2015年12月英語四級翻譯練習:開學經濟
2.第2句中的“新學期的‘三件套’”如果逐字對譯為the new term three-piece suit,則語義關系表達得不夠清晰,宜譯為three-piece suit to start a new term,譯文中增譯了so called(所謂的,所說的),恰當地表示出原文中雙引號的意味。
3.第4句中的“相關學者”表達為scholars concerned,定語concerned要置于被修飾詞之后才表示“相關的”,如果前置則意為“擔優的,如a concerned expression on her face(她臉上擔憂的表情)。
4.最后一句中的“如果孩子想花更多錢或生活得更好”可以直譯為這也呀wantedto spend more and live a better life,但考慮到“中文多用動詞,英文多用名詞”的表達特點,可將其譯作if they wanted higher consumption and a better life,這樣更符合英語表達習慣。“則需要他們自己去掙錢實現”,宜承前一分句 ;用“孩子”作主語,使譯文表達更流暢,并相應地采用被動語態,譯為children were expected to earn money by themselves.
參考譯文
Every year, as the new school term for colleges and universities in China is approaching, parents are busy buying all kinds of items for their children. Laptop, mobile phone and bank cards are the so-called three-piece suit for many freshmen to start the new term. Some students also prepare cameras, game players and other trendy products. Scholars concerned claimed that those students spent too much. Some parents said that they would satisfy children's basic needs, but if they wanted higher comsumption or a better life, children were expected to earn money by themselves.