根据上下文确定词义

4.3　根据上下文确定词义

思果认为:一个字理想的解释是“在这样一句里是什么意思”。英国伦敦语言学派创始人Firth更是明确指出:Each word when used in a new context is a new word．至于上下文在翻译中的重要性，Newmark的一句话可谓切中要害，他说:Context is the overriding factor in all translation，and has primacy over any rule，theory or primary meaning．下面不妨以英文单词wet为例，看看其在不同的上下文中都有着怎样不同的含义。

原文:Wet paint！

译文:油漆未干！

原文:He was wet to the skin．

译文:他全身湿透了。

原文:She had a wet nurse for the infant．

译文:她给婴儿雇了个奶娘。

原文:If you think I am for him，you are all wet．

译文:如果你认为我支持他，那你就大错特错了。

原文:At that time he was still wet behind the ears．

译文:那时他还是个乳臭未干的孩子。

原文:Some kids usually had wet pants in the kindergarten．

译文:一些小孩在幼儿园里常常尿裤子。

原文:It was rather wet of you to say nothing when you had the chance．

译文:你本来有机会表达意见却没有那样做，真笨！

原文:But Smith showed unexpected strength，especially in the wet districts．

译文:但史密斯表现出不俗的实力，特别是在那些非禁酒地区。

原文:He was such a wet blanket at the party that they never invited him again．

译文:他在聚会上令人扫兴，那之后，大家不再邀请他了。

原文:The driver chose the track which seemed least dangerous，and rejoiced if in wet seasons he reached Washington without miring or upsetting his wagon．

译文:马车夫总是尽量走危险性小的路，如果在下雨天也能安全抵达华盛顿而没有陷入泥坑或翻车，他们便会喜出望外。