Discussion on the Key Points and Deficiencies of "A Guide to Chinese-Style English"

"A Guide to Chinese-Style English" is a very useful English textbook, authored by Joan Pinkham. It draws language materials from various newspapers and magazines, analyzing a large number of instances of Chinese-style English, specifically pointing out common mistakes made by Chinese English learners. Whether you wish to make your Chinese-to-English translations more authentic or improve your English writing skills, this book can provide you with a lot of help. However, it is important to note that this book emphasizes clarity and conciseness, so when translating, we should still choose a writing style that aligns with the original text.

1. Refined Language

In this section, the author discusses a major issue in Chinese-style English – the use of redundant words. Many people, due to limitations in their English proficiency or because of exam-oriented learning at school, or even because of differences in thinking between Chinese and English, tend to add many unnecessary words in sentences. The author's stance is that when the original meaning can be preserved, simplicity should be favored. For example, in the phrase "there have been good harvests in agriculture," the author points out that since "harvest" already clearly refers to agriculture, the phrase "in agriculture" can be omitted. However, some argue that with the increased metaphorical use of "harvest," this expression remains precise. In my opinion, given the evolving nature of language and the fact that the book has been around for over twenty years, many expressions can be reevaluated. Another classic example is redundancy, such as in the sentence: "He stressed that all State council departments have an important responsibility in the struggle and said they are in a very important position." The latter part of this sentence can be completely omitted.

2. Sentence Structure

English syntax values logical clarity. Many people write overly long sentences with excessive use of abstract nouns and flowery language, making their writing appear superficial. For instance, a simple statement like "We must improve our work" is needlessly transformed into "We must make an improvement in our work," adding unnecessary complexity. This kind of inflated writing style not only affects native speakers but also distances readers from the text. This trend is prevalent because many organizations and companies strive to sound sophisticated. The author advocates for a clear and concise style of writing, detesting this approach, but we should adopt a balanced perspective and adapt accordingly. Furthermore, this section provides detailed analysis on pronouns, clauses, modifiers, and other areas prone to grammatical errors, offering numerous examples. For more detailed information, one would need to refer to the original book and digest its contents gradually.

In conclusion, with the increasing Westernization of thought, "A Guide to Chinese-Style English" can help us correct the habit of using exaggerated language, rethink the key aspects of English writing and translation, and ultimately enhance our translation skills. The road ahead may be long and arduous, but with patience and diligent study of this book, progress is certain to be achieved.

◀️：Chinese-style expressions in translation

▶️：Translating Global Awareness