中式英语之鉴5

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This document provides practical guidance on avoiding unnecessary repetition in Chinese-to-English translation. It distinguishes between dispensable repetitions (redundant terms that can be deleted) and necessary repetitions that can be shortened (logically required references that clutter the text).


For dispensable repetitions, the solution is straightforward: replace duplicates with synonyms or omit them entirely. For example, instead of stating "imported vehicles totalled 960,000 units, compared with the four million vehicles produced in the country," simplify it to "960,000 vehicles were imported, while four million were produced domestically" by using "vehicles" consistently.


When repetition serves a logical purpose but disrupts flow, refine it using:


Pronouns ("do so," "this," "they") to replace nouns. For instance, replace "urban reform will take longer...to show results" with "urban reform will do so."

Summary nouns to condense phrases. Instead of repeating "policy limits and proper style of work," use "these matters."

Acronyms/initials for institutions (e.g., "NPC" for "National People’s Congress") after clarifying them once.

Contextual ellipsis to rely on implied meaning. Phrases like "those policies" often suffice instead of restating lengthy titles.



The key takeaway: English favors conciseness and variation, whereas Chinese often repeats for emphasis or clarity. By pruning redundancy and substituting synonyms, translators can produce texts that feel natural, engaging, and culturally attuned. Overusing repetitive phrasing—common in literal translations—risks alienating readers. Mastery of these techniques ensures translated content balances accuracy with readability, honoring both the source material’s intent and the target language’s rhythms.


From a personal perspective, this approach is essential for bridging linguistic gaps. Literal translations risk sounding mechanical or stilted, whereas strategic repetition reduction enhances flow and engagement. It reflects an understanding that translation is not just about word-for-word conversion but about adapting ideas to resonate authentically in a new linguistic and cultural context.