结后事例、先整体后细节,由果到因、由小到大等。众所周知,地名的叙述便为一例。

英语文化中最重要的思维方式是崇尚个人自由,它是一种以个人为基本单元,强调“人人生而平等”的文化。英语文化又被称为“我文化”、“个人价值至上文化”。在这种注重个人尊严的文化里,权力的重心更多地倾向个体。

在英语餐桌文化中,除了几次正式的祝酒外,大家喝酒随兴,不喜欢被劝酒或喝得太快太多。如果餐桌上出现不愉快气氛,译员可以向双方作一些必要的解释,化解不快,达到沟通的目的。

此外,译员还有责任提醒雇主尊重英语国家的特殊风俗,以避免不必要的误会。

三、英美的宗教传统

宗教文化是人类社会文化结晶的重要组成部分,它是表现一个民族的意识形态、精神依托的文化和社会现象。在英美,人们信奉基督教,有许多包含God、heaven、devil、church等词语的习语。只有充分意识到和理解宗教信仰的差异,才能准确地表达源语的语义。如:受基督教的影响,在英语中人们日常使用的语言文字中也有宗教的痕迹。如:He ran as if the Old Boy were after him.句子中的“Old Boy”本意为“老朋友”、“老兄”,在这里却指“魔王”、“魔鬼”。这句话的意思是:他跑得飞快,就像魔鬼在追赶似的。再如电影The Devil Wears Prada译名为:穿普拉达的女王/时尚女魔头。其中“Devil”一词本意为“魔王”、“魔鬼”,在这里指女王、魔头。

四、英语民族的价值观及审美观

不同的民族文化必然造就人们不同的价值观念,因此口译时必须顾及双方不同的价值观,才能被对方理解接受。不同民族的审美观念也存在较大的差异,口译的过程中如不注意,就会造成事与愿违的结果。就话题的选择来看,英语民族在交谈时忌讳涉及年龄、收入、婚姻、信仰等有关个人的话题。

文化有时与社会政治制度也是密切相关的。社会政治制度相同,有关文化之间的差异就比较少;社会制度不同,有关文化之间的差异就相对地多一些。在同一历史时期,在不同的文化里由于社会政治制度不同,人们对世界的认识、对客观事物所给予的特定的价值概念以及反映这些认识和价值概念的语言表达是不同的,许多表面上看起来是同义的词汇在不同的民族语言中有不同的价值概念,这种文化的差异反映在词汇里便会出现词汇褒贬含义冲突的现象。

不同的民族心理对不同的事物有着迥异的价值取向。对于动物所引起的词义联想及文化内涵是十分明显的。“龙”在英汉两种文化中意义完全不同。在英语文化中,“dragon”是一种凶残的怪物,是“邪恶,不幸”的象征。与龙有关的词语都带有贬义色彩。如:the old dragon译为“魔鬼”,dragon’s teeth译为“相互斗争的根源”,英语俚语dragon lady译为“女强人,强势女人”等。

在英汉口译过程中,口译员应当充分意识到两个民族中对同一个词汇具有不同引申含义的情况,避免产生误解。

五、英语产生的地域环境

由于各民族所处地理位置、自然条件和生态环境等的不同,就形成了不同的地域文化。这不仅影响着各民族语言的表达方式,也直接影响着人们对同一事物不同的理解、语义联想和情感,而生活习惯上的种种差异也会在习语中体现出来,这就对翻译提出进一步的要求。英国是一个岛国,与海洋有关的谚语在英语中占有很大一部分。由于地理位置于中国的差异导致风向等自然现象在英汉两个民族中产生的联想也不尽相同,“西风”在英国文化中是春天的风,在中国文化中则不同。

总之,在口译过程中要克服英语和汉语之间的差异,口译员不仅要了解两种语言不同的表现形式,而且不可不了解在不同语言背后的文化差异所构成的障碍。我们应充分重视语言中的文化因素,注意文化之间的类同与差异。只有通过对语言、文化的广泛而深入、系统而具体的对比,才能认识和正确处理英汉两种语言中的文化差异,将两种语言所表达的思想内容、感情、风格等忠实而准确地重新表现出来。

第二部分 技巧解析

在英汉文化差异下的口译者就一定要准确的理解原文,决不可望文生义。在口译过程中译员可以采用的常用口译技巧有直译法、替代法、释译法、音译法、直译和意译结合法、转换、增补与删减法、四字对偶重复法等。译员要根据实际情况,运用各种翻译技巧对原文进行灵活的处理,最大限度地传递文化信息。

一、直译法

以下面五个句子为例,我们看一下如何采用直译法进行口译:

例句1. God helps those who help themselves. 这个英语习语具有明显的民族、宗教传统色彩。在不违背译文语言规范以及不引起错误联想的条件下,口译时宜采用直译法表达,保留其原文习语的民族宗教色彩,可译为“上帝帮助那些自己帮助自己的人”或“自助者天助之”。这样做既能较完整地保存原文的表达方式和原文的神韵,且又可丰富我们自己的语言文化。

例句2. Money is the root of all evil. 这个英语习语的字面意义、形象意义与汉语相同,隐含意义也相同,喻义清新、形象逼真,按其字面直译其意,就能表达出原文的喻义来,也就是说习语所表达的实际意义相同,可以直译为“金钱是万恶之源”。直译法主要用于翻译那些联想意义比较明显而容易推断的语句。

例句3. The financial scene looks erratic—easy come,easy go. 这个句子中的英语习语的字面意义、形象意义与汉语相同,隐含意义也相同,也就是说习语所表达的实际意义相同,可以直译为:“看来金融界行情涨落不定,易得易失”。

例句4. Hitler was armed to the teeth when he launched the Second World War,but in a few years he was completely defeated. 这个句子中的英语习语的比喻、形象可能对汉语听者比较生疏,但由于它在一定的上下文中具有明显的民族、地方历史等色彩,宜采用保留原文习语表达方式的直译法。直译成“希特勒在发动第二次世界大战时武装到了牙齿,但是不过几年就被彻底击败了”。

例句5. For them the prime need is not “more flowers on the brocade” but “fuel in snowy weather”. 这个习语在内容和形式上英汉都相符合,双方不但有相同的意义和修辞色彩,并且有相同的或大体相同的形象比喻,也就是说当原文习语隐含意义很明显或很容易推断时,读者可以通过字面领悟它的含义,译者可采取直译法。“对于他们,第一步需要还不是‘锦上添花’,而是‘雪中送炭’”。听者只要用心体会一下,就会明白其隐含意义,不但保留了原文的形象,而且增加了趣味。

二、替代法

以下面句子为例,我们看一下如何采用替代法进行口译:

例句6. Two is company,(but) three is none. 这个习语不能按照字面直译。英语习语和汉语习语在内容和形式上都相符合,双方不但有相同的意义和修辞色彩,并且有相同的或相似的形象比喻。在翻译时,我们不妨直截了当地采用英汉习语的替代。应采用替代法进行口译为:“两个结伴,三人相争。”译文尽管会失落英语中的一部分民族文化色彩,但是由于译文更贴近汉语文化,更容易被汉语听者接受,因而也更便于汉语听者深刻领悟原文的思想内涵,使他们不至于因为不了解原语文化而产生茫然之感。使得汉语译文听起来比较生动而地道,和英语在效果上达到最大限度的等值。

同样道理Among the blind the one-eyed man is king. 这个习语不能按照字面直译。应采用替代法进行口译为:“山中无老虎,猴子称大王”再如:Pride goeth before a fall.采用替代法进行口译为“骄兵必败”。A miss is as good as a mile. 采用替代法进行口译为“小错大错都是错。”Walls have ears. 采用替代法进行口译为“隔墙有耳。”Enough is as good as a feast. 采用替代法进行口译为“知足常乐。”这些英语谚语和汉语成语、俗语在表现形式和含义方面是一致的或基本一致的。汉译这些英语时,可用与其喻义相同或相近的成语或谚语及俗语替代。这样不但可以比较好地保持原文的神韵和形式,又使译文易于为读者或听者接受。

三、释译法

例句7. Without Ceres and Bacchus,Venus grows cold. 这是一个来自罗马和希腊神话的谚语。这条谚语中的克瑞斯(Ceres)是罗马神话中的谷物女神,而巴库斯(Bacchus)是希腊神话中的酒神,维纳斯(Venus)则是罗马神话中的爱神。这条谚语的表面意思是没有克瑞斯和巴库斯作伴,维纳斯会感到冷清。直译可能无法准确传递原语的文化内涵,而且在汉语中找不到合适的同义语替代,或者同义语的替代容易将汉语文化色彩强加入英语文化中去。因此,采用释译法处理此谚语更为合适。释译技巧是指不保留原文的形式和修辞,而只传递原文意思的翻译法,对于这类具有独特原语文化特征的语句,如遇到发言人是专家而听众是非专业人士的情况时,可以适当对一些专业词汇进行解释,以帮助听众更好的接受信息。此句似可译为:“没有温饱,就难有甜蜜的爱情。”

四、音译法

例句8. The Beatles was very popular in Britain in the 1960s. 音译适用于专有名词(人名、地名等)和一些特殊的文化现象。音译中,汉字已经不表意,只表音。Beatles 音译成汉语“披头士”,由这个词我们中国人便可联想到此乐队乐手的形象、风貌。此句译为:“披头士是一支1960年代在英国影响很大的吉他乐队。”再如:disco迪斯科;OPEC欧佩克;TOEFL托福;Yuppies雅皮士等。

五、转换、增补与删减法

例句9. He is a good public speaker. 要使此句译文符合汉语习惯,协助发言人更好地传达其说话意图,并帮助听众更好地理解信息。译员可以把英语中的名词短语“a good public speaker”在汉语中常常转换为动词。此句可译为:“他很擅长演讲。”由于英语和汉语存在差异,在双语转换中,有时为了求得源语与译入语的表达在概念上的一致,译者常常需要在语言形式上作适当的变通。这既利于突出译文中语言的合理性和规范性,也便于听者认同和接受源语文化。转换技巧包含词性和句型的转换等。

例句10. It was the best of times,it was the worst of times,it was the age of wisdom,it was the age of foolishness,it was the epoch of belief,it was the epoch of incredulity. 此句用增补法译成:“这是一个隆盛之世,但也是一个衰微之世;这是一个智慧的时代,但也是一个愚蠢的时代;这是一个有信仰的新纪元,但也是一个充满怀疑的新纪元。”译文中添加了三个“但也是”,成功地反映了英文所描述的种种对比和矛盾,如不作这样的增补,则无法连接上下文,亦无从再现英语风格。

例句11. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. 此句运用删减法译成:下面街上有个小贩在叫卖。译文中略去“他的货物”几个字,不但无损原文的语义,而且更生动的再现了英语中的情形。

例句12. In the evening,after the banquets,the concerts and table tennis exhibitions,he would work on the drafting of the final communiqué. 根据意义上的需要,可以用增补法在名词前增加动词。如果把例句中的after the banquets,the concerts and table tennis exhibition译为“在宴会、音乐会乒乓球表演之后”,意思似乎不够明确。如果在词之前增加原文中虽无其词而有其意的动词,译为“在参加宴会、出席音乐会、观看乒乓球表演之后”,形成三个动宾词组,那就意思明确,读起来也较通顺自然,符合汉语习惯。此句可译为:“晚上在参加宴会、出席音乐会、观看乒乓球表演之后,他将起草最后的公报。”

例句13. They had ground him beneath their heel,they had taken the best of him,they had murdered his father,they had broken and wrecked his wife,they had crushed his whole family. 根据汉语习惯,前句出现一个主语,后句如仍为同一主语,就不必重复出现。英语中通常都有主语,因此人称代词做主语往往多次出现,这种人称代词汉译时常常可以省略。此句可译为:“他们把他踩在脚底下,压得粉碎,他们榨干了他的精髓,(……)害死了他的父亲,(……)摧残了他的妻子,(……)毁了他的全家。”省略了作主语的人称代词“他们”。

例句14. So the train came,he pinched his little sister lovingly,and put his great arms about his mother’s neck and then was away. 英语中的物主代词,汉译时往往可以省略,此句可译为:“于是火车来了,他爱抚地捏了一下(……)小妹妹,用(……)两条巨大的胳膊楼了一下(……)母亲的脖子,然后就走了。”英译汉时,有些起语法功能的词常常可以不译,这些词包括:1)作形式主语或形式宾语的it;2)某些物主代词;3)强调句型中的it和表示时间或表示地点的非人称it;4)不影响主句与从句逻辑关系的连接词。

由此可见,要做好传译,译者必须时时牢记信息增删的目的,并以之为准绳,认真对照两种语言,发挥主观能动性,该增则增,该减则减。同时,还要协调好信息增补与删减之间的关系,掌握好“度”的问题,决不能无中生有或随意舍弃。

六、四字对偶重复法

例句15. But there had been too much publicity about my case.

汉语中有大量四字词组,这是汉语的一大特点。四字词组比较精炼,念起来顺口,有节奏感,如运用恰当,可使文字生动活泼,增强修辞效果,为了使译文符合忠实,通顺的标准,译者有时可酌情运用两个同义或近义的四字词组,使译文更具汉语的语言特色。此句可译为:“但我的事现在已经搞的满城风雨,人人皆知了。”

汉语中有不少四字对偶词组,在这个四字中前后两对字形成对偶,往往具有相同或类似的含义,所以也是一种重复。英译汉时我们可酌情采用此类对偶四字词组,使译文显得生动活泼。例如:great contributions 丰功伟绩;gratitude 感恩戴德;ingratitude 忘恩负义;prosperity 繁荣昌盛;eternal glory to 永垂不朽;vivid 生动活泼;hesitate 彷徨犹豫;arrogant 骄傲自大;colorful多姿多彩等。

七、直译和意译结合法

有时在单纯的直译或意译都不能确切、有效地表达原语的含义。这时可采用直译、意译相结合的方法进行翻译,以弥补直译难达意,意译难传神的不足。在直译后再加上原语的真实含义,“以期收到画龙点睛的效果”。(曾自立,1983)

例句16. A cat may look at a king. 此句采用直译和意译结合法,译为:猫也有权看国王,老百姓也该有点权利。这样就弥补了直译难达意,意译难传神的不足。

例句17. Wash one’s hands of. 此习语属“貌合神离”,其实际意义相差甚远,不能互译。如一看到它,我们总会想到汉语中的“洗手不干”、“金盆洗手”,以为两者的意义一致。实际上它们从意义到用法上都有相当大的距离。此英文是“不管,不再负责”的意思,而汉语中的“洗手不干”原指盗贼改邪归正,现在可以指不再干某职业或某事。

例句18. Yellow boy,中国人常用“黄色”表示低级趣味、庸俗、猥亵等,但我们不能看到“Yellow boy”,就译成“下流男孩”,因为这个短语在英语中指的是“金币”。在西方黄色没有和汉语同样的引申含义。

第三部分 课文详解

词汇拓展

team spirit 团队精神

partnership 伙伴关系

private sector 和营部门,民间部门

the Chinese-American community 美国华裔社区

the Riverside Scroll 《清明上河图

sweeping panorama 全景画卷

magic of technology 技术的魔力

a vivid symbol 生机勃勃的形象

the glory of the past 历史的辉煌

the dynamism of the present 现代的活力

the promise of the future 未来的希望

Hillary Clinton Speaks at USA Pavilion of Shanghai Expo

Establishing an American presence at this Expo worthy of our great country was quite a journey. There is a poem from the Southern Song Dynasty that reads,“After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out,suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow,bright flowers and a lovely village.” Well,I am very pleased that we have finally arrived at our lovely village.

This was a real team effort,a partnership that brought together our government,the private sector,the Chinese-American community,and so many friends and supporters. So let me offer a few thank-yous.

To Ambassador Jon Huntsman and Consul General Bea Camp,and all the men and women of the U.S. Mission in China,we thank you.

To Ken Jarett and the board,staff,and volunteers of the USA Pavilion,including our student ambassadors who represent not just the welcoming spirit of our Pavilion,but the openness of our country. And to Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley and her deputy,Kris Balderston,and our corporate partners—your generosity and commitment has made all of this possible. And I am very grateful to each and every one of you.

And finally,I want to express our deep appreciation to our Chinese hosts. It is a great honor to have with us Ambassador Zhang,Vice Foreign Minister Cui,Vice Finance Minister Li,and Vice Mayor Tang here with us this evening. Earlier today I had the privilege of visiting the China Pavilion,with its sweeping panorama of a great nation. The ancient Riverside scroll,which depicts another period of dramatic change and development,has been transformed through the magic of technology into a vivid symbol of the new China. This entire Expo,the largest in history,is a testament to the hospitality and energy of the Chinese people. And all around us we see that the glory of the past is matched by the dynamism of the present and the promise of the future.

The shape of that future depends,to a significant degree,on the evolving relationship between the United States and China. If our relations are defined by win-win solutions rather than zero-sum rivalries,we will thrive and prosper together. Now,we may not always agree on every issue,but we should seek and seize opportunities such as this Expo to build greater understanding between our peoples.

This USA Pavilion embodies many of the qualities that make my country a vibrant and prosperous nation:innovation,sustainability,diversity,the free exchange of ideas. And it is a model of environmental responsibility. And I am proud to announce that the Pavilion will be carbon neutral for the entire duration of the Expo.

7.0 000 people have already visited this pavilion. And one of the most moving displays is the tribute to the millions of Chinese Americans who have contributed so much to the cultural and economic development of the United States. From Yo-Yo Ma to I.M. Pei to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Energy Secretary Chu,Chinese-Americans have achieved great success in business,government,the arts,sciences and sports. And,to that end,I was pleased to hear that the Buffalo Bills have recently drafted the first Chinese-American to play in the NFL.

But we also celebrate those Chinese-Americans whose names are not well known to us. And thousands have sent photographs and testimonials documenting the Chinese experience in the United States. And it represents a true pageant of American life.

I.M. Pei,the great architect who built the John F. Kennedy library in Boston,along with many other notable buildings,said that he hoped people who went to the Kennedy Library experienced “revived hope and promise for the future.” And I believe all of us can see that hope and promise here,in Shanghai.

And we have already been entertained by some of the young people who represent the future. I want to thank the Shanghai Music Conservatory string quartet that played for us during the reception. We are going to be hearing from the Parker Ossel Folish (ph) Trio,who will be playing during dinner. These are three young Americans who make their home here,in Shanghai. And then,after dinner,we will be entertained by an extraordinary group of young talent from California State University Northridge and Shanghai Normal University,who have joined forces to present a singing tribute called “Meet Me at the Expo.”

Thank you again to everyone who helped to make this evening and this pavilion possible. You have enabled me to sleep through the night once again. Thank you all very much.

解析:

1. Establishing an American presence at this Expo worthy of our great country was quite a journey. 口译为:“这一届世界博览会建立美国展区,为了展现我们伟大国家的风采,走过了一段很不容易的路程。”句中的worthy of our great country用增词法表目的译文增加连接词为了,动词展现,使句子符合汉语习惯;用转换法名词短语quite a journey转换为动词短语:走过了一段很不容易的路程,简单句拆分成符合汉语表意习惯的多个分句。

2. There is a poem from the Southern Song Dynasty that reads,“After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out,suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow,bright flowers and a lovely village.” 2010年5月22日,美国国务卿希拉里· 克林顿(Hillary Rodham Clinton)在上海世博会美国馆招待会上发表讲话,引用了中国的诗句。

译员口译为:南宋时期的一首诗写道:“山重水复疑无路,柳暗花明又一村。”现在我们最终来到我们可爱的村庄,我感到非常高兴。

从形式上来说,这是一个英译汉的例子,但是希拉里英文中英语的诗歌是中国南宋时期陆游的诗歌,因此在内容上是先做了汉语诗歌英译的处理的。此处希拉里将“山重水复疑无路,柳暗花明又一村”表达为 “After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out,suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow,bright flowers and a lovely village.”

该译文与杨宪益、戴乃迭夫妇的译文“Where hills bend,streams wind and the pathway seems to end,past dark willows and flowers in bloom lies another village”有异曲同工之妙,可以说口译与笔译的完美对照。可以看出,希拉里译文考虑到口译的语境,使用了释译法更加容易被目标观众接受。现代意义是用来比喻人在遇到困境时会生出许多希望。采用释译法目的是传达诗句所要表达的喻义。这里“山重水复”可以简单说成endless mountains and rivers,而“疑无路”这三个字可以说是比较难翻译的一个地方,上文的译本中作了一个主语的转换,将“怀疑”的主语人省去了,用leave doubt that这个词组来表示,就使得译文简化了很多,不然一定要添译进去一个“人”的主体,译文很可能就比较冗长:After trudging through endless mountains and rivers,one might begin to doubt whether there is a path out。同样,“柳暗花明又一村”这一句也简化成了三个意象:willow,flower,village.

3. This was a real team effort,a partnership that brought together our government... 采用增词法,增加动词体现,汇聚,译为“这项工作真正体现了团队精神,体现了伙伴关系,汇聚了我们的政府……”符合汉语表意习惯。

4. 名字称谓的各种译法:To Ambassador Jon Huntsman and Consul General Bea Camp, 译为“驻华大使洪博培和总领事康碧翠……”名字称谓的译法:康碧翠既符合汉语名字姓在前,名在后的习惯,又有英语音译的特点。而洪博培的名字更是偏重汉语习惯和寓意。To Ken Jarrett ... to Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley and her deputy,Kris Balderston……感谢肯·贾勒特……感谢伊丽莎白·巴格利大使和她的副手克里斯·鲍尔德斯滕。这里三个名字用了音译法。And finally,I want to express our deep appreciation to our Chinese hosts. It is a great honor to have with us Ambassador Zhang,Vice Foreign Minister Cui,Vice Finance Minister Li,and Vice Mayor Tang here with us this evening.最后,我希望对我们的中国东道主表示诚挚的谢忱。张大使、崔副外长、李副部长和唐副市长今晚也在座,我们感到非常荣幸。这里用了符合汉语的姓后跟职务的称呼习惯。From Yo-Yo Ma to I.M. Pei to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Energy Secretary Chu,Chinese-Americans have achieved great success in business,government,the arts,sciences and sports. And,to that end,I was pleased to hear that the Buffalo Bills have recently drafted the first Chinese-American to play in the NFL.参考译文:“从马友友到贝聿铭,从商务部长骆家辉到能源部长朱棣文,美国华裔在工商业、政府、艺术、科技和体育等领域都取得了极大的成功。说到这里,我很高兴地获悉,布法罗·比尔队最近吸收了第一位美国华裔参加美国橄榄球大联盟的赛事。”I.M. Pei贝聿铭(Ieoh Ming Pei)音译法。专有名词采用音译法汉语习惯是姓在前,名在后的顺序音译为贝聿铭,美籍华人建筑师,1983年普利兹克奖得主,被誉为“现代建筑的最后大师”。Yo-Yo Ma专有名词采用音译法汉语习惯是姓在前,名在后的顺序音译为马友友。大提琴演奏家,为法国出生的华裔美国人,曾获得多项格莱美奖。NFL国家美式橄榄球大联盟是National Football League,简称NFL。译为全称“美国橄榄球大联盟”,缩略语第一次出现时应该译其全称,尤其在非专业场合时要考虑到听众未必熟知这个组织。美国橄榄球大联盟是美国一个庞大的橄榄球组织。联盟总共有32支队伍,分为两大联合会:美国橄榄球联合会(American Football Conference,简称AFC,美联)和全国橄榄球联合会(National Football Conference,简称NFC,国联)。每个联合会有16支队伍,又分成四个分赛区:东部、南部、西部和北部。每个分赛区有四支队伍。

5. We are going to be hearing from the Parker Ossel Folish (ph) Trio,who will be playing during dinner. 句中的the Parker Ossel Folish (ph) Trio,是音译和意译的混合法的应用译为:帕克·奥塞尔·弗里施三人乐队。the Parker Ossel Folish为专有名词采用音译法译为帕克·奥塞尔·弗里施,Trio如果不予解释会使听者不知所云,加以解释是必要的译为三人乐队,既交代了人数,又指明了其职业。

6. But we should seek and seize opportunities such as this Expo to build greater understanding between our peoples. 增词重复法,重复译opportunities起强调作用,译为“但是双方应该寻求机会,抓住机会,促进两国人民之间的理解。”

7. ...make my country a vibrant and prosperous nation...:四字重复法译为:使美国生机勃勃、繁荣昌盛的诸多特性。符合汉语习惯,容易让听众接受。

8. Meet Me at the Expo. 四字重复法译为“相约世博”,符合汉语四字表达的习惯。容易被译语文化听众所接受。

第四部分 技巧练习

一、运用直译法、意译法等口译技巧翻译下列词语或句子。

(一)翻译词语

1. Cool

2. Clone

3. To be on thin ice

4. To talk horse

5. To beard the lion in his den

6. To move heaven and earth

7. To save one’s face

8. Never offer to teach fish to swim

9. An eagle does not catch flies

10. Six of one and half a dozen of the other

(二)翻译句子。

1. Do not kick against the pricks.

2. Even Homer sometimes nods.

3. First catch your hare.

4. He who has a mind to beat the dog will easily find a stick.

5. If I have lose the ring,yet the fingers are still there.

6. The government’s policy has given a green light to the development of our economy.

7. Jacky walked at the head of the funeral procession and every now and then wiped his crocodile tears with a big handkerchief.

8. Advice and correction roll off him like water off a duck’s back.

9. John can be relied on; he eats no fish and plays the games.

10. It was Saturday afternoon,and the landlady was cleaning the stairs.

11. Because he used to lend money to people in distress,and would never take any interest for the money he lent.

12. It was Friday and soon they would go out and get drunk.

13. While we were operating the machine tools,we were very careful.

14. His superior grades at high school enabled him to enroll at the tuition-free College of the City of New York.

15. We find that in building socialism we have to overcome a combination of national poverty and a deeply ingrained belief that an individual can lift that burden from himself and his children by acquisition of personal wealth.

16. The streets were overrun by Hitler’s bullies.

17. The blow hurt not only his hands but his shoulder too.

18. He was thin and haggard and he looked miserable.

19. After his friends heard about her family difficulties,they offered him a helping hand.

20. Jack owed David a dollar,so he borrowed another from Joe to pay David back. He robbed Peter to pay Paul.

二、四字词语的译法

(一)用重复法把下列英语词或短语译成四字汉语。

1. grotesque

2. careless

3. in chaos

4. street gossip

5. rumors

6. the top guy

7. brilliant player

8. long history and extensive culture

9. add radiance and charm to each other

10. wide streets and narrow lanes

(二)用直译法、替代法、释译法等把下列习语译成四字汉语。

1. Love me,love my dog.

2. Equal pay for equal work.

3. Do well and have well.

4. Although the sun shine,leave not your cloak at home.

5. It is a poor mouse that has only one hole.

6. Dreams are lies.

7. A good beginning makes a good ending.

8. Time and tide wait for no man.

9. Strike while the iron is hot.

10. Put the cart before the horse.

11. Pride goes before a fall.

12. As you make your bed,so you must lie in it.

13. Each bird love to hear himself sing.

14. Business is business.

15. Blood will have blood.

16. A good medicine tastes bitter.

17. All rivers run into sea.

18. A faithful friend is hard to find.

19. A close mouth catches no flies.

20. Learn to walk before you run.

第五部分 练习段落拓展

1. There is a Chinese proverb,“Consider the past,and you shall know the future.” Surely,we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years. Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty. But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined—not when we consider the past. Indeed,because of our cooperation,both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure. We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests,and engage on the basis of mutual respect.

Source:2009年11月16日,首次访华的美国总统奥巴马在上海科技博物馆与数百名中国学生对话,在对话前,奥巴马发表了演讲。

2. Three decades ago,on a January day like this,another American President stood here and welcomed another Chinese leader for the historic normalization of relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. On that day,Deng Xiaoping spoke of the great possibilities of cooperation between our two nations. Looking back on that winter day in 1979,it is now clear. The previous 30 years had been a time of estrangement for our two countries. The 30 years since have been a time of growing exchanges and understanding. And with this visit we can lay the foundation for the next 30 years.

Source:2011年1月19日上午,美国总统奥巴马在白宫南草坪举行正式仪式,欢迎到美国进行国事访问的中华人民共和国国家主席胡锦涛。(节选)

3. At a time when some doubt the benefits of cooperation between the United States and China,this visit is also a chance to demonstrate a simple truth. We have an enormous stake in each other’s success. In an interconnected world,in a global economy,nations—including our own—will be more prosperous and more secure when we work together. The United States welcomes China’s rise as a strong,prosperous and successful member of the community of nations. Indeed,China’s success has brought with it economic benefits for our people as well as yours,and our cooperation on a range of issues has helped advance stability in the Asia Pacific and in the world. 4. We also know this:History shows that societies are more harmonious,nations are more successful,and the world is more just,when the rights and responsibilities of all nations and all people are upheld,including the universal rights of every human being.Mr. President,we can learn from our people. Chinese and American students and educators,business people,tourists,researchers and scientists,including Chinese Americans who are here today—they work together and make progress together every single day. They know that even as our nations compete in some areas,we can cooperate in so many others,in a spirit of mutual respect,for our mutual benefit.

第六部分 段落实战与演练

Passage 1

词汇补充

Confucius Institute 孔子学院 vibrant exchange 充满活力的变化

China has established dozens of Confucius institutes across the United States that offer Chinese language instruction and cultural programs to help Americans better understand China. We would like to see similar American language and culture centers on the campuses of Chinese universities. I understand that a proposal between an American university and a Chinese partner for an American study institute is now under review. And we hope the Chinese Government will support this proposal and others like it,paving the way for an even more vibrant exchange of language and culture.

Passage 2

词汇补充

Fulbright program 富布莱特项目

U.S.-China Friendship volunteers 中美友

谊志愿者

The U.S.-China Fulbright program,one of the largest in the world,and represented here by some of the Fulbright scholars,has helped 2 500 Americans and Chinese students and scholars study,teach,and conduct research at each others’ universities. The U.S.-China Friendship volunteers teach English in four provinces in China. And we would like to broaden their support for English language instruction in China,including county-level teacher training,smaller cities and colleges,and additional provinces.

Passage 3

词汇补充

non-profit organization 非营利组织 formed a partnership 建立伙伴关系

And education is just the beginning. Professional,creative,scientific,and cultural exchanges also hold great potential. Sesame Workshop,a non-profit organization that produces Sesame Street,an educational television program beloved by generations of American children,recently formed a partnership to produce children’s educational programming in China.

来源:美国国务卿希拉里在庆祝美中人文交流活动上的讲话(节选)

Passage 4

词汇补充

avian flu 禽流感

instant messages 即时信息

irreplaceable mission 无可取代的使命

Globalization is making the world smaller,faster and richer. Still,9/11,avian flu,and Iran remind us that a smaller,faster world is not necessarily a safer world.

Our world is bursting with knowledge—but desperately in need of wisdom. Now,when sound bites are getting shorter,when instant messages crowd out essays,and when individual lives grow more frenzied,college graduates capable of deep reflection are what our world needs. For all these reasons I believed—and I believe even more strongly today—in the unique and irreplaceable mission of universities.

参考答案

第三部分 课文详解

希拉里·克林顿在上海世博会美国馆发表讲话

以下是讲话的摘译,由美国国务院国际信息局(IIP)翻译。

这一届世界博览会建立美国展区,为了展现我们伟大国家的风采,走过了一段很不容易的路程。

南宋时期的一首诗写道:山穷水尽疑无路,柳暗花明又一村。现在我们最终来到我们可爱的村庄,我感到非常高兴。

这项工作真正体现了团队精神,体现了伙伴关系,汇聚了我们的政府、民间部门、美国华裔社区以及如此众多的朋友和支持者的力量。为此,请允许我说几句表示感谢的话。

驻华大使洪博培和总领事康碧翠以及美国驻中国使团的全体男女工作人员,我们感谢你们。

感谢肯·贾勒特及美国馆董事会、工作人员和志愿者,包括我国的学生大使。学生大使不仅表示我国展馆对来访者的欢迎,而且也代表了我国的开放精神。感谢伊丽莎白·巴格利大使和她的副手克里斯·鲍尔德斯滕。还要感谢我们的公司伙伴。你们慷慨解囊,信心十足,才使这一切成为可能。我十分感谢你们每一位。

最后,我希望对我们的中国东道主表示诚挚的谢忱。张大使、崔副外长、李副部长和唐副市长今晚也在座,我们感到非常荣幸。今天我荣幸地参观了中国馆,欣赏一个伟大国家的全景画卷。古老的清明上河图描述了另一个时期巨大的变迁和发展,通过技术的魔力转眼间展现了新中国生机勃勃的形象。整个世界博览会以有史以来最大的规模,体现了中国人民热情好客的美德和能量。在我们四周,随处可见历史的辉煌与现代的活力及未来的希望交相辉映。

未来的希望在很大程度上取决于美国与中国关系的发展。双方的关系如果以实现双赢而不是互不相容的对抗为特征,我们就能共同繁荣昌盛。目前,双方可能无法在每一个问题上一贯达成一致意见,但是双方应该寻求机会,抓住机会,促进两国人民之间的理解。这一届世博会就是一个例证。

美国馆体现了创新、可持续性、多样性与自由交流思想等使美国生机勃勃、繁荣昌盛的诸多特性。美国馆是环保责任的典范。我很高兴地宣布,在世博会整个展出期间,美国馆将实现碳中和。

目前已有七十多万人参观了美国馆。美国馆最感人的展品之一是,赞颂为美国文化和经济发展做出如此众多贡献的数百万美国华裔的专题。从马友友到贝聿铭,从商务部长骆家辉到能源部长朱棣文,美国华裔在工商业、政府、艺术、科技和体育等领域都取得了极大的成功。说到这里,我很高兴地获悉,布法罗·比尔队最近吸收了第一位美国华裔参加美国橄榄球大联盟的赛事。

但我们还赞颂那些不知名的美国华裔。数以千计的美国华裔送来了照片和纪念物,记载华人在美国的经历,成为美国生活绚丽壮观的真实写照。

杰出的建筑师贝聿铭设计建造了波士顿的约翰·肯尼迪图书馆等许多著名的建筑。他曾说,他希望到肯尼迪图书馆参观的人“重新燃起对未来的希望和信念”。我相信,我们大家在这里,在上海可以看到这样的希望和信念。

我们已经受到一些代表未来的年轻人的感染。我感谢上海音乐学院在招待会上为我们演出的弦乐四重奏。我们将在晚宴上欣赏帕克·奥塞尔·弗里施三人乐队的演出。这个由三位美国年青人组成的乐队已经以上海为家。晚宴以后,我们将欣赏加利福尼亚州立大学北岭分校和上海师范大学才华横溢的年轻人的演出。他们将同台演唱《相约世博》。

再次感谢诸位,你们成就了今晚,成就了这个展馆。是你们再次使我能在晚上睡得安稳。十分感谢大家。

第四部分 技巧练习

一、运用直译法、意译法等口译技巧翻译下列词语或句子。

(一)翻译词语

1. “cool”音译成汉语“酷”。一个“酷”字把时下年轻人追求新潮、前卫、崇尚与不同、寻求个性发展的言行与心态表现的活灵活现。(音译法)。用发音近似的汉字将外来语翻译过来,这种用于译音的汉字不再有其自身的原意,只保留其语音和书写形式。类似表达还有bikini比基尼,punk朋克,hacker黑客等。

2. clone译为克隆(音译法)

3. To be on thin ice 译为“如履薄冰”(直译法)

4. To talk horse 既是“谈论赛马的事”,又意“吹牛”。(替代法)

5. To beard the lion in his den虎口拔牙(替代法)

6. To move heaven and earth不是“翻天覆地,惊天动地”而是“不遗余力”。(替代法)

7. To save one’s face 为了保全面子(直译法)

8. Never offer to teach fish to swim. 不要教鱼儿游泳。这条谚语的比喻意义是“不要在行人面前卖弄自己”。相当于汉语谚语“不要班们弄斧”。(替代法)

9. An eagle does not catch flies. 雕不抓苍蝇,大人物不计较小事(直译和译意结合法)

10. Six of one and half a dozen of the other. 译为“半斤八两”(替代法)

(二)翻译句子

1. Do not kick against the pricks.(莫踢刺棍,莫作无谓的抵抗)(直译意译结合法)

2. Even Homer sometimes nods.(荷马也有瞌睡时;智者千虑,必有一失)(直译意译结合法)

3. First catch your hare.(先抓到兔子再说,到手的东西才算数)(直译意译结合法)

4. He who has a mind to beat the dog will easily find a stick.(有心打狗,找棍不难;欲加之罪,何患无辞)(直译意译结合法)

5. If I have lost the ring,yet the fingers are still there.(戒指虽丢失,手指仍然在;留得青山在,不怕没柴烧)(直译意译结合法)

6. The government’s policy has given a green light to the development of our economy. 可直译为:政府的政策为经济发展开了绿灯。(直译法)

7. Jacky walked at the head of the funeral procession and every now and then wiped his crocodile tears with a big handkerchief. 杰克走在送葬队伍的前头,还时不时地用一条大手绢抹去他那鳄鱼的眼泪,真是假慈悲。(直译和译意结合法)

8. Advice and correction roll off him like water off a duck’s back. 劝导和惩罚对他好像水过鸭背似的根本不起作用.(直译和意译结合法)

9. John can be relied on,he eats no fish and plays the games.

一个有历史渊源的用法。英国历史上宗教斗争激烈,旧教规定在斋日教徒可以吃鱼。新教推翻旧教后,新教教徒拒绝吃鱼表示忠于新教。所以“eat no fish”就转译为“忠诚”。当然就要遵守规则,“play the game”就转译为“守规矩”。约翰值得信赖。他忠诚而守规矩。(约翰为人可靠,他既忠诚又正直)由于对“to eat no fish”和“to play the game”这个英国的典故和习语不熟悉,有人将此句子按字面意思译成“他一向不吃鱼而且经常玩游戏”。(替代法)

10. It was Saturday afternoon,and the landlady was cleaning the stairs(那是一个星期六的下午,女房东正在打扫楼梯。)在英国常有人把房屋分间出租,这种人被称为landlord和landlady正是由于缺乏相关的背景知识,有人误将“landlady”译为“女地主”。(替代法)

11. Because he used to lend money to people in distress,and would never take any interest for the money he lent.(因为他常常借钱给那些有急难的人,从来不要利钱。)译文中将原句末尾处的介词短语连同其中的定语从句通通略去,仅用一个“利钱”与之对应,简练地传达了源语的语义和风格。(语言重组法:删减法)I wash my face in the morning,汉语只需要说“我早上洗脸”,而不必说“我早上洗我的脸”。英语中的物主代词,汉译时往往可以省略。(语言重组法:省略法)

12. It was Friday and soon they would go out and get drunk.(星期五发薪日到了,他们马上就会出去喝得酩酊大醉。)译文中如不增加“发薪日”,读者往往会产生迷惑。在英国星期五是发薪日,这里的增补,使得“星期五”具体化,也让文化信息一目了然。(语言重组法:增补法)To wash before meal.饭前洗手。英语中有些动词有时用作及物动词,有时用作不及物动词;当它作为不及物动词时,宾语实际隐含在动词后面,译成汉语时往往需要把它表达出来。是“饭前洗手”,如果不译出隐含的宾语“手”,译文“饭前洗一洗”的意思就不明确。同样,“To wash after getting up和To wash before going to bed”也应该分别译为“起床后洗脸”和“睡前洗脚”了。(语言重组法:增词法)

13. While we were operating the machine tools,we were very careful. 我们在操作机床时非常小心。(语言重组法:英语复合句重组为汉语简单句)

14. His superior grades at high school enabled him to enroll at the tuition-free City University of New York.

由于在中学成绩优异,他进入了免费的纽约市立学院。(语言重组法:英语简单句重组为汉语复合句)

15. We find that in building socialism we have to overcome a combination of national poverty and a deeply ingrained belief that an individual can lift that burden from himself and his children by acquisition of personal wealth.我们发现,在建设社会主义的过程中,我们在克服国家贫穷状况的同时,必须克服一种根深蒂固的思想,这就是认为只要个人发财致富就能使本人和子女摆脱贫困。(语言重组法:词类转换);The girl impressed her boyfriend’s relatives favorably with her vivacity and sense of humor. 这个女孩以她的活泼和幽默感给她未婚夫的亲戚们留下了极好的印象。(语言重组法:词类转换,英语中的动词impress转译成名词)

16. The streets were overrun by Hitler’s bullies. 那时希特勒的暴徒在街上横行霸道,无恶不作。(语言重组法:重复法)汉语中有大量四字词组,这是汉语的一大特点。四字词组比较精炼,念起来顺口,有节奏感,如运用恰当,可使文字生动活泼,增强修辞效果,为了使译文符合忠实,通顺的标准,译者有时可酌情运用两个同义或近义的四字词组,这也可以说是一种重复。再如:Target priorities were established there. 目标的轻重缓急,孰先孰后,是在那里决定的。

17. The blow hurt not only his hands but his shoulder too. 这一下不仅震痛了他的手,也震痛了他的肩膀。英语句子长用一个动词连接几个宾语或表语,在译文中往往要重复这个动词。又如:Is he a friend or an enemy? 他是个朋友呢,还是个仇人?;For a good ten minutes,he cursed me and my brother. 足足有十分钟之久,他骂我,还骂我的兄弟。(语言重组法:重复法)

18. He was thin and haggard and he looked miserable. 他消瘦而憔悴,(……)看上去一副可怜相。(省略法)省略作主语的人称代词。再如:But it’s the way I am and try as I might,I haven’t been able to change it.但我就是这个脾气,(……)虽然几经努力,(……)却未能改变过来.

19. After his friends heard about her family difficulties,they offered him a helping hand.他的朋友听到他家中的困难情况后,都主动伸出援助之手。省略是删去一些可有可无的,或者有了反嫌累赘或违背译文语言习惯的词。但省略并不是把原文的某些思想内容删去。(省略法)

20. Jack owed David a dollar,so he borrowed another from Joe to pay David back. He robbed Peter to pay Paul. 杰克欠戴维一美元,于是向乔借了一美元去还戴维,他这是借东家还西家。有些习语没有固定的译法,要灵活处理。同样的短robbed Peter to pay Paul在下面句子:Trying to study a lesson for one class during another class is like robbing Peter to pay Paul。应译为:要在这节课里学习那节课的内容是挖东墙补西墙.(灵活处理法)。

二、四字词语的译法

(一)用重复法把下列英语词或短语译成四字汉语。

1. grotesque 奇形怪状

2. careless 粗心大意

3. in chaos 乌烟瘴气

4. street gossip 街谈巷议

5. rumors 流言蜚语

6. the top guy 龙头老大

7. brilliant player 真才实学

8. long history and extensive culture 博大精深

9. add radiance and charm to each other 交相辉映

10. wide streets and narrow lanes 大街小巷

(二)用直译法、替代法、释译法等把下列习语译成四字汉语。

1. Love me,love my dog. 爱屋及乌(替代法)

2. Equal pay for equal work. 同工同酬(直译法)

3. Do well and have well. 善有善报(直译法)

4. Although the sun shine,leave not your cloak at home. 未雨绸缪(释译法)

5. It is a poor mouse that has only one hole. 狡兔三窟(替代法)

6. Dreams are lies. 梦不足信(直译法)

7. A good beginning makes a good ending. 善始善终(直译法)

8. Time and tide wait for no man. 时不待人(直译法)

9. Strike while the iron is hot. 趁热打铁(直译法)

10. Put the cart before the horse. 本末倒置(替代法)

11. Pride goes before a fall. 骄兵必败(直译法)

12. As you make your bed,so you must lie in it. 自作自受(替代法)

13. Each bird loves to hear himself sing. 孤芳自赏(释译法)

14. Business is business. 公事公办(直译法)

15. Blood will have blood. 血债血偿(直译法)

16. Good medicine tastes bitter to the mouth. 良药苦口(替代法)

17. All rivers run into the sea. 海纳百川(直译法)

18. A faithful friend is hard to find. 知音难觅(直译法)

19. A close mouth catches no flies. 病从口入;祸从口出(替代法)

20. Learn to walk before you run. 循序渐进(释译法)

第五部分 练习段落拓展

1. 中国有句名言:“温故而知新。”当然,过去30年中我们也曾遇到挫折和挑战,我们的关系不是没有分歧和困难。但是,“我们必然是对手”的概念并非是注定不变的——回顾过去不会是这样。由于我们的合作,美中两国都更加繁荣、更加安全。我们已经看到我们本着共同的利益和相互的尊重去努力所能取得的成果。

2. 三十年前,在像今天这样的一个1月的日子里,另一位美国总统站在这里欢迎另一位中国领导人,标志着美国和中华人民共和国关系正常化的历史时刻。在那一天,邓小平谈到了我们两国间巨大的合作机会。回首1979年那个冬日,现在一切都非常清晰。在那之前的30年是我们两国关系的僵持时期。在那之后的30年是交流与理解不断发展的时期。胡主席的此次访问能够让我们为未来30年奠定基础。

3. 正当有人怀疑美中两国间的合作是否有利的时候展开的此次访问,也提供了展示一个简单事实的机会。我们与对方的成功利益攸关。在一个相互依存的世界、在全球经济中,如果我们齐心协力,各国——包括我国——将会更加繁荣、更加安全。美国欢迎中国崛起成为国际大家庭中的一个强大、繁荣、成功的成员。事实上,中国的成功已经既给你们的人民,也给我国人民带来了经济好处;我们在一系列问题上的合作帮助增进了亚太地区和世界的稳定。

4. 我们也很清楚:历史表明,当各国的权利和责任、各国人民的权利——包括每个人的普世权利——得到维护时,社会就更和谐、国家就更繁荣、世界就更公正。

主席先生,我们可以向我们的人民学习。中国和美国的学生和教育工作者、商界人士、旅游者、研究人员和科学家,包括今天在场的华裔美国人——他们一道努力,每天都在共同取得进步。他们知道,虽然我们两国在某些领域相互竞争,但我们能够在其他那么多领域本着相互尊重的精神,为着我们的共同利益而合作。

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