Tips for Translation

Translation may seem simple, but it actually involves mastering a lot of elements. Translating an article is not just about converting words from one language to another; it also requires considering different cultural backgrounds and the logical structure of the text. So, what should we pay attention to during the process, and how should we approach it?

1. Flexibly Translate Based on Context

Chinese and English differ significantly. Chinese is concise and flexible, often requiring multiple English words to correspond to a single Chinese word. Therefore, it's crucial to consider different contexts and meanings when selecting words. For instance, words like "matter," "problem," "issue," "question," and "trouble" all mean "问题" in Chinese. When translating into English, the most appropriate word should be chosen based on the context rather than being used interchangeably.

2. Translate Fixed Expressions Accurately

Some Chinese names have fixed English phrases, and similarly, English has many idiomatic expressions and fixed collocations. When translating between Chinese and English, it's essential not to translate mechanically but to rely on accumulated knowledge. For example, "黄瓜" is "cucumber," not "yellow melon," "白菜" is "Chinese cabbage," not "white vegetable," and "北京大学" is "Peking University," not "Beijing University."

3. Pay Attention to Tense in Scientific Translation

This issue often arises in Chinese-to-English translation. Unlike Chinese, English has verb tenses. Therefore, translators may forget to translate verb tenses accurately or make tense errors when not considering context or understanding the meaning. When translating, it's important to first scan the entire sentence, grasp the intended meaning, and then choose the appropriate tense based on the hints in the sentence.

4. Understand Cultural Nuances for Natural Translation

To achieve mastery in translation, one must be well-versed in domestic and foreign cultures. This requires not only a high level of proficiency in Chinese language and traditional Chinese studies but also excellent English skills and cultural understanding. Superficial knowledge should be avoided. We can learn from Mr. Shaw-Betts, who lived in China for over half a century and devoted himself to studying local gazettes and old dialects from Shandong to produce accurate translations. He translated a passage from "Water Margin" as follows: "And tossed the pen on the table. He intoned the verses to himself, then downed a few more cups of wine. He was very drunk. Song-J asked for the bill, paid, and told the waiter to keep the change." Through his dedication, his translations of "Water Margin" were both precise and faithful.

◀️：What is Translation and How to Translate Well

▶️：Differences in Writing Styles Between Chinese and German