做好翻譯的第一步是準確理解原文,這是翻譯過程中最基本的一個步驟,但也是不容易掌握的一步,問題就是很多情況下理解止乎于表層意義,感性上理解了,但其內涵還是模糊的,容易糾結于某個詞表層意思的翻譯。這種情況在從母語譯入外語的時候最容易出現(xiàn),主要原因是對母語已經有了先入為主的印象,往往就不再仔細地琢磨其內涵,注意力會直接放在具體詞語的翻譯上,在感性理解的基礎上進行翻譯。如果外語的語感不強,感覺不到譯文的不當,往往就會出問題。因此,對翻譯認知的理念和方法,在宏觀層面的討論是必要的,但是在具體操作的層面也不可忽視。這一期我們繼續(xù)討論常用動詞的翻譯方法。
1. 配套
《現(xiàn)代漢語詞典》第7版關于“配套”的基本釋義是:把若干相關事物結合成一整套。從具體使用的角度來看,也有進一步的意思,即事物與環(huán)境和條件相互協(xié)調,或者提供相關的設施或服務,滿足人們的需要。先看看配套的基本含義:“把若干相關事物結合成一整套”。
孩子們正在幫年邁的父母找一個配套設施齊備的養(yǎng)老院。
The children are searching for a nursing home with all the necessary amenities for their aging parents.
中國利用外資的優(yōu)勢是很明顯的,中國有完善的產業(yè)配套能力,而且還有14億人口的大市場。
China has obvious strengths as a destination of foreign direct investment, with its complete and comprehensive industrial systems and a huge domestic market of 1.4 billion people.
團隊制定綜合配套改革總體方案,用了整整六個月時間。
The team spent a full six months developing a master plan for integrated and comprehensive reform.
汽車產業(yè)配套能力是汽車產業(yè)發(fā)展的重要基礎。
A complete supply chain is an important foundation for the growth of the automobile industry.
這幾個例句中,“配套”符合其基本釋義,“把若干相關事物結合成一整套”,應該是對結果的一個描述,各方面的內容形成一個“配套”的整體?!芭涮自O施齊備”,重點是各種設施齊備;“產業(yè)配套能力”,也就是產業(yè)鏈比較完備;配套改革,也就是各種改革措施相互配合、全面改革的意思。在這些句子里,“配套”基本表達“全面”或 “一整套”的意思,因此對應地將“配套”的字面意思翻譯出來不容易,也沒有必要。再看看下面這些例句:
他宴請客人用的餐具十分華貴,臺布也是配套的。
He used expensive tableware for the dinner in honor of his guests, and the tablecloth matched perfectly.
很多客戶買了車,還要買與之配套的行李箱。
Many people bought a car, and the matching suitcase to go with it.
我們公司不大,但是產品質量穩(wěn)定,為多家大公司配套供貨。
As a small company, we make products with consistent quality, and we are a supplier to many large companies.
他本來想在這個小鎮(zhèn)建廠,但是因為距離配套產業(yè)太遠,技工不好找而作罷。
He wanted to build his factory in this small town, but had to abandon the idea because it was a little too far from his suppliers and skilled workers were difficult to come by.
金融部門下一階段的改革需要徹底解決中小企業(yè)發(fā)展的金融配套問題,扶持中小企業(yè)長期發(fā)展。
As the financial sector moves into the next phase of its reform, it is imperative to find a permanent solution to the funding challenges of SMEs, thereby facilitating their long-term growth.
開發(fā)區(qū)通過企業(yè)所得稅優(yōu)惠政策、技術資金配套支持等措施,鼓勵外商投資。
The development zone encourages foreign investment through measures such as preferential policies for corporate income tax and separate funding support for technology.
目前積極推動的是以建立農村社會保障制度為重點的配套改革。
Vigorous (Additional) reform efforts are being made to establish a rural social security system.
這些例句里面的“配套”,似乎都有一個“配套”的對象,與之協(xié)調,或提供支持。這是“配套”的另外一層意思。同一個動詞,在用法上有不同的層面,意思各有側重,因此需要根據(jù)具體語境采用不同的表述方法。
2. 配合
《現(xiàn)代漢語詞典》第7版關于“配合”的釋義是:各方面分工合作來完成共同的任務。對這個詞的內涵,基本可以理解為“合作”,因此在翻譯理解方面一般不會有什么問題,但根據(jù)具體語境,翻譯的表述方法可以多種多樣。
我們小組領到的任務很艱難,團隊成員之間要好好配合,才能完成這項任務。
Our group was given a tough job, and we had to work together seamlessly before we could pull it off.
這個項目你們是主力,我們盡力配合你們。
You guys are taking the lead on this project, and we’re here to support you in any way we can.
這個球隊球員的水平比較平均,但善于打配合。
The players may not be individually the most skilled, but they play exceptionally well as a team.
他們一個唱紅臉,一個唱白臉,兩個人配合默契。
They are playing good cop and bad cop, and they seem to be doing a very good job at it.
家長要配合學校,培養(yǎng)孩子的學習興趣和習慣。
For the children to develop a love of learning, parents and schools need to work together.
王導一點架子沒有,跟粉絲拍照非常配合。
Director Wang is a humble person, and happily poses in photos with fans.
這個項目雖然資金已經到位,但具體的實施還需要地方政府的配合。
The project is funded, but we still need the local government on board for its implementation.
生了病不可怕,只要樹立起戰(zhàn)勝疾病的信心,積極配合治療和護理,就能夠早日康復。
It is not the end of the world if you fall ill. You will be back on your feet in no time if you stay confident and follow the doctor’s advice in your treatment.
上面例句中的“配合”,有些用cooperate或者work together當然也沒有問題,但有時候也不用緊扣字面的意思,通過句子結構和情景的配合,采用不同的措辭也能把“配合”的內涵表述清楚。
3. 圍繞
《現(xiàn)代漢語詞典》第7版對“圍繞”的解釋是:以某個問題或事情為中心。在具體使用時,“圍繞”常常用于事件或活動的主題或焦點,也可以說明行動或計劃的目標或目的,例如:
小說圍繞一個愛情故事展開。
The novel develops around a love story.
會議圍繞第四季度的銷售任務進行了熱烈的討論。
The meeting had a heated discussion on (around) the sales targets for the fourth quarter.
今后兩年我們要圍繞節(jié)能減排做一篇大文章。
We will implement ambitious plans for energy conservation and emission reduction for the next couple of years.
警察正在圍繞這個事件展開深入調查。
The police are conducting a thorough investigation into this incident.
小組成員要圍繞百姓利益開展專題調研,加強民生監(jiān)督。
Members of the group need to conduct investigations focused on livelihood so that they can more effectively exercise oversight in the interest of people’s welfare.
緊緊圍繞高質量發(fā)展這個首要任務,全力以赴抓項目、拓市場、穩(wěn)增長。
We will spare no efforts in improving project delivery, developing new market, and ensuring stable growth, all for the ultimate goal of high-quality development.
他率領一個科研小組圍繞“人工智能發(fā)展生產力”進行研發(fā)。
He is leading a research team to investigate the potential of AI in driving productivity.
這些句子中的“圍繞”對象都是事件的主題或焦點。另外,“圍繞”也可以表示人與人之間的關系:
回到家鄉(xiāng),和家人圍繞在一起,感到非常治愈。
It was such a heart-warming experience to be back home and spend time with my family.
他從小生活在一個大家庭里,被濃濃的親情圍繞著。
He was bathed in love growing up in a big family.
退休的他很寂寞,沒有文件看,沒有會議開,也沒有人圍繞在身邊。
He feels lonely as he begins his retired life, with no files to read, no meetings to attend, and no one around him.
4. 激發(fā)
《現(xiàn)代漢語詞典》第7版關于“激發(fā)”的解釋是:刺激使奮發(fā)。與之比較對應的英文動詞應該是stimulate,或者inspire。可以與“激發(fā)”搭配使用的名詞很多,但總體上來看,可以從過程或者結果的角度去理解。先看看以動作或過程為主的例句:
人工智能的發(fā)展,激發(fā)了人們對人類社會發(fā)展的極大想象力。
AI has greatly ignited people’s imagination of future societies.
校長的話不多,但說得有力,卻大大激發(fā)了學生們的學習熱情。
The principal didn’t say much, but his words were powerful and greatly inspired the students’ passion for learning.
第一階段研究順利完成,激發(fā)了團隊對提前完成任務的信心。
The first phase of research was a success, which has boosted the team’s confidence in completing the project ahead of schedule.
要激發(fā)經營主體活力,持續(xù)提振市場信心。
Continuous efforts need to be made to stimulate business vibrancy and enhance market confidence.
向海圖強,激發(fā)藍色經濟新動能。
We will take actions to explore maritime resources and create a blue economy as a new driver to development.
這幾句的結構都與“激發(fā)”的動賓結構對應,表述了一個動作過程,但具體的選詞根據(jù)不同的語境有所變化。再看看下面幾個例句:
全心投入自己喜歡做的事情中,可以激發(fā)難以想象的潛能。
Pouring your heart into your passions will bring out your potential in unexpected ways.
困難的時候,暴露了人性的弱點,也激發(fā)了人們的美德。
Tough times bring out the worst and the best in human beings.
他的行為極大地激發(fā)了公眾的憤慨。
What he did has angered the public immensely.
這幾個例句中,雖然也是verb + object的動賓結構,但表述的不是動作過程,而是直接描述“激發(fā)”造成的結果。
再看看下面幾句:
用這些顛覆性的思維模式能夠激發(fā)我們的創(chuàng)造力和創(chuàng)新思維。
We will be more creative and innovative in our thinking if we choose to think out of the box.
很多人這本書第一章還沒看完,感情就激發(fā)出來了。
Many people got excited about the book before they had even finished the first chapter.
飛人博爾特的表現(xiàn)激發(fā)了他一腔熱血,但現(xiàn)實又是很殘酷的。
He felt a surge of ambition as he watched Usain Bolt’s great performance, but reality proved that was too high a bar to reach.
新政策出臺,激發(fā)了大學畢業(yè)生創(chuàng)新創(chuàng)業(yè)積極性。
With the new policy in place, there is now a greater enthusiasm among college graduates for innovation and entrepreneurship.
這幾句的處理方式與上面又有不同,是通過結構形式表示“激發(fā)”的因果關系,沒有采用對應的動賓結構。當然,這只是為了表明采用其他翻譯方式的可能性,并不是說這種情況下一定不能使用動賓結構。
* 美國明德大學蒙特雷國際研究學院高級翻譯學院教授,本刊顧問。