Exploration of Parallel Text

Hartmann points out that parallel texts can be categorized into three types. The first type includes translations and original texts that exhibit high formal consistency. The second type consists of translations and original texts that are not completely consistent in form but are functionally equivalent. The third type encompasses different language texts that share certain consistencies in terms of content, subject matter, writing style, communicative situations, and audiences (Hartmann, 1980: 38). In translation practice, mastering parallel texts can be of great help in standardizing language expressions and writing characteristics.

In daily life, we often encounter translations of signs that are both amusing and baffling. For instance, "小心地滑" translated as "slip carefully" is a result of mechanical software translation, which even misinterprets the original meaning in Chinese.

Over the past year, there have been numerous reports on the pandemic. For example, the Russian term «нулевой» пациент, if not looked up, could easily be translated as "zero patient," leading Chinese readers to mistakenly believe there are no patients. A quick search on a Chinese search engine reveals that the correct term is "零号病人," referring to the first patient infected with the disease who began spreading the virus, also known as "初始病例" or "标识病例." Similarly, in the phrase пункт «Вакцинация от COVID-19», the term COVID-19, when translated literally, would be "2019年冠状病毒," but the commonly used abbreviation in Chinese media is "新冠病毒," so this phrase should be translated as "新冠病毒疫苗" (COVID-19 vaccine). Another term, система скринингов, has many possible translations, so it is essential to find the most commonly used expression in Chinese, which is “筛查系统” (screening system). The term ДНК-технология is also a loanword in Russian; in Chinese, it is more commonly referred to as "DNA," rather than its full name "脱氧核糖核酸," hence it should be translated as "DNA技术" (DNA technology).

Additionally, some texts require attention to formatting, such as invitations, notes, and business letters. These texts differ in format between Chinese and Russian, playing a significant role in communication. Any errors in formatting can lead to negative consequences, so it is necessary to understand the corresponding format in the target language before translating.

The essence of translation is to closely adhere to the content expressed in the original text. Therefore, as translators, we should read parallel texts that possess the same communicative functions as the original text prior to translation, thereby expanding our background knowledge. During the translation process, we should imitate the word choice, sentence structure, and style of expression found in parallel texts. After completing the translation, we can compare it with parallel texts to analyze and assess the quality and initial effects of our translation.

◀️：Comparison of Russian and Chinese Syntax

▶️：An Analysis of Methods for Finding Parallel Texts from the Perspective of Translating Film Shooting Tutorials