5. As the Internet becomes more and more commercialized, it is in the interest of business to universalize access - after all, the more people online, the more potential customers there are.
要點(diǎn) 破折號(hào)后面的部分是用來(lái)解釋句子主句的,在結(jié)構(gòu)上是部分倒裝句,屬"(從句)the+比較級(jí)...,(主句) the +比較級(jí)"句型,這樣的句子一般主謂不倒裝。翻譯時(shí)可用正裝。universalize:使普遍化;使通用化。
譯文 隨著國(guó)際互聯(lián)網(wǎng)越來(lái)越商業(yè)化,普及上網(wǎng)會(huì)對(duì)商家有利, 因?yàn)樯暇W(wǎng)的人越多,潛在的顧客數(shù)量就越多。
6. Only after studies provided evidence of the harmful effects of such programs has it been possible to modify TV programming policies.
要點(diǎn) only是加強(qiáng)語(yǔ)氣的詞語(yǔ),位于句首時(shí),主謂語(yǔ)要倒裝。這樣的句子一般可按原文順序翻譯。has it been ...是主句,正裝應(yīng)是it has been...。
譯文 只有大量調(diào)研提供出證據(jù)表明此類節(jié)目產(chǎn)生不良影響后,電視節(jié)目審查政策才有可能改變。
7. Unpopular as red has been in the past at the moment it is a favorite hair style.
要點(diǎn) 這是一個(gè)主從復(fù)合句,主句是at the moment it is a favorite hair style。在讓步狀語(yǔ)從句中,作為表語(yǔ)的unpopular 放在 as前面位于句首,構(gòu)成部分倒裝。形容詞+as從句在意思上等于although...,一般翻譯成"雖然…"。注意這個(gè)形容詞不能放在動(dòng)詞后面,否則整個(gè)句子意思不同。
譯文 雖然過(guò)去紅色不受歡迎,眼下紅色染發(fā)劑卻備受青睞。
8. Lonely was seeing his daughter only twice a week since the divorce.
要點(diǎn) 這是一個(gè)完全倒裝句,主語(yǔ)是seeing his daughter...divorce。翻譯時(shí)可正裝。
譯文 他只是覺(jué)得離婚后每周只能看女兒兩次讓他感到孤獨(dú)。
9. So perilous was this one that he was the only security officer on the site.
要點(diǎn) 該句的原結(jié)構(gòu)是this one was so perilous that...,因?yàn)榘?so perilous 放在句首,所以句子要主謂倒裝。翻譯時(shí)可正裝。
譯文 做現(xiàn)場(chǎng)惟一的保安官員,這差使還真有點(diǎn)危險(xiǎn)。
10. In front of me stood the essential tools of the intelligence officer's trade - a desk, two telephones, one scrambled(改變頻率使不被竊聽(tīng)) for outside calls, and to one side a large green metal safe with an oversized combination lock on the front.
要點(diǎn) 這是一個(gè)并列句,由and連接。第一個(gè)分句中破折號(hào)前面是一個(gè)完全倒裝句,主語(yǔ)是 the essential tools of the intelligence officer's trade。破折號(hào)后面的部分是用來(lái)解釋trade。One scrambled for outside calls 等于one of which was scrambled for outside calls。第二個(gè)分句也是一個(gè)完全倒裝句,只是在 to one side后面省去了動(dòng)詞stood。該句可按原文語(yǔ)序翻譯,第二個(gè)分句中省去的動(dòng)詞應(yīng)翻譯出來(lái)。
譯文 展現(xiàn)在我面前的是情報(bào)官員這一行的基本用具--一張寫(xiě)字臺(tái)、兩部電話,其中一部是變頻加密外線電話,在我旁邊是一個(gè)大型的綠色金屬保險(xiǎn)柜,其正面有一把特大號(hào)復(fù)合密碼鎖。
第三章 分割結(jié)構(gòu)
分割結(jié)構(gòu)是一種修辭手段,在英語(yǔ)句子中,特別是在書(shū)面語(yǔ)中,比較常見(jiàn)。分割結(jié)構(gòu)就是指把英語(yǔ)句子中原來(lái)屬于一個(gè)整體的句子成分分割開(kāi),一部分留在句子的原來(lái)位置,另一部分遠(yuǎn)離原來(lái)位置。
如:The best books are treasuries of good words, the golden thoughts, which, remembered and cherished, become our constant companions and comforters. 不難看出which become our constant companions and comforters原本是一個(gè)整體,被用作狀語(yǔ)的過(guò)去分詞remembered and cherished分割開(kāi)。常見(jiàn)的分割結(jié)構(gòu)形式有同位語(yǔ)或同位語(yǔ)從句與先行詞的分割,定語(yǔ)或and定語(yǔ)從句與先行詞的分割,主語(yǔ)與謂語(yǔ)的分割,謂語(yǔ)與賓語(yǔ)的分割。使用分割結(jié)構(gòu)的目的是使語(yǔ)句結(jié)構(gòu)平衡,避免頭重腳輕,或者為了使表達(dá)的主題思想更加突出醒目,讀起來(lái)更通順流暢。分割結(jié)構(gòu)的存在說(shuō)明了英語(yǔ)在結(jié)構(gòu)形式和表達(dá)方法上的生動(dòng)性和靈活性,但也造成了句子結(jié)構(gòu)的錯(cuò)綜復(fù)雜。對(duì)于分割結(jié)構(gòu),只有從結(jié)構(gòu)上和語(yǔ)意上弄清它才能避免理解上的錯(cuò)誤,英譯漢時(shí)要把原來(lái)屬于一個(gè)整體部分的意義譯出。
如: An unusual present was given to him for his birthday, a book on ethics.過(guò)生日的時(shí)候他得到了一件不尋常的禮物--一本關(guān)于倫理道德的書(shū)。(present 和a book被分隔)
再如: After Galileo's work the feeling grew that there were universal laws governing the motion of bodies and that these laws might apply to motion in the heavens as well as on earth.在伽利略著作之后,這樣的認(rèn)識(shí)加強(qiáng)了,即認(rèn)為存在著支配物體運(yùn)動(dòng)的普遍規(guī)律,這些規(guī)律不僅支配著地球上的也支配著天體上的物體的運(yùn)動(dòng)。(the feeling和 that從句被分隔)
此外,還有定語(yǔ)(或定語(yǔ)從句)與其中心詞被分隔,某些詞語(yǔ)與其所要求的介詞被分隔,動(dòng)詞與其賓語(yǔ)被分隔,介詞與其賓語(yǔ)被分隔等?傊,英語(yǔ)的分隔應(yīng)遵循尾重原則(應(yīng)當(dāng)把長(zhǎng)而復(fù)雜的成分放在句末,從而使結(jié)構(gòu)平衡勻稱,以避免主語(yǔ)部分太長(zhǎng),謂語(yǔ)部分太短)和句尾信息焦點(diǎn)原則(把新信息,即語(yǔ)義重點(diǎn)放在句子末尾)。閱讀時(shí)要注意把原來(lái)屬于一個(gè)整體的各部分找出來(lái)。
1. Such a viewpoint, particularly prominent in the developing countries, is reinforced by the widely-held belief that it is not the peaceful application of nuclear energy that is endangering the survival of mankind.
第一層: Such a viewpoint, 主 particularly prominent in the developing 定 countries, is 系 reinforced 表 by the widely-held belief 狀 that it is not the peaceful application of nuclear energy that is end- 同位語(yǔ)從句 angering the survival of mankind.
第二層: (同位語(yǔ)從句) that 引 it 形主 is not 系 the peaceful application 強(qiáng)調(diào)主語(yǔ) of nuclear energy 定 that 引 is endangering 謂 the survival 賓 of mankind. 定
要點(diǎn) 本句主干為"Such a viewpoint... is reinforced by the widely-held belief";形容詞短語(yǔ)"particularly prominent in the developing countries",作為插入語(yǔ)修飾"viewpoint",將主語(yǔ)和謂語(yǔ)分隔開(kāi)來(lái);介詞短語(yǔ)"by the widely-held belief"是被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)"reinforced"的行為主體;"that it is...mankind"是"belief"的同位語(yǔ)從句,這里還含有一個(gè)強(qiáng)調(diào)句式,即"it is not the peaceful application...that is endangering..."。
譯文 這種在發(fā)展中國(guó)家顯得尤為突出的觀點(diǎn)被一種廣泛持有的信念所加強(qiáng),即并非和平利用核能正危害著人類的生存。
2. No girl should marry a man whose last name has the same initial as hers, for, as the rhyme goes, "Change the name but not the letter, marry for worse instead of better."
第一層: No girl 主 should marry 謂 a man 賓 whose last name has the same initial as hers , 定語(yǔ)從句 for, as the rhyme goes, "Change 狀語(yǔ)從句 the name but not the letter, marry for worse instead of better."
第二層: (定語(yǔ)從句) whose 引 last name 主 has 謂 the same initial 賓 as hers 定
(狀語(yǔ)從句) for, 引 as the rhyme goes, 狀 "Change 謂 the name 賓 but 連 not the letter, 賓 marry 謂 for worse instead of better." 狀
要點(diǎn) 這是個(gè)主從復(fù)合句。for是連接詞,引導(dǎo)狀語(yǔ)從句。as the rhyme goes是插入語(yǔ),插在for和它引導(dǎo)的從句之間,造成for和它引導(dǎo)的從句的分離,翻譯時(shí),可譯成一個(gè)主謂結(jié)構(gòu)。
譯文 姑娘不該嫁給與自己的姓的首字母相同的人,因?yàn)檎缫皇淄{所說(shuō):改姓不改首字母,婚后必將受其苦。
3. Nor, if regularity and conformity to a standard pattern are as desirable to the scientist as the writing of his papers would appear to reflect, is management to be blamed for discriminating against the "odd balls" among researchers in favor of more conventional thinkers who work well with the team.
要點(diǎn) 否定詞nor放在句首時(shí),主謂倒裝。is放到了主語(yǔ)management前。同時(shí),if引導(dǎo)的條件狀語(yǔ)從句置于nor與句子的其他成分之間,造成了句子的割裂狀態(tài)。條件狀語(yǔ)從句中as desirable... as the writing...可視為同級(jí)比較結(jié)構(gòu)。句中who引導(dǎo)的定語(yǔ)從句修飾先行詞thinkers,可采用合譯的方法翻譯。be blamed for為固定短語(yǔ),意為"因…而受指責(zé)"。in favor of ...在句中做狀語(yǔ)。
譯文 假如像學(xué)術(shù)論文反映的那樣,科學(xué)家們期望看到與某種標(biāo)準(zhǔn)模式符合的規(guī)律性和一致性。那么,如果管理者們歧視研究者中的"怪杰",而喜歡善于合作的較常規(guī)思維的人,這也是無(wú)可指責(zé)的。
4. I have discovered, as perhaps Kelsey will after her much-publicized resignation from the editorship of She after a build-up of stress, that abandoning the doctrine of "juggling your life", and making the alternative move into "downshifting" brings with it far greater rewards than financial success and social status.
要點(diǎn) 本句中as perhaps Kelsey will...引導(dǎo)的方式狀語(yǔ)從句放到了主句的謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞discovered與that引導(dǎo)的賓語(yǔ)從句之間,從而造成動(dòng)賓之間的分割。as引導(dǎo)的從句中省略了謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞discover,是為了避免重復(fù)。賓語(yǔ)從句中主語(yǔ)為"abandoning...and making..."并列的動(dòng)名詞短語(yǔ);謂語(yǔ)為"bring sth with sth"結(jié)構(gòu),只是因賓語(yǔ)過(guò)長(zhǎng),而把with短語(yǔ)提前了。
譯文 我發(fā)覺(jué),放棄那種"日夜操勞的生活"信念而選擇"放慢生活的節(jié)奏"會(huì)帶來(lái)比金錢(qián)和社會(huì)地位更大的回報(bào)。凱爾西在長(zhǎng)期經(jīng)受巨大壓力后,從惹人注目的《女性》雜志編輯部退出之后,恐怕她也將與我有同樣的感覺(jué)。
5. Such an outcome, if it happens, could cause a political controversy; or it could lead to more power being transferred to the EU in the worst possible circumstances, namely when the Union is deeply unpopular.
要點(diǎn) 這是個(gè)復(fù)合句。條件從句因?yàn)樘?置于主句的主謂之間,造成句子割裂,翻譯時(shí)應(yīng)將從句提到句首。namely when the...unpopular是一個(gè)狀語(yǔ)從句,用來(lái)解釋the worst possible circumstances。the EU: the European Union,歐盟。
譯文 這種結(jié)果一旦產(chǎn)生,就可能引起政治上的爭(zhēng)吵;在最糟糕的情況下,即在歐盟很不得人心的時(shí)候,也可能使更多的權(quán)利落到歐盟手中。
6. That fact, let alone the current division between the 11 euro countries and the four, led by Britain, that have not joined, is likely to mean that the Union should become a multi-system entity, with some countries signing up to everything and others choosing only some things.
要點(diǎn) 句子的主干結(jié)構(gòu)是That fact... is likely to mean that...。with some countries signing up to everything and others choosing only some things是"with +復(fù)合結(jié)構(gòu)"形式,表示伴隨狀態(tài)。短語(yǔ)let alone...not joined置于主謂之間,造成句子割裂,翻譯時(shí)應(yīng)將其還原,放在最后。分詞短語(yǔ)led by Britain和定語(yǔ)從句that have not joined都修飾the four。euro:歐元。multi-:前綴,表示"多…的",如mutilateral,多邊的:multiple,多個(gè)的。
譯文 這一事實(shí)可能意味著歐盟將成為一個(gè)多體系的實(shí)體,其中一些國(guó)家對(duì)每一件事都表示贊同,而另一些則不盡然;更不用說(shuō)以英國(guó)為首的尚未加入歐洲統(tǒng)一貨幣體系的四國(guó)和已經(jīng) 加入這一體系的十一個(gè)歐元國(guó)家之間目前已存在的分歧了。
7. This trend began during the Second World War, when several governments came to the conclusion that the specific demands that a government wants to make of its scientific establishment cannot generally be foreseen in detail.
要點(diǎn) 該句的主干結(jié)構(gòu)是This trend began during the Second World War, when...。when引導(dǎo)定語(yǔ)從句,修飾the Second World War。that the specific...detail是conclusion的同位語(yǔ)從句,在該從句中,主語(yǔ)是 the specific demands of its scientific establishment,that a government wants to make是 demands的定語(yǔ)從句。該定語(yǔ)從句放在其先行詞 demands和 of介詞短語(yǔ)之間,造成句子的割裂。翻譯時(shí),可把被割裂的部分還原。
譯文 這種趨勢(shì)始于第二次世界大戰(zhàn)期間,當(dāng)時(shí)一些國(guó)家的政府得出這樣的結(jié)論:政府要向科研機(jī)構(gòu)提出的具體要求通常是無(wú)法詳盡預(yù)見(jiàn)的。
8. Observations were made of the children at the beginning and at the end of preschool and first grade.
要點(diǎn) 整個(gè)of短語(yǔ)作observations的定語(yǔ),相當(dāng)于Observations of the children at the beginning and at the end of preschool and first grade were made。因?yàn)槎ㄕZ(yǔ)太長(zhǎng),所以將其置于動(dòng)詞之后,以避免句子頭重腳輕。這樣就造成了句子的割裂,翻譯時(shí)應(yīng)將被割裂的部分還原。preschool:學(xué)前的。
譯文 人們對(duì)孩子們?cè)趯W(xué)前班和小學(xué)一年級(jí)開(kāi)始時(shí)和結(jié)束時(shí)的情況都曾進(jìn)行過(guò)觀察。
9. Whether to use tests, other kinds of information, or both in a particular situation depends, therefore, upon the evidence from experience concerning comparative validity and upon such factors as cost and availability.
要點(diǎn) 這是一個(gè)簡(jiǎn)單句。Whether to...situation是本句的主語(yǔ),depends是謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞,兩個(gè)"upon"后面是賓語(yǔ)。availability在句中是指"測(cè)試和信息容易得到或找到"。therefore是副詞,插在depends 和upon...之間,造成它們?cè)诮Y(jié)構(gòu)上的割裂。翻譯時(shí),可把therefore提到句首。
譯文 因此,究竟是采用測(cè)試還是其他種類的信息,或是在某一特定情況下兩者并用,須憑從有關(guān)相對(duì)效度的經(jīng)驗(yàn)中得出的證據(jù)而定,也取決于諸如費(fèi)用和有無(wú)采用的可能性等因素。
10. I have been transformed from a passionate advocate of the philosophy of "having it all", preached by Linda Kelsey for the past seven years in the page of She magazine, into a woman who is happy to settle for a bit of everything.
要點(diǎn) 該句的主干結(jié)構(gòu)是I have been transformed from a passionate advocate of the philosophy of "having it all"...into a woman...。preached by...magazine是過(guò)去分詞短語(yǔ),作the philosophy of "having it all"的定語(yǔ),插在from...into之中,造成了句子的割裂。翻譯時(shí),可把分詞短語(yǔ)譯成一個(gè)分句,其他照原文順序翻譯。
譯文 我從一個(gè)"全力以赴"的生活哲學(xué)--在過(guò)去七年里林達(dá)·凱爾西一直在《女性》雜志鼓吹這種生活方式--的積極倡導(dǎo)者,一改而成為隨遇而安的女人。
第四章 省略
英國(guó)大文豪莎士比亞在他的名著《哈姆雷特》里寫(xiě)過(guò)這么一句名言:Brevity is the soul of wit.(言以簡(jiǎn)潔為貴。)寫(xiě)文章也好,說(shuō)話也好,都要求生動(dòng)活潑,簡(jiǎn)單明了,因此,"簡(jiǎn)潔"乃是一篇好文章的基本要求之一。
文章要做到簡(jiǎn)潔,省略法(Ellipsis)是必用的。
英語(yǔ)句子中的某些成分因上下文已提供了充分明確的信息而不必出現(xiàn),或前面已出現(xiàn)的某些成分,為了避免不必要的重復(fù),可以不再出現(xiàn)而不致引起誤解或歧義,這種語(yǔ)言現(xiàn)象就叫作省略。例如:Glad to see you. 這是個(gè)簡(jiǎn)單句,主語(yǔ)I和謂語(yǔ)am可以省略。再如:London is on the Themes, and Paris on the Seine. 這是一個(gè)并列復(fù)合句,后半句省略了謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞is,因?yàn)榍懊嬉呀?jīng)出現(xiàn)過(guò),后面不必重復(fù)。英譯漢時(shí),為了使譯文明確達(dá)意,符合漢語(yǔ)習(xí)慣,要在正確理解原文的基礎(chǔ)上,對(duì)原文中省略的部分或保留或補(bǔ)全,或?qū)ζ溥M(jìn)行靈活處理。
有人將英語(yǔ)句子中的省略現(xiàn)象歸納為21種,本章只涉及在英語(yǔ)閱讀中常遇到的比較復(fù)雜的省略現(xiàn)象。
1. The transcription needs a certain amount of editing, as even if the computer can tell the difference between words of similar sounds such as write and right, it is still not yet able to do the work as well as an intelligent secretary.
第一層: The transcription 主 needs 謂 a certain amount of 定 editing, 賓 as even if the computer can tell the difference between words of similar 狀語(yǔ)從句
sounds such as write and right, it is still not yet able to do the work as well as an intelligent secretary.
第二層: (狀語(yǔ)從句) as 引 even if the computer can tell the difference between words of similar sounds such as write and right , 狀語(yǔ)從句1 it 主 is 系 still not yet 狀 able 表 to do the work 賓 as well as an inte- lligent secretary . 狀語(yǔ)從句2
第三層: (狀語(yǔ)從句1) even if 引 the computer 主 can tell 謂 the difference 賓 between words of similar sounds 定 such as write and right 同位語(yǔ)
(狀語(yǔ)從句2) as well as 引 an intelligent secretary 主
要點(diǎn) 本句中as引導(dǎo)原因狀語(yǔ)從句,其中該句還帶有一個(gè)由"even if"引導(dǎo)的讓步狀語(yǔ)從句;介詞短語(yǔ)"between words of similar sounds"修飾"difference","such as write and right"修飾"words","as well as..."為同等比較狀語(yǔ)從句,其中省略了與主句相同的部分。intelligent:有才智的;理解力強(qiáng)的。
譯文 譯稿需要一定量的編輯工作,因?yàn)?即使計(jì)算機(jī)能夠區(qū)別同音異義詞,如 write和right,它仍不可能把這項(xiàng)工作做得像有思維能力的秘書(shū)那樣好。
2. If a needle is thrown at random on a sheet of paper ruled with lines whose distance apart is exactly equal to the length of the needle, how often can it be expected to fall on a line and how often into a blank space?
第一層: If a needle is thrown at random on a sheet of paper ruled with lines whose distance apart is exactly equal to the len- 狀語(yǔ)從句 gth of the needle , how often 狀 can 謂 it 主 be expected 謂 to fall on a line 賓 and 連 how often 狀 into a blank space? 狀
第二層: (狀語(yǔ)從句) If 引 a needle 主 is 系 thrown 表 at random 狀 on a sheet of paper 狀 ruled with lines 定 whose distance apart is exactly equal to the length of the needle 定語(yǔ)從句
第三層: (定語(yǔ)從句) whose 引 distance apart 主 is 系 exactly 狀 equal 表 to the length of the needle 賓
要點(diǎn) 這是復(fù)合句。在if引導(dǎo)的狀語(yǔ)從句中,ruled with lines 是過(guò)去分詞,作paper 的定語(yǔ),whose...needle 是 lines 的定語(yǔ)從句,whose distance apart 的意思是"它們之間的間隔"。主句中and 后面是個(gè)省略句,省去了 can it be expected to fall。翻譯時(shí)可將英文的被動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)譯成漢語(yǔ)的主動(dòng)語(yǔ)態(tài)。length:長(zhǎng)度。rule paper with lines:在紙上劃平行線。
譯文 如果把一根針隨機(jī)地投到一張紙上,紙上畫(huà)了許多平行線,它們之間的間隔等于針的長(zhǎng)度,那么針落在線上的幾率是多少?落在空白處的幾率又是多少?
3. All that a man has to say or do that can possibly concern mankind, is in some shape or other to tell the story of his love - to sing, and if he is fortunate and keeps alive, he will be forever in love.
要點(diǎn) 本句是由and連接在一起的并列句。前一個(gè)分句的主干是All...is...to tell the story... - to sing. all后面有兩個(gè)that引導(dǎo)的定語(yǔ)從句,第一個(gè)that從句修飾all,第二個(gè)that指代其前的that從句,翻譯時(shí)可表?xiàng)l件。to sing放在破折號(hào)之后,用以加強(qiáng)語(yǔ)氣,其后可視為省略了賓語(yǔ)the story of his love, to tell和to sing是并列關(guān)系。
譯文 一個(gè)人應(yīng)該說(shuō)的或做的,只要關(guān)系到人類,那么都是以這樣或那樣的形式來(lái)講述乃至謳歌自己的愛(ài)的故事;而且,如果他是幸運(yùn)的、有活力的,他將永遠(yuǎn)是充滿愛(ài)的。
4. As families move away from their stable community,their friends of many years, their extended family relationships, the informal flow of information is cut off, and with it the confidence that information will be available when needed and will be trustworthy and reliable.
要點(diǎn) 本句位并列句,前一個(gè)分句帶一個(gè)As引導(dǎo)的狀語(yǔ)從句, 狀語(yǔ)從句中 move away from 后為并列平行結(jié)構(gòu)their ...,their..., their... 在and后的分句中, the confidence 省略了 "is cut off", it指的是信息被切斷的情況。
譯文 隨著家庭成員與他們穩(wěn)定的社區(qū)、多年的老友和大家庭的親屬關(guān)系相分離,非正式的信息渠道被切斷了,而那種在需要時(shí)就能得到真實(shí)可靠信息的信心也丟失了。
5. And by the help of further reasoning, which if drawn out would have been exhibited in two or three other syllogism, you arrive at your final determination, I will not have that apple.
要點(diǎn) 這是復(fù)合句。主句是you arrive at your final determination。by the help of ... 是介詞短語(yǔ)作狀語(yǔ),which引導(dǎo)的定語(yǔ)從句修飾reasoning。if drawn out 是省略句,用作表示條件的狀語(yǔ)從句,完整的句子是if the reasoning can be drawn out。翻譯時(shí)采用順序法,定語(yǔ)從句采用分句法。syllogism:三段論;演繹推理。
譯文 借助于進(jìn)一步的推理,這種推理如果加以引申,還可表現(xiàn)為其他兩三種演繹推理,你便會(huì)做出最終決定:"我不吃那個(gè)蘋(píng)果了。"
6. It is quite unnerving not to be able to see or to establish contact with the other person, even though we have learnt to have conversations with people we cannot see, as on the telephone.
要點(diǎn) 這是復(fù)合句。主句中 it是形式主語(yǔ),真正的主語(yǔ)是不定式短語(yǔ)not to be able to see or to establish contact with the other person。在狀語(yǔ)從句中as是連詞,意思是"正如…一樣",as 后面省去了we have conversations。翻譯時(shí)采用逆序法,把even though引導(dǎo)的讓步狀語(yǔ)從句放到句首。unnerving:使人不知所措;使人失去自信。
譯文 即使我們適應(yīng)了像打電話一樣在互相看不見(jiàn)的情況下談話,這種看不見(jiàn)或接觸不到對(duì)方的談話也會(huì)使人感到很不自在。
7. Actually we know of no type of astronomical body in which the conditions can be favorable to life except planets like our own revolving round a sun.
要點(diǎn) 這是復(fù)合句。in which引導(dǎo)定語(yǔ)從句,修飾astronomical body。介詞except引起的短語(yǔ)作狀語(yǔ)。在介詞短語(yǔ)like our own后面省略了planet。revolving為現(xiàn)在分詞短語(yǔ)作定語(yǔ),修飾our own planet。翻譯時(shí)根據(jù)漢語(yǔ)習(xí)慣,將狀語(yǔ)提前譯出。
譯文 事實(shí)上,除了像地球這樣圍繞太陽(yáng)旋轉(zhuǎn)的行星以外,我們不知道是否在其他類型的天體上也有適合生命存在的條件。
8. The increase in the numbers of married women employed outside the home in the twentieth century had less to do with the mechanization of housework and an increase in leisure time for these women than it did with their own economic necessity and with high marriage rates that shrank the available pool of single women workers.
要點(diǎn) 這是主從復(fù)合句。其主句的謂語(yǔ)動(dòng)詞是had less to do with... than...,意為"主要與…有關(guān),而不是與…有關(guān)",因?yàn)榫渥咏Y(jié)構(gòu)比較清晰,省略了句子的并列部分,如在had less to do with the mechanization of housework and (with) an increase in leisure time省略了with;在...than it did with their own economic necessity and ( it did ) with high marriage rates省略了it did。句中that引導(dǎo)的定語(yǔ)從句修飾high marriage rates。翻譯時(shí)采用融合法,把重要的部分放在句首。
譯文 20世紀(jì)已婚女性走出家門(mén)參加工作人數(shù)的增加主要是因?yàn)樗齻冏约旱慕?jīng)濟(jì)需要,還與高結(jié)婚率使可參加工作的單身女工人數(shù)減少有關(guān),而與家務(wù)機(jī)械化、婦女空閑時(shí)間增多關(guān)系不大。
9. The European Union is an imperfect creature, with some of its actions based on fine principles of political economy and some on poor ones.
要點(diǎn) 這是簡(jiǎn)單句。句中with some of its actions based on fine principles是獨(dú)立主格結(jié)構(gòu),作狀語(yǔ)。因?yàn)榕c前一部分結(jié)構(gòu)相同,句子后一部分省略了(with)some (of its actions based)on poor ones括號(hào)中的詞。翻譯時(shí)采用順序法,對(duì)省略部分也要進(jìn)行相應(yīng)省略,以使句子表達(dá)簡(jiǎn)潔。
譯文 歐盟是不完善的機(jī)構(gòu),它的一些舉措是基于正確的政治經(jīng)濟(jì)原則之上的,而另一些卻遠(yuǎn)非如此。
10. To Americans, being on one's own suggests that one is a fully independent and functioning part of the whole capable and willing to make choices.
要點(diǎn) 這是復(fù)合句,that引導(dǎo)賓語(yǔ)從句,其中capable and willing to make choices可以被看作賓語(yǔ)從句中的并列表語(yǔ)(其前省略了is)。翻譯時(shí)采用順序法。
譯文 對(duì)美國(guó)人而言,依靠自己的力量就是指這個(gè)人作為整體的一部分是完全獨(dú)立并能起作用的,他有能力也愿意做出選擇。