1、科技英语翻译课程授课人 李清1.第一讲科技英语的特点2.前言:任何作品均有特定的文体,原文的文体不同,翻译方法也随之而异。试观察比较下列几个片断的原文及其译文。It appears that youve got the offer of a very good job.A wonderful job.Are you going to take it?I dont think so.Why not?”I dont want to.3.译文:“听说有个很好的工作要你去干。”“挺好的工作。”“打算干吗?”“不。”“为什么不干?”“不想干。”这是小说中的一段对话,属于口语文体。其特点是:用词自由,句法
2、结构简单,短句与省略句多,自然朴素,生活气息浓厚。在译文中进一步体现汉语口语的特点,省去主语“你”、“我”;将英语的一个句子“I dont think so”干脆译成一个字“不”,显得简洁有力。4.She was of a helpless,fleshy build,with a frank,open countenance and an innocent,diffident manner.Her eyes were large and patient,and in them dwelt such a shadow of distress as only those who have look
3、ed sympathetically into the countenances of the distraught and helpless poor know anything about.5.译文:那妇人生着一副绵软多肉的体格,一张坦率开诚的面容,一种天真羞怯的神气。一双大落落的柔顺眼睛,里边隐藏着无穷的心事,只有那些对于凄惶无告的穷苦人面目作过同情观察的人才看得出来。上面五十一个词的片断,就运用了十个形容词,占五分之一。“and in then dwelt such a shadow of distress”是非常优美生动的文学语言,译文保持了一风格。6.Johns accomplis
4、hed a spectacular debut for his NHL career tonight,the first score launching a four-point first period outburst,to lead the Johnson City High Hats to a 6:4 victory over the Montreal Teals and their eighth consecutive game without a loss.7.参考译文:在全国曲棍球联赛中克拉克约翰斯今晚初试锋芒,引起轰动。开场领先四分,首开记录。克拉克发挥中坚作用,约翰逊市高帽队
5、终以6:4击败蒙特利尔市小鸭队,创造了连胜八场未负一场的战绩。这是属于应用文的新闻文体,其特点是简明扼要,短小精悍,结构紧凑,笔锋犀利。上述这则电讯只有一个句子,却把一场球赛描绘得淋漓尽致,富于吸引力。8.The range of a voltmeter may be extended by means of a series resistor called a multiplier as shown in Fig.2.The full-scale reading of the meter alone may be 15 volts.With the multiplier 250 volts
6、may be required to move the pointer to full-scale,135 volts across the multiplier and 15 volts across the meter.从上述的一段科技文章,不难看出其文体与修辞手段与前面列举的文艺小说,新闻报道等迥然不同。科技文体崇尚严谨周密,概念准确,逻辑性强,行文简练,重点突出,句式严整,少有变化,常用前置性陈述,即在句中将主要信息尽量前置,通过主语传递主要信息。9.简而言之,科技文章的特点是:清晰、准确、精练、严密。那末,科技文章的语言结构特色在翻译过程中如何处理,这是进行英汉科技翻译时需要探讨的问
7、题。现分述如下。10.一、大量使用名词化结构当代英语语法(A Grammar of Contemporary)在论述科技英语时提出,大量使用名词化结构(Nominalization)是科技英语的特点之一。因为科技文体要求行文简洁、表达客观、内容确切、信息量大、强调存在的事实。11.Archimeds first discovered the principle of displacement of water by solid bodies.阿基米德最先发展固体排水的原理。句中of displacement of water by solid bodies 系名词化结构,一方面简化了同位语从句
8、,另一方强调displacement 这一事实。The rotation of the earth on its own axis causes the change from day to night.地球绕轴自转,引起昼夜的变化。名词化结构the rotation of the earth on its own axis 使复合句简化成简单句,而且使表达的概念更加确切严密。If you use firebricks round the walls of the boiler,the heat loss can be considerably reduced.炉壁采用耐火砖可大大降低热耗。科
9、技英语所表述的是客观规律,因此要尽量避免使用第一、二人称;此外,要使主要的信息置于句首。12.二、广泛使用被动语句 根据英国利兹大学John Swales 的统计,科技英语中的谓语至少三分之一是被动态。这是因为科技文章侧重叙事推理,强调客观准确。第一、二人称使用过多,会造成主观臆断的印象。因此尽量使用第三人称叙述,采用被动语态,例如:13.Attention must be paid to the working temperature of the machine.应当注意机器的工作温度。而很少说:You must pay attention to the working temperatu
10、re of the machine.你们必须注意机器的工作温度。此外,如前所述,科技文章将主要信息前置,放在主语部份。这也是广泛使用被动态的主要原因。14.试观察下列短文的主语。虽然主语可以是人如“we”等,但绝大多数情况都避免使用类似的人称主语。Electrical energy can be stored in two metal plates separated by an insulating medium.Such a device is called a capacitor,or a condenser,and its ability to store electrical ene
11、rgy capacitance.It is measured in farads.15.参考译文:电能可储存在由一绝缘介质隔开的两块金属极板内。这样的装置称之为电容器,其储存电能的能力称为电容。电容的测量单位是法拉。这一段短文中各句的主语分别为:Electrical energy Such a device Its ability to store electrical energy It(Capacitance)它们都包含了较多的信息,并且处于句首的位置,非常醒目。四个主语完全不同,避免了单调重复,前后连贯,自然流畅。足见被动结构可收简洁客观之效。16.三、使用 动词非谓语结构(非限定动词)
12、如前所述,科技文章要求行文简练,结构紧凑,为此,往往使用分词短语代替定语从句或状语从句;使用分词独立结构代替状语从句或并列分句;使用不定式短语代替各种从句;介词+动名词短语代替定语从句或状语从句。这样可缩短句子,又比较醒目。试比较下列各组句子。17.A direct current is a current flowing always in the same direction.直流电是一种总是沿同一方向流动的电流。Radiating from the earth,heat causes air currents to rise.热量由地球辐射出来时,使得气流上升。A body can mo
13、ve uniformly and in a straight line,there being no cause to change that motion.如果没有改变物体运动的原因,那么物体将作匀速直线运动。Vibrating objects produce sound waves,each vibration producing one sound wave.振动着的物体产生声波,每一次振动产生一个声波。18.In communications,the problem of electronics is how to convey information from one place t
14、o another.在通讯系统中,电子学要解决的问题是如何把信息从一个地方传递到另一个地方。Materials to be used for structural purposes are chosen so as to behave elastically in the environmental conditions.结构材料的选择应使其在外界条件中保持其弹性。19.There are different ways of changing energy from one form into another.将能量从一种形式转变成另一种形式有各种不同的方法。In making the rad
15、io waves correspond to each sound in turn,messages are carried from a broadcasting station to a receiving set.使无线电波依次对每一个声音作出相应变化时,信息就由广播电台传递到接收机。20.四、后置定语 大量使用后置定语也是科技文章的特点之一。常见的结构大致有以下五种:21.1、介词短语 The forces due to friction are called frictional forces.由于摩擦而产生的力称之为摩擦力。A call for paper is now being
16、 issued.征集论文的通知现正陆续发出。22.2、形容词及形容词短语In this factory the only fuel available is coal.该厂唯一可用的燃料是煤。In radiation,thermal energy is transformed into radiant energy,similar in nature to light.热能在辐射时,转换成性质与光相似的辐射能。23.3、副词 The air outside pressed the side in.外面的空气将桶壁压得凹进去了。The force upward equals the force
17、downward so that the balloon stays at the level.向上的力与向下的力相等,所以气球就保持在这一高度。24.4、单个分词,但仍保持校强的动词意义。The results obtained must be checked.获得的结果必须加以校核The heat produced is equal to the electrical energy wasted.产生的热量等于浪费了的电能。25.5、定语从句During construction,problems often arise which require design changes.在施工过程
18、中,常会出现需要改变设计的问题。The molecules exert forces upon each other,which depend upon the distance between them.分子相互间都存在着力的作用,该力的大小取决于它们之间的距离。Very wonderful changes in matter take place before our eyes every day to which we pay little attention.我们几乎没有注意的很奇异的物质变化每天都在眼前发生。To make an atomic bomb we have to use
19、uranium 235,in which all the atoms are available for fission.制造原子弹,我们必须用铀235,因为铀的所有原子都会裂变。26.五、常用句型 科技文章中经常使用若干特定的句型,从而形成科技文体区别于其他文体的标志。例如It-that-结构句型;被动态结构句型;分词短语结构句型;省略句结构句型等。举例如下:27.It is evident that a well lubricated bearing turns more easily than a dry one.显然,润滑好的轴承,比不润滑的轴承容易转动。It seems that t
20、hese two branches of science are mutually dependent and interacting.看来这两个科学分支是相互依存,相互作用的。It has been proved that induced voltage causes a current to flow in opposition to the force producing it.已经证明,感应电压使电流的方向与产生电流的磁场力方向相反。It was not until the 19th century that heat was considered as a form of energ
21、y.直到十九世纪人们才认识到热是能量的一种形式。28.Computers may be classified as analog and digital.计算机可分为模拟计算机和数字计算机两种。The switching time of the new-type transistor is shortened three times.新型晶体管的开关时间缩短了三分之二。(或-缩短为三分之一。)This steel alloy is believed to be the best available here.人们认为这种合金钢是这里能提供的最好的合金钢。Electromagnetic wave
22、s travel at the same speed as light.电磁波传送的速度和光速相同。Microcomputers are very small in size,as is shown in Fig.5.如图5所示,微型计算机体积很小。29.In water sound travels nearly five times as fast as in air.声音在水中的传播速度几乎是在空气中传播速度的五倍。Compared with hydrogen,oxygen is nearly 16 times as heavy.氧与氢比较,重量大约是它的十六倍。The resistanc
23、e being very high,the current in the circuit was low.由于电阻很大,电路中通过的电流就小。Ice keeps the same temperature while melting.冰在溶化时,其温度保持不变。An object,once in motion,will keep on moving because of its inertia.物体一旦运动,就会因惯性而持续运动。All substances,whether gaseous,liquid or solid,are made of atoms.一切物质,不论是气态、液态,还是固态,
24、都由原子组成。30.六、长句The efforts that have been made to explain optical phenomena by means of the hypothesis of a medium having the same physical character as an elastic solid body led,in the first instance,to the understanding of a concrete example of a medium which can transmit transverse vibrations,and
25、at a later stage to the definite conclusion that there is no luminiferous medium having the physical character assumed in the hypothesis.31.为了解释光学现象,人们曾试图假定有一种具有与弹性固体相同的物理性质的介质。这种尝试最初曾使人们理解一种能传输横向振动的介质的具体例证。后来则得出确切的结论即并没有假定中设想的有该物理特性的发光介质。32.七、复合词与缩略词 大量使用复合词与缩略词是科技文章的特点之一,复合词从过去的双词组合发展到多词组合;缩略词趋向于任
26、意构词,例如某一篇论文的作者可以就仅在该文中使用的术语组成缩略词,这给翻译工作带来一定的困难。33.例如:full-enclosed 全封闭的(双词合成形容词)feed-back反馈(双词合成名词)work-harden 加工硬化(双词合成词)criss-cross交叉着(双词合成副词)on-and-off-the-road路面越野两用的(多词合成形容词)anti-armoured-fighting-vehicle-missile反装甲车导弹(多词合成名词)radiophotography无线电传真(无连字符复合词)colorimeter色度计(无连字符复合词)34.maths(mathema
27、tics)数学(裁减式缩略词)lab(laboratory)实验室ft(foot/feet)英尺cpd(compound)化合物FM(frequency modulation)调频(用首字母组成的缩略词)P.S.I.(pounds per square inch)磅/英寸SCR(silicon controlled rectifier)可控硅整流器TELESAT(telecommunications satellite)通信卫星(混成法构成的缩略词)根据上述的科技文章的特点,在翻译过程中就要注意各种不同的翻译技巧与方法。例如被动态的译法、长句的处理方法、倍数的译法等等。35.总结:科技文体的一
28、般特征(1)无人称(Impersonal)(2)语气正式(Formal in Mode of Speech)(3)陈述客观,准确(Objective and Accurate in Statement)(4)语言规范(Standard in Language)(5)文体质朴(Undecorated in Stylistics)(6)逻辑性强(Strict in Logic)(7)专业术语性强(Concentrated in Technical Terms)36.参考书目:戴文进 科技英语翻译理论与技巧上海外语教育出版社2003严俊仁 科技阅读与翻译国防工业出版社200637.第二讲英汉语言之对
29、比38.一.英汉语言之共同处(一)从语言的起源和产生的规律来说,英汉两种语言都具有人类语言的共同特征。(二)从语言与逻辑思维的关系来说,英汉两种语言的语序都符合人类逻辑思维的自然顺序。(三)从语言的基本类型来说,英汉两种语言基本同属分析性语言,其词形的变化都比较少。39.二,英汉语言之差异(一)在语源上分属不同的语系 汉藏语系(汉台小语系)印欧语系(西日耳曼小语群)(二)在文化上存在着巨大差异40.1.词义的文化差异2.语法的文化差异3.语篇的文化差异41.(三)在表达方式和语言习惯上存在着差异1.在表意的手法上的差异2.radio telescopes to be used3.modifie
30、d processing4.data to be checked5.confusing signals6.applied voltage42.2.在词义的塑性上的差异3.在词类使用的习惯上的差异 例:The control unit of an electronic computer causes the machine to operate according to mans wish.译文:电子计算机的控制单元使机器按人的意志运转.43.4.在代词的使用问题上的差异例:As soon as a positive charge approaches an electron,it combin
31、es with the latter.译文:正电荷一接触到电子,便马上与其结合。44.Different metals differ in their conductivity.不同的金属具有不同的导电性。Put your gloves on your hands.戴上手套吧。45.5.在定语的构成及其置式问题上的差异 The overhead wires hang from huge porcelain insulators,which are concertina-shaped in order to reduce the effects of dirt and damp in causi
32、ng leakage of electric current.46.译文一:架空输电线悬挂在为了减少脏污和湿气对造成电流泄漏的影响而做成手风琴形状的巨大瓷质绝缘子上。译文二:架空输电线悬挂在巨大瓷质绝缘子上,绝缘子为手风琴形,以减少脏污和湿气对造成电流泄漏的影响。47.6.在被动结构的使用方面上的差异7.在重复问题上的差异例:While small generators(发电机)frequently have revolving armatures,large machines(发电机)usually have stationary armatures and revolving fields
33、.48.8.在句子结构方面的差异 It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that thi
34、s nation,under God,shall have a new birth of freedom and government of the people,by the people,for the people,shall not perish from the earth.49.(四)在语法规则结构上存在着差异1.在词类规则方面的差异词的分类不同词的兼类情况不同词类的句法功能不同I got a fright.She frightened me.It was a frightful lightningIt was frightfully dangerous.50.我们讨论明年的工作计
35、划。讨论进行得很激烈。我们立即展开讨论。讨论的内容不得公开。俭朴的生活陪伴了他一生。当地人简朴地生活着。俭朴是劳动人民的美德。提倡俭朴,反对浪费。这老人的生活历来俭朴。51.2.在名词的数方面的差异 (1)在可数名词与不可数名词区分之间的差异 (2)在名词复数是否存在着变义方面的差异(3)在复数表达方面的差异52.advice advices experienceexperiencesairairsbrainbrainsmannermannersauthorityauthoritiesutteranceutterancesclothclothescolorcolors 53.corncorns
36、compasscompassesdamagedamagescustomcustomsexportexportsimportimportseffecteffectsgoodgoods 54.forceforcesgreengreensgroundgroundsheavenheavensspiritspiritsironironsletterletterslooklooks55.workworkspaperpaperspartpartsquarterquartersregardregardsruinruins 56.sandsandsscalescalesspectaclespectaclesti
37、metimeswitwitswoodwoods57.3.在复句方面的差异英语复合句分为并列复合句和主从复合句两种。汉语复句主要分为联合复句,偏正复句,多重复句和紧缩复句四种。汉语中没有相当于英语中带名词性从句,定语从句,时间状语从句,地点状语从句和方式状语从句等这样一类从句的复句。58.第三讲英汉翻译理论浅说59.1.科技文体的一般特征(1)无人称(Impersonal)(2)语气正式(Formal in Mode of Speech)(3)陈述客观,准确(Objective and Accurate in Statement)(4)语言规范(Standard in Language)(5)文
38、体质朴(Undornated in Stylistics)(6)逻辑性强(Strict in Logic)(7)专业术语性强(Concentrated in Technical Terms)60.那么科学的翻译标准是什么?按照信息论的观点,翻译的本质就是通过语种转换把一种语言的言语所承载的信息转移到另一种语言的言语当中,用该种语言表达出来以传递给目标语言读者的过程,是把一种语言的言语转换成另一种语言的言语的活动。61.译文对原文信息的包含程度称之为译文信息与原作信息的等价性,简称信息等价性(Information equivalency)。译文使目标语言读者获得原作信息的程度称之为译文的信息的
39、传递性,简称信息传递性(Information transmittivity)。62.译文的“信息等价性”和“信息传递性”反映了翻译的本质。在翻译过程中,一方面要求译文与原文的信息具有等价性,即保证信息的等价转化;另一方面要求译文具有较强的信息传递性。“信息等价性”和“信息传递性”是翻译的二元基本标准。63.例如:原文:Naderism is our aim.译文:纳德主义是我们的宗旨。应当说,译文与原文的信息是等值的。但一般来说,我国读者对译文感到茫然。64.Nader为美国律师,首先提出“客户第一”的观点,因此,Naderism即为“客户至上”。由此可见,译文虽然与原文有相同或相等的信息,
40、但不能把这种信息传递给目标语言读者,说明等值论亦有其局限性。因此,还必须建立与基本标准相对应的翻译的具体标准(Concrete criteria of translation)。它至少包括以下八个方面:65.(1)措辞准确性语义学标准(2)逻辑一致性逻辑学标准(3)修辞一致性修辞学标准(4)文体一致性文体学标准(5)语音转化得体语音学标准(6)语法规范性语法学标准(7)文理通达性篇章学标准(8)克服文化差异障碍文化学标准66.一.翻译的定义二.翻译的本质(cipher,encode,decode)三.翻译的任务尤金奈达:Translating consists in reproducing i
41、n the receptor language the closest natural equivalent of the source language message,first in terms of meaning,and secondly in terms of style.67.(一)明确了要译的对象是信息(message);(二)暗示了由于语言文化上的差异,译文与原文只能做到尽可能,或者说最大限度的(closest)的对等;(三)对译文的可接受性有具体要求,即应为自然等值体(natural equivalent);(四)对内容(即意义 meaning)和形式(即风格style)既
42、强调了统一性,又突出了重点。首先是意义,其次是风格(First in terms of meaning,and secondly in terms of style)。68.四.翻译的原则(一)传意性(Meaning transference)(二)可接受性(Acceptability)(三)相似性(Similarity)69.五.翻译的性质和特点六.翻译的可译性原理七.翻译的标准刘重德:(一)信 忠实于原文的意义(二)达 译文明白通顺(三)切 切合原文风格70.八.翻译的基本方式及其选择(一)翻译的基本方式翻译的基本方式有直译,意译,音译和阐译四种。71.1.直译 Two plus two
43、equals four.The machine is the last word in technical skill.Milk Way bulls eye dogs ears bus boy book keeper72.typewriterpanda cargo moonlightingclock watcherunspeakable gravitation73.2.意译3.音译motor,radar,laser,microphone,model,AIDS4.阐译summing settings气功(“qigong,a system of deep and rhythmical breath
44、ing exercises.”74.(二)翻译方式选择的原则直译为主,意译为辅,其余为补。In some automated plants electronic computers control the entire production line.The present“packing density”of 2.5 million bits of information per square inch can be increased in the future.75.九.翻译的两个过程原文理解过程和译文表达过程。(一)原文理解过程1.理解全文,领略大意2.仔细推敲,辨识词义(1)查字典C
45、ontrol Center Smoking Free.76.(2)根据上下文,在整句话中理解词义 以 mechanism为例,说明其在不同的上下文中其词义是不一样的。From this,we can see the mechanism of design.Lets see the mechanism responsible for typhoons.An automobile engine is a complex mechanism.77.We have no mechanism for changing the decision.At that time,mechanism in phil
46、osophy became an upstart.The mechanism of the process,slow and delicate,often escape our attention.The two model variants of the socialist economic mechanism are to be distinguished from the point of view of market function.78.(3)从专业知识角度分析If a mouse is installed in a computer,then the available memo
47、ry space for user will reduce.Connect the black pigtail with the dog-house.79.resistance to traction(力学)resistance to sparking(电学)resistance to heat(物理学)resistance to wear(材料学)80.3.分析语法,明晰关系4.the transformer on load5.变压器的负载运行6.负载运行的变压器81.(二)译文表达过程1.一稿初译,忠实为主2.二稿推敲,力求准确3.三稿定案,讲究修辞Best surface finish
48、is provided by machining methods especially br grinding.The block diagram shown in Fig.7 is intended to illustrate the amplifier configuration.82.This possibility was supported to a limited extent in the tests.There are crossed transverse steady and longitudinal alternating fields.83.第四讲 科技英语文献阅览 84
49、.Life Beyond Earth(地球外的生命)85.Something astonishing has happened in the universe.There has arisen a thing called life a form of matter;qualitatively different from rocks,gas,and dust,yet made of the same stuff,the same elements lying around everywhere.86.Life has a way of being obvious,and yet,its no
50、toriously difficult to define in absolute terms.We say that life replicates.Life uses energy.Life adapts.Some forms of life have developed large central processing networks.In at least one instance,life has become profoundly self-aware.87.And that kind of life has a big question:what else is alive o