三 说明文.docVIP

三、说明文 说明文在散文中占有很大比重，就某一主题进行阐述和发挥的一般性文章皆属说明文的范畴。 一般说来，说明文结构严整，逻辑力强，用词精确，翻译时必须把握住这些特征，特别应注意在用词组句上多下功夫。既不可将精练的定义用啰嗦的文字译出，又不可过分求简洁而不能精确地传达出原意。有些富有哲理的警句最难翻译，然而它们又是文章精华之所在，需不断推敲，再三润色。好的译文不仅形似，也能神似，所谓神形兼备，这正是翻译者孜孜以求的境界。 以约翰·亨利·纽曼主教( John Henry Newman ) 的《绅士的界说》(Definition of a Gentleman )一文为例: Hence it is that it is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him; and he concurs with their movements rather than takes the initiative himself. His benefits may be considered as parallel to what are called comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature: like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their par t in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them. The t rue gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast - all clashing of opinion, or collision of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment , his great concern being to make every one at their ease and at home. He has his eyes on all his company; he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd; he can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unseasonable allusions, or topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome. He makes light of favors while he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is confer ring. He never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort; he has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets everything for the best. He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings