Reading Notes on Part Two

六六七

Reader: 王加琴
Reading Time: 54 days
Reading Task: Part Two (Sentence Structure)
Summary of the Content:
This part diagnoses and corrects structural faults in Chinese-to-English translations that block clarity and idiomatic flow. It systematically addresses six key issues, including the noun plague, pronouns and antecedents, the placement of phrases and clauses, dangling modifiers, parallel structure, and logical connectives.
Evaluation:  
This part has many strengths. Firstly, its categorization transforms abstract “awkwardness” into actionable rules. Side-by-side examples (A/B versions) offer immediate clarity to restore verbal dynamism. Besides, exercises enhance theoretical concepts. The “Pronouns and Antecedents” focuses on number agreement, resolving a chronic error in Chinglish. Lastly, it highlights how Chinese syntax fuels English structural errors, as seen in dangling modifiers.  
However, there are some limitations. Some rules ignore stylistic flexibility in native English. For example, absolute avoidance of “and” to start sentences may erase intentional rhetorical rhythm. Nominalizations can also be functional in academic or legal texts where passivity is conventional.  
Reflection
Firstly, I now streamline technical documents. This regulates the “Noun Plague” that identified as unique error in L1-influenced translations. The parallel structure is now ingrained. I routinely examine sentences.  
Besides, misplaced modifiers can cause diplomatic misunderstandings. We must ensure temporal precision in international collaborations. The “Pronouns and Antecedents” reveals how Chinese null-subject sentences cause ambiguous “it/they” in English. choosing explicit antecedent is now my priority.  
Finally, while the structural precision eliminates Chinglish, the strict adherence to concision risks erasing culturally delicate expressions. For instance, Chinese rhetorical repetition may convey collective resolve, but this part would reduce it. Balancing idiomatic clarity with cultural authenticity remains a subtle field.