一、 考研英語英譯漢的考試內(nèi)容與命題特點
1.英譯漢的考試內(nèi)容
2005年全國碩士研究生入學(xué)考試英語試題作出了調(diào)整,筆試中取消了聽力部分,“英譯漢”成為試題的第三部分“閱讀理解”中的C節(jié)。 本節(jié)共五小題,每小題2分,共計10分。它要求考生閱讀一篇400詞左右的文章,并將其中五個劃線部分的句子翻譯成漢語,要求漢語譯文準(zhǔn)確、完整、通順。英譯漢屬于主觀題,要求考生將答案寫在答題紙2 上。
英譯漢作為閱讀理解的一部分,主要是考查考生準(zhǔn)確理解概念或結(jié)構(gòu)比較復(fù)雜的英語材料的能力。要做好英譯漢,考生既要有較強的理解能力,又要掌握英譯漢的基本技能。
在翻譯過程中,考生必須全面理解文章內(nèi)容,并且遵循翻譯的基本原則,根據(jù)對文章的理解,靈活處理一般性翻譯技巧和具體句型翻譯的關(guān)系、概念的直譯與意譯之間的關(guān)系等。
2.英譯漢的命題特點
1) 英譯漢試題的選材英譯漢試題所選用文章的體裁以議論文和說明文為主,多是從報刊、雜志和書籍中摘錄的片段。但涉及到的內(nèi)容和意思有相對的獨立性,且比較抽象。在近年的英譯漢試題所選文章中,這一點非常明顯。另外,2005年還出現(xiàn)了一個特殊情況,即北京、安徽等省市考試時臨時更換了翻譯題,本書也將對更換的題目一并做出分析。
2) 英譯漢試題的句型結(jié)構(gòu)
英譯漢試題的句子通常比較長,且結(jié)構(gòu)復(fù)雜,包含多個從句。比如1999年英譯漢試題的第71題:
While there are almost as many definitions of history as there are historians,‖modern practice most closely conforms to one that sees history as the attempt to recreate and explain the significant events of the past.
這個句子總共有36個單詞。其結(jié)構(gòu)包括: while引導(dǎo)的主從復(fù)合句;主句中that引導(dǎo)的定語從句;從句中as...as的結(jié)構(gòu)。因此整個句子非常復(fù)雜,對翻譯造成了許多困難。
英譯漢試題的一個??键c是省略句。省略現(xiàn)象是一個值得考生充分注意的考點,它要求考生對句子、段落、甚至文章的整體進行理解,然后才能明白省略部分的意思。比如2002年英譯漢試題的第65題:
Until these issues are resolved, a technology of behavior will continue to be rejected, and with it possibly the only way to solve our problems.
本句的后半部分是一個省略句,補全了應(yīng)該是and with it possibly the only way to solve our problems will continue to be rejected。由于省略部分(黑體)與上一句的后半部分完全一樣,它在第二句中被省略了。在閱讀此句時,考生必須看到第二句與前一句是用and連接的并列關(guān)系,同時,還必須看到它缺少謂語。這樣考生才能推斷出它的謂語與前一句完全一樣,并且被省略了。
二、 考研英語英譯漢的備考策略
1.認(rèn)識誤區(qū)
英譯漢的評分標(biāo)準(zhǔn)是每個句子微觀評分,綜合扣分,各句的要點是給分的重點。整句譯錯、意思扭曲不給分。在試卷上,考生只需寫出一種正確的答案即可。 千萬記住:不要在試卷上寫出兩種譯文讓閱卷老師挑選。
歷年來,考生英譯漢試題的得分不甚理想,其原因主要有兩方面:一是大學(xué)英語沒有開設(shè)專門的翻譯課,大部分學(xué)生對翻譯的基本原則和基本要領(lǐng)缺乏認(rèn)識。二是考生對翻譯本身存在理解上的誤區(qū),認(rèn)為只要理解了句子的意思就能自然而然地把句子翻譯出來??忌跐撘庾R中總是認(rèn)為,只要閱讀理解沒問題,翻譯就會迎刃而解。從考生的答題情況和實際得分來看,這種認(rèn)識顯然是錯誤的。結(jié)果是,面對結(jié)構(gòu)復(fù)雜、意思抽象的句子,面對多義詞、復(fù)雜的修飾關(guān)系和抽象的整體句意,考生常常束手無策,無法準(zhǔn)確理解,更不能用漢語將句子意思通順地表達(dá)出來。
簡單地說,如果不了解兩種語言的特征,對翻譯的原則、方法和技巧沒有明確的認(rèn)識或者不能靈活運用,就無法順利地進行翻譯。
三、 考研英語英譯漢的方法與技巧
翻譯是兩種語言的轉(zhuǎn)換??忌紫缺仨殞τ⒄Z和漢語兩種語言的不同特征有所了解。詞典所提供的詞語的中文意思是翻譯的基礎(chǔ),而詞語在句子中的意思則要依照上下文的具體語境而定。在英語中,詞和詞組的意思要根據(jù)詞語之間的前后搭配關(guān)系而定;句子的意思要根據(jù)句子之間的修飾關(guān)系與邏輯關(guān)系而定。
具體地說,動詞詞組要看其前后的主語和賓語;介詞要看它所修飾的中心詞的詞義和習(xí)慣搭配;連詞要根據(jù)整個句子的意思及句子之間的關(guān)系而定;狀語要看動詞部分的意思;各種從句的意思要看它們與主句的關(guān)系:因果、并列、遞進等關(guān)系的翻譯方法各不相同。
漢語則不同。漢語字詞本身沒有語法上格和數(shù)等方面的變化,不同的順序組合可以使同樣的詞產(chǎn)生不同的意思。所以,英譯漢的關(guān)鍵在于調(diào)整漢語語序。根據(jù)英語產(chǎn)生漢語意思,用漢語的語序和漢語的表達(dá)習(xí)慣完整準(zhǔn)確地把意思表達(dá)出來。如果只知其大意,而不懂調(diào)整語序,那么翻譯過來的句子會洋腔濃重、佶屈聱牙。這也正是通常說的翻譯者自己知道原文的意思,就是說不出來或表達(dá)不清楚的情況。
簡單而言,考研英譯漢試題就是要求考生準(zhǔn)確地理解英語,完整、通順地進行語言轉(zhuǎn)換。具體來說,就是在準(zhǔn)確理解英語的基礎(chǔ)上,采用直譯、意譯、增詞、減詞、詞性轉(zhuǎn)換等具體技巧將英文意思用漢語表達(dá)出來。
下面介紹英譯漢的一些常用技巧。
▲詞的處理
1) 專用術(shù)語與習(xí)慣用語
考生在做翻譯題時,在理解和表達(dá)方面,一般應(yīng)以意思通順為主要目標(biāo),將要翻譯的句子的幾層主要意思通過比較通順的中文表達(dá)出來即可,而不要拘泥于句子當(dāng)中的個別詞匯,在上面耽擱太長時間,更不要見到生詞就慌神,影響對整個句子的理解。遇到動詞、形容詞這種功能性詞匯,可以根據(jù)周圍語義關(guān)系對它的意思進行合理推測。
英譯漢試題的文章很多與科技有關(guān),科技術(shù)語出現(xiàn)得比較頻繁??忌鷮I(yè)各不相同,因此要求做出十分地道的專業(yè)化的翻譯是不現(xiàn)實的。對于專用名詞,一個值得推薦的翻譯方法就是盡量按照字典意思直譯,不要過度聯(lián)想和發(fā)揮。人名、地名的翻譯按照音譯即可,不需要過多講究。
一般的習(xí)語和慣用語意思固定,不需要看上下文,可以直接翻譯。慣用語的掌握依靠平時積累,是詞匯量記憶成果的直接體現(xiàn)。
考研真題實例:
in general 一般來說,總而言之
under more favorable circumstances 在更優(yōu)越的條件下,在較好的環(huán)境中
to some extent 在一定程度上
in every relevant respect 在各相關(guān)方面
in action 起作用
for the reasons given above 由于上述原因
for the better part of a decade 七八年來 (譯注: decade 意為“十年”,the better part表示比五六年多,比九年十年少的概念,所以,譯作“七八年”比較貼切)
2) 詞類轉(zhuǎn)換
由于英漢兩種語言的表達(dá)習(xí)慣不同,在翻譯時有時需要進行詞類轉(zhuǎn)換。在英譯漢實踐中,詞義引申或詞類轉(zhuǎn)換是常見現(xiàn)象。比如: outside the area of moral choice可譯為“無須考慮道德問題”;extremists of this kind可譯為“這類人持極端看法”。在這兩個例子中,英文中的介詞和名詞在翻譯過程中變成了動詞。
詞類可根據(jù)詞語在上下文中所起的作用進行轉(zhuǎn)換,也可根據(jù)漢語表達(dá)習(xí)慣的要求進行轉(zhuǎn)換,在實際操作中須變通處理、靈活掌握。下面提供詞類轉(zhuǎn)換的部分實例,請考生多加體會。
考研真題實例:
名詞轉(zhuǎn)動詞
Robots have found application for the exploration of the outer space. (機器人已經(jīng)被用于探索外空間。)
名詞轉(zhuǎn)形容詞
He is a stranger to the operation of the helicopter. (他對直升機的操作很陌生。)
動詞轉(zhuǎn)名詞
The university aims at the first rate of the world. (學(xué)校的目標(biāo)是成為世界一流的大學(xué)。)
形容詞轉(zhuǎn)名詞
The Internet is different from traditional media in that it sends and receives information faster. (因特網(wǎng)和傳統(tǒng)媒體的區(qū)別就在于因特網(wǎng)可以更快地發(fā)送和接收信息。)
形容詞轉(zhuǎn)動詞
Success is dependent on his efforts. (成功與否取決于他的努力。)
形容詞轉(zhuǎn)副詞
The pictures give a visual representation of the situation. (這些圖片直觀地展示了當(dāng)時的情景。)
副詞轉(zhuǎn)名詞
Internally the earth consists of two parts, a core and a mantle. (地球的內(nèi)部由兩部分組成:地核和地幔。)
介詞轉(zhuǎn)連詞
With all its shortcomings this composition is regarded as the best. (盡管這篇作文有缺陷,但仍被認(rèn)為是佳的。)
四、 考研英語英譯漢真題解析
2005年英譯漢試題(全國試題)
Directions:
Read the following text carefully and then translate the underlined segments into Chinese. Your translation should be written clearly on ANSWER SHEET 2. (10 points)
The study of law has been recognized for centuries as a basic intellectual discipline in European universities. However, only in recent years has it become a feature of undergraduate programs in Canadian universities. (46) Traditionally, legal learning has been viewed in such institutions as the special preserve of lawyers, rather than a necessary part of the intellectual equipment of an educated person. Happily, the older and more continental view of legal education is establishing itself in a number of Canadian universities and some have even begun to offer undergraduate degrees in law.
If the study of law is beginning to establish itself as part and parcel of a general education, its aims and methods should appeal directly to journalism educators. Law is a discipline which encourages responsible judgment. On the one hand, it provides opportunities to analyze such ideas as justice, democracy and freedom. (47) On the other, it links these concepts to everyday realities in a manner which is parallel to the links journalists forge on a daily basis as they cover and comment on the news. For example, notions of evidence and fact, of basic rights and public interest are at work in the process of journalistic judgment and production just as in courts of law. Sharpening judgment by absorbing and reflecting on law is a desirable component of a journalists intellectual preparation for his or her career.
(48) But the idea that the journalist must understand the law more profoundly than an ordinary citizen rests on an understanding of the established conventions and special responsibilities of the news media. Politics or, more broadly, the functioning of the state, is a major subject for journalists. The better informed they are about the way the state works, the better their reporting will be. (49) In fact, it is difficult to see how journalists who do not have a clear grasp of the basic features of the Canadian Constitution can do a competent job on political stories.
Furthermore, the legal system and the events which occur within it are primary subjects for journalists. While the quality of legal journalism varies greatly, there is an undue reliance amongst many journalists on interpretations supplied to them by lawyers. (50) While comment and reaction from lawyers may enhance stories, it is preferable for journalists to rely on their own notions of significance and make their own judgments. These can only come from a wellgrounded understanding of the legal system.
這篇文章主要講對大學(xué)生,尤其是新聞專業(yè)的學(xué)生進行法律教育的重要性。 其大概意思是:以前,在加拿大,學(xué)習(xí)法律一直被看作是律師的事情,現(xiàn)在已經(jīng)日益成為普通高等教育的重要組成部分,法律知識已經(jīng)被認(rèn)為是受過教育的公民所必備的知識素養(yǎng)。法律中的公正、民主、自由等觀念與實際緊密相連;對于新聞專業(yè)的學(xué)生和新聞工作者來說,法律知識的儲備和對于憲法的了解尤為重要,后者對于他們對新聞,尤其是政治新聞的把握和判斷是必不可少的。
需要翻譯的五個句子具有三個特點。一是句子結(jié)構(gòu)比較復(fù)雜,如將作狀語的介詞詞組插入動詞詞組中,而不是放在其后;定語從句中又套定語從句和狀語從句;同位語從句;并列結(jié)構(gòu)修飾同一個中心詞;本身包含從句的從句作it的真實主語;含有并列結(jié)構(gòu)的不定式作it的真實主語,等等。二是劃線句子對上下文的依賴較大,一方面是名詞和代詞詞組的所指,如第一句中的such institutions,第二句中的it、these concepts等需要到上文中去找,另一方面,對第二句的翻譯有賴于其后邊的例子所作的進一步的解釋和說明。三是詞匯的難度較大,用詞抽象,一詞多義的較多,如special preserve、intellectual、equipment等,其具體含義需要根據(jù)上下文進行引申理解??傊?,詞義和代詞及名詞詞組對上下文的依賴是這套題非常突出的特點之一,進一步提醒我們要注重對語篇的理解,培養(yǎng)根據(jù)上下文猜測詞義的能力。另外,在平常記憶單詞時,要用聯(lián)想記憶等科學(xué)的方法全面掌握一個單詞的多個含義。具體分析如下:
[翻譯題解]
46. Traditionally, legal learning has been viewed in such institutions as the special preserve of lawyers, rather than a necessary part of the intellectual equipment of an educated person.
[分析]1. 句子分段: Traditionally, legal learning has been viewed in such institutions ‖ as the special preserve of lawyers, ‖ rather than a necessary part of the intellectual equipment of an educated person.
2. 句子結(jié)構(gòu): 1) 主干結(jié)構(gòu):簡單句legal learning has been viewed as...rather than...;2) view...as中間插入介詞詞組in such institutions作狀語,該詞組的含義要到前一句話中去找,指的是“Canadian universities”。
3. 詞的處理: institution機構(gòu);special preserve專門的工作;intellectual equipment知識素養(yǎng);educated受過良好教育的
[譯文]傳統(tǒng)上,在加拿大的高等學(xué)府里,學(xué)習(xí)法律一直被看作是律師的專門工作,而不是一個受過良好教育的人所必須具備的知識素養(yǎng)。
47. On the other, it links these concepts to everyday realities in a manner which is parallel to the links journalists forge on a daily basis as they cover and comment on the news.
[分析]1. 句子分段: On the other, it links these concepts to everyday realities in a manner ‖ which is parallel to the links ‖ journalists forge on a daily basis ‖ as they cover and comment on the news.
2. 句子結(jié)構(gòu): 1) 主語+謂語+which引導(dǎo)的定語從句+省略引導(dǎo)詞的定語從句+as引導(dǎo)的狀語從句;2) these concepts的含義也要到前邊的句子中去找,指的是前面提到的justice, democracy and freedom;3) which引導(dǎo)的定語從句which is...the news修飾manner,其中包含了定語從句journalists...daily basis,修飾links以及as引導(dǎo)的狀語從句。
3. 詞的處理: concept觀念;everyday reality日常生活中的實際情況;in a...manner以……方式;parallel類似的,相似的;forge使形成;on a basis以……為基礎(chǔ);cover報道
[譯文]另一方面,法律又將正義、民主和自由這些觀念與日常生活中的實際聯(lián)系在一起,其方式就如同新聞工作者在報道和評論新聞事件時,以日常生活為基礎(chǔ),使這些觀念與實際情況相結(jié)合一樣。
48. But the idea that the journalist must understand the law more profoundly than an ordinary citizen rests on an understanding of the established conventions and special responsibilities of the news media.
[分析]1. 句子分段: But the idea ‖ that the journalist must understand the law more profoundly than an ordinary citizen ‖ rests on an understanding of the established conventions and special responsibilities of the news media.
2. 句子結(jié)構(gòu): 1) 主語+that引導(dǎo)的同位語從句+謂語(rest on)+賓語(an understanding of...);2) the established conventions和special responsibilities均修飾news media。
3. 詞的處理: profoundly深刻地;rest on建立在……之上,以……為基礎(chǔ)或根據(jù);understanding理解,共識;established既定的,確認(rèn)的;convention規(guī)范;news media新聞媒體
[譯文]但是,新聞工作者對于法律的理解應(yīng)該比普通公民更加深刻,這個觀點是在對于新聞媒體的既定規(guī)范和特殊的社會責(zé)任有深刻認(rèn)識的基礎(chǔ)之上建立的。
49. In fact, it is difficult to see how journalists who do not have a clear grasp of the basic features of the Canadian Constitution can do a competent job on political stories.
[分析]1. 句子分段: In fact, it is difficult to see ‖ how journalists ‖ who do not have a clear grasp of the basic features of the Canadian Constitution ‖ can do a competent job on political stories.
2. 句子結(jié)構(gòu): 1) 形式主語it+表語+真實主語how...political stories;2) 真實主語是how引導(dǎo)的從句,該從句的主語是journalists,謂語部分是can do...;who引導(dǎo)的定語從句修飾journalists。
3. 詞的處理: see設(shè)想,想象;grasp領(lǐng)會,理解;basic feature基本特點;competent令人滿意的;story新聞報道
[譯文]實際上,很難想象那些對于加拿大憲法的基本特點缺乏清晰了解的新聞工作者能夠勝任政治新聞報道的工作。
50. While comment and reaction from lawyers may enhance stories, it is preferable for journalists to rely on their own notions of significance and make their own judgments.
[分析]1. 句子分段:While comment and reaction from lawyers ‖ may enhance stories, ‖ it is preferable for journalists ‖ to rely on their own notions of significance and ‖ make their own judgments.
2. 句子結(jié)構(gòu):while引導(dǎo)的狀語從句+形式主語it+真實主語to rely on...and make...。
3. 詞的處理: reaction反應(yīng);enhance提高,提升;preferable更可取的,更好的;rely on依靠,依賴;notion見解,看法;significance重要性,意義;make ones own judgment作出自己的判斷
[譯文]律師的評論和反應(yīng)當(dāng)然能夠提升新聞報道的價值,但是,記者們好還是依靠自己對于事件重要性的認(rèn)識來做出判斷。