“八戒”英语翻译技巧之 四戒

英语自学网

　　四、戒主语暗淡
　　主语是句子的灵魂，定住译文的主语是关键的一步棋。主语定偏了，整个句子将显得松散乏力，甚至会误导读者。例如：
　　如果这个问题不解决，势必影响两国的利益。
　　Failure to settle this issue is bound to impair the relations between the two countries seriously.
　　If the problem is not solved, it is sure to affect the interests between the two countries.
　　在上面的两种译文中，显然第一种译文主语选得好，句子流畅。又如：
　　夏威夷的沙滩上，椰影婆娑，海风习习，一妙龄女郎正躺在白色的塑料椅上养神。
　　On the Hawaiian sandy beach, the coconut palms are whirling, the congenialsea breeze is blowing, and a young lady is lying in the white plastic chair resting to restore energy.
　　因为是轻松读本，又是描述性的文字，使用三个主语the coconut palms、the congenial sea breeze、a young lady仍是可取的。
实习编辑：褚萍湘