Practical Translation Course for Graduate English

Author: Xu Jianping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: Translation is both a discipline and a skill. To master this discipline and apply this skill effectively, one not only needs relevant translation theoretical knowledge and an understanding of general translation techniques but also requires solid bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese, along with extensive translation practice. Only in this way can one integrate knowledge from all aspects and handle translation with ease, producing accurate and fluent translations. To some extent, a person's translation ability is not learned in the classroom or cultivated through translation techniques alone; it must be gained through hands-on practice, trial and error, and step-by-step effort to forge one's own path. This textbook is based on such considerations and is designed to cultivate and enhance students' practical skills in English-Chinese translation. Its primary target audience is non-English major graduate students, and it can be used as a follow-up or advanced course in graduate English. It is also suitable for non-English major doctoral students, as well as undergraduate and junior college students of English. The main content of the book comes from the "Advanced Translation" and "Chinese-English Translation" courses taught by the author to graduate and senior undergraduate students at Tsinghua University and Soochow University. Its features include: training centered around examples, emphasis on translation practice, integration of methods and techniques, and the cultivation of hands-on skills.
This textbook is designed to cultivate and enhance students' practical skills in English-Chinese translation. Its primary target audience is non-English major graduate students, and it can be used as a follow-up or advanced course in graduate English. It is also suitable for non-English major doctoral students, as well as undergraduate and junior college students of English. Its features include: training centered around examples, emphasis on translation practice, integration of methods and techniques, and the cultivation of hands-on skills.
The main content of the textbook includes:
1. Basic knowledge and principles of translation;
2. Translation exercises based on various translation methods and techniques;
3. Detailed explanations and analysis of examples and difficulties in English-Chinese translation;
4. Translation methods and exercises for different genres;
5. English-Chinese translation exercises for paragraphs and passages.
The textbook is divided into three parts. Part 1 is the core of the entire textbook. Each unit begins with translation exercises based on examples, featuring English and Chinese short passages or sections that require the application of relevant translation techniques. The translation difficulties are annotated for readers to complete independently (answers are provided at the end of the book). This is followed by explanations and analysis of the translation techniques, along with selected examples.
Part 2 provides general translation methods for different genres, including scientific and technical English, news reports, academic documents, and practical writing for studying abroad. Hints are provided for difficulties in the exercises, along with answers for self-study after class.
Part 3 consists of English-Chinese translation exercises for paragraphs and passages, without annotations or hints, only offering reference translations. The content of each unit is interconnected yet self-contained, with each focusing on specific aspects. The examples and exercises selected in the book are mostly from recently published textbooks, academic works, foreign language magazines, and original books. Some are also from first-hand translation materials, such as: introductions for organizations and individuals, literary works, work reports, abstracts of papers, study abroad applications, personal resumes, self-statements, and recommendation letters.