Unit7文献阅读与翻译第7章.ppt

* Translation Skills:Passive Voice UNIT7 Definition The wide use of the passive is considered to be one of the outstanding features of the English language, especially in its scientific documents. And the following is a typical example: in a short section of 14 predicate verbs, the passive accounts for 13! Definition As oil is found deep in the ground its presence cannot be determined by a study of the surface. Consequently, a geological survey of the underground rock structure must be carried out. If it is thought that the rocks in a certain area contain oil, a “drilling rig” is assembled. The most obvious part of a drilling rig is called “a derrick”. It is used to lift sections of pipe, which are lowered into the hole made by the drill. As the hole is being drilled, a steel pipe is pushed down to prevent the sides from falling in. If oil is struck a cover is firmly fixed to the top of the pipe and the oil is allowed to escape through a series of valves. Generally speaking, the passive voice is preferable on the following occasions : (1) When the person doing the action is unknown or cannot be readily stated, e.g.: We are kept strong and well by clean air. 洁净的空气使我们身体健康。 (2) When the person doing the action is known but need not be mentioned, e.g.: Visitors are requested not to touch the exhibits. 观众请勿抚摸展览品。 (3) When the person doing the action is emphasized for some special purpose，e.g.: The three machines can be controlled by a single operator. 这三台机器可以由一人单独操纵。 (4) When it is used as a stylistic device or for the sake of politeness, e.g.: Details of other techniques used to preserve corroded artifacts can be obtained from numerous books and articles. 通过阅读大量的书籍和论文，便能获得有关保存受腐蚀器件的其他技术细节。 In Chinese the passive voice is less commonly used in comparison with that in English on account of the flexible syntax of the Chinese language. Therefore, in E-C translation, we should avoid sticking to the original patterns. Instead, we s