科技文献翻译 建筑语言.doc

The language of Architecture author : Ashworth. A (Shaanxi Polytechnic School of Architecture and Civil Engineering Building 071 classes. Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723001) When we speak of a building as expressing this or that we arc clearly assuming that architecture, in addition to its functional tasks, is also a medium of communication. It conveys just as these words printed on this paper, convey-it is hoped-meanings. Of course those who have the meanings to convey- in this case the architects, and those who read the messages must possess some common knowledge of the language being used. For people who have been brought up in the same society this is a simple matter; they acquire their knowledge without effort, just as they learn to speak. A person from another culture say an aboriginal tribesman from the South Pacific, might have the same difficulty understanding our architecture That he has with our language, customs, and moral standards. He probably would not be able to sell a church from a post office. In fact, he would not know what a church is, let alone a post office. But if it is your own culture one you have been raised in and perhaps have had a hand in shaping you not only understand the basic statement made by buildings such as I am a church or I am a gas station, you also Gin read modifying comments and nuances, such as am a refined home. Welcome but do wipe your feet. Or I am a palace. Take off you had and prepare to be frisked, It follows then, that the architect the man who speaks through his building, must be quite clear as to what he wants to say- lest he reveal himself to be a blithering fool, and have a good command of the language so that those who try to understand him -his readers, if you like -will not put him down as a confused illiterate. Language, as we know it consists of symbols- words, sentences gestures, forms—anything that may be put together to communicate. In architecture the symbols are walls, roofs, doors windows, steps, spires- and