CHAPTER 6 AND 7

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Chapter 6: On the Use of Redundant Words

This chapter focuses on eliminating unnecessary words in English writing, a common issue in Chinglish. The author categorizes redundant words into types like redundant nouns/verbs, repetitive modifiers, and redundant twins. For example, phrases like "make an improvement" are shown to be wordy and better replaced with simple verbs like "improve." The author emphasizes that redundant words clutter sentences, obscure meaning, and weaken clarity.

A key takeaway is the importance of conciseness. For instance, "current situation" can often be simplified to "situation" since "current" is implied. The chapter also warns against overusing intensifiers like "very" or "completely," which add little meaning. By removing such redundancies, writers can make their English more direct and impactful.

The examples provided, such as revising "living standards for the people" to "living standards," illustrate how cutting unnecessary words improves flow. The chapter reminds readers that good English prioritizes clarity through brevity, urging writers to question whether each word adds essential meaning. This approach not only enhances readability but also ensures ideas are communicated with precision and efficiency.

Chapter 7: The Noun Plague

Chapter 7 critiques the overuse of abstract nouns in Chinglish, which leads to vague and ponderous writing. The author argues that English thrives on verbs and concrete language, whereas Chinglish relies on abstract nouns like "improvement" or "implementation," which weaken sentences.

For example, "the prolongation of the temple’s existence" is better rephrased as "the temple has endured," replacing abstract nouns with active verbs. The chapter highlights how nominalized structures (e.g., "make a decision" instead of "decide") drain vitality from writing. It advises converting nouns to verbs or adjectives to create stronger, more direct sentences.

The author also warns against strings of nouns used as adjectives (e.g., "state assets management institutions"), which confuse readers. Replacing them with prepositional phrases or verbs ("institutions responsible for managing state assets") clarifies meaning.

Ultimately, the chapter advocates for a "verb-based" approach, urging writers to prioritize action and clarity over abstract terminology. By reducing nominalization, translators and writers can make their English more dynamic and accessible, ensuring ideas are conveyed with strength and precision.