在英语表达中有些表达形式上虽然是肯定的,但其深层含义却具否定意味,这就要求译者“灵敏而准确地”感受这种实质,通过反向思维,寻求汉语中相等的否定形式。例如:
I have read your articles. I expected to meet an old man.
Expect 本身不存在肯定或否定意味。然而,从整体情景来看,本句确实隐含着一种否定的意味。倘若拘泥于形式上的一致性,就会译成:
“我读过你的文章,我以为我会碰到一位更老的男人。”
但是,它却有着“言外之意”,只有从反面着笔,才能真正传递了原文的精神,较为贴切的译文应该是:
“我读过你的文章,想不到你这样年轻。”
准确感知原文的肯定意义和否定意义,需要进行实际训练,准确表达肯定意义和否定意义更需要培养反向思维的能力。我们来看看下面这些句子:
1.Nasser was astonished; this was the first time he had heard of any special fund.
2.All music is alike to him.
3. I felt sure that I could be a grownup if only my parents would get out of my way.
4. I was astonished to hear Mr. McKenzie say, “The job is yours. Start June 1. I pay $60 a month and room and board.”
参考答案:
1. 纳赛尔大吃一惊,他从未听说过有什么特别基金。
2. 他不懂音乐。
3. 我肯定,只要父母不阻挠,我一定可以做个大人。
4. 我真没想到麦肯济先生会说:“你来干这活吧。六月一日开始。我每月给你六十元,管吃住。”