汉译英翻译文本材料中的语态如何处理？
In the process of translating text materials from Chinese to English, the handling of grammatical voice is a crucial aspect that requires careful consideration. The choice between active and passive voice can significantly impact the clarity, style, and effectiveness of the translation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to handle the translation of text materials in terms of grammatical voice.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the differences between active and passive voice. In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, while in the passive voice, the subject is acted upon. For example, in the active voice, "I write a letter" emphasizes the action performed by the subject "I," whereas in the passive voice, "A letter is written by me" shifts the focus to the action being performed on the subject "a letter."
When translating from Chinese to English, the following guidelines can help in determining the appropriate use of active and passive voice:
Maintain the original meaning and style: The primary goal of translation is to convey the same meaning as the original text while maintaining its style. If the original text uses active voice, it is generally advisable to retain this style in the translation. Conversely, if the original text employs passive voice, it should be translated accordingly.
Consider the context: The choice between active and passive voice often depends on the context in which the sentence is used. For instance, in scientific and technical writing, passive voice is often preferred to emphasize the action rather than the doer. In contrast, in narrative or persuasive writing, active voice may be more effective in engaging the reader.
Clarity and conciseness: Active voice tends to be more direct and concise, making the text easier to read and understand. If the original text is written in active voice and the translation maintains this style, it can enhance the clarity of the English text. However, in some cases, a passive voice might be necessary to avoid ambiguity or to provide additional information.
Subject-verb agreement: When translating from Chinese to English, it is crucial to ensure subject-verb agreement. In passive voice sentences, the subject and the verb may not always agree in number. For instance, "The experiment was conducted by the researchers" is grammatically correct, while "The experiments were conducted by the researchers" would be incorrect.
Cultural and stylistic considerations: The choice of voice can also be influenced by cultural and stylistic preferences. In some cultures, passive voice is more common in formal or official documents. It is essential to be aware of these preferences and adapt the translation accordingly.
Here are some specific examples to illustrate the translation of active and passive voice from Chinese to English:
Active voice: "The company has developed a new product." (原句：公司研发了一款新产品。)
Passive voice: "A new product has been developed by the company." (原句：新产品被公司研发了。)
Active voice: "The student studied hard and passed the exam." (原句：学生努力学习，通过了考试。)
Passive voice: "The exam was passed by the student due to his hard work." (原句：学生因为努力学习，所以通过了考试。)
In conclusion, the handling of grammatical voice in the translation of text materials from Chinese to English is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the original meaning, context, clarity, and style. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, translators can ensure that their work effectively conveys the intended message while maintaining the original voice of the text.
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