1.词义的选择
英汉两种语言都有一词多类和一词多义的现象。翻译时首先应该根据句法结构判明一个词在原句中属于哪一词类,然后进一步确定词义。
如英语的record可作动词,也可作名词:
I record all my thoughts in a notebook. (动词)
我在笔记本上记下我所有的想法。
I'll bring you some records next time. (名词)
下次我给你带一些唱片来。
汉语的“书”字,既可作名词,也可作动词:
你读过多少书?(名词)
How many books have you read?
振笔直书。(动词)
Take up the pen and write vigorously.
即使词类不变,一词多义也是很常见的。因此,译者在确定词类的基础上,应根据上下文来确定其确切的含义。越是简单的词,其释义和搭配越多。如take,在《英汉大词典》里,仅作为及物动词就有37项释义,作为不及物动词有15项,作为名词有12项,再加上几十个搭配词组就更多了。在《现代汉语词典》中,“走”字的释义有9项,搭配词组有61项。
现以英文的help作动词为例,看看在不同的上下文里会有多少不同的译法:
He helped sweep the floors of the waiting rooms.
他帮助打扫了候车室。
The government needs to help the needy.
政府要救济穷人。
Trade helps the development of industry.
贸易促进工业的发展。
I couldn't help crying.
我忍不住哭了。
This organization may be able to help you with such information.
这个组织也许能为你提供这类信息。
Maybe it would help if you took some adult education courses.
你要是学点成人教育课程也许会有好处。
This room is so depressing — I suppose new curtains would help.
这房间让人觉得压抑——我想换上新窗帘会觉得好些。
I helped Oakley inside.
我扶奥克利走进去。
Can you help me with this case please?
请帮我抬一下这箱子好吗?
Can I help you to some more meat?
给你再来点肉好吗?
Mr. Stokes helped himself to some more rum.
斯托克斯先生又自己动手斟了些朗姆酒。
He's been helping himself to the contents of the till again!
他又在偷账台抽屉里的钱了!
Humor often helps a tense situation.
幽默常能缓和紧张局面。
A: Do you let your holiday cottage?
B: Oh yes, it helps with the upkeep.
甲:你出租你的度假别墅吗?
乙:是啊,这样可以贴补房屋的保养费。