1单元3. Linguistic Features of Scientific Literature

Syntactically, scientific literature has rigorous grammatical structures, and in

most cases is rather unitary. Morphologically, scientific literature is featured by high

specialization, the use of technical terms and jargons, unambiguous implication and

the fixed sense of the word.

2. Principles or Criteria of Translation

Whenever principles or criteria of translation are under discussion in China, Yan

Fu’s “three-character guide”--xin, da, ya, namely, “faithfulness (信), expressiveness

(达), and elegance (雅)”, which was first proposed in 1898, would evoke controversy.

Despite a variety of opinions, two criteria are almost unanimously accepted by

all, namely, the criterion of faithfulness/accuracy (忠实/准确) and that of

smoothness (流畅). We may also take these two criteria as the principles of scientific

literature translation. By faithfulness/accuracy, we mean to be faithful not only to the

original contents, to the original meaning and views, but also to the original form and

style. By smoothness, we mean not only easy and readable rendering, but also

idiomatic expression in the target language, free from stiff formula and mechanical

copying from dictionaries.

3. Literal Translation and Free Translation

Literal translation (直译) and free translation (意译) are two dynamic

approaches in dealing with such awkward situations.

For example, crocodile’s tears (鳄鱼的眼泪), armed to the teeth (武装到牙齿),

chain reaction (连锁反应), gentlemen’s agreement (君子协定), and so on. Similarly,

some Chinese idioms also find their English counterparts through literal translation.

For example, 纸老虎 (paper tiger),一国两制 (one country, two systems ), and so

on.

Adam’s Apple 喉结at sixes and sevens 乱七八槽It rains cats and dogs. 大雨

滂沱Don’t cross the bridge till you get to it. 不必担心过早。 (不必自寻烦恼。)Do

you see any green in my eye? 你以为我是幼稚可欺的吗?

In the application of literal translation, we should endeavor to rid ourselves of

stiff patterns and rigid adherence to translation rules, trying to be flexible; while in

the practice of free translation, we should be cautious of subjectivity, avoiding

groundless affirmation or arbitrary fabrication. In actual practice, we often alternate

or combine these two approaches instead sticking to either.

Special Attention: The Translation of Documentation

In order to expand his/her scope of knowledge, a conscientious translator

should always do two things on his/her own: (1) constantly exposing himself/herself

to various reading materials, various documents etc. on all subject relevant to his/her

work; (2) conscientiously consulting the relevant background materials or referential

materials on the subject dealt with by the text so as to keep up with the latest

development of science and technology.

1. Put the following sentences into Chinese, using either literal or free translation.

1) 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;

it was the season of the Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of