《中式英语之鉴》读书笔记

Steven

Reader: 马鑫
Reading Time: 5.21-6.6
Reading Task: Chapter 7

Summary of the Content:
    Chapter 7 delves into the “noun plague” in Chinglish, highlighting how an over-reliance on nouns in Chinese -to -English translation often results in convoluted, unclear English.
    The chapter first points out the fundamental difference between plain English and Chinglish. Plain English is verb-based, which is simple, concise, and easy to understand. In contrast, Chinglish leans heavily on nouns, especially abstract, general, and redundant ones, making the language complex and hard to follow. For example, sentences filled with abstract nouns like “the prolongation of the existence of this temple” can be simplified to “this temple has endured” by avoiding such noun-heavy structures.
    To combat the “noun plague,” the author provides several practical methods. One common approach is replacing nouns with verbs. This not only shortens the sentence but also makes it more dynamic. For instance, instead of saying “adherence to Marxism,” one can say “adhere to Marxism.” Another method is substituting nouns with gerunds. For example, “economic revitalization” can be changed to “revitalizing the economy.” Additionally, replacing nouns with adjectives or adverbs can also be effective in some cases, which can help to simplify and clarify the meaning of the sentence.
    Throughout the chapter, numerous examples are presented to illustrate these issues and solutions. By showing the contrast between the original Chinglish sentences and their revised versions, the author helps readers better understand how to identify and correct noun - related problems in their translations, aiming to enable them to produce more natural and fluent English.

Evaluation:
    This chapter 7 continues the book’s trademark blend of incisive critique and practical guidance, zeroing in on the “noun plague”—a cornerstone of Chinglish that suffocates clarity through abstract, bloated nominalizations. The author’s writing style here is both diagnostic and prescriptive, akin to a linguistic surgeon: she dissects the pathology of overused nouns with meticulous examples while offering precise “antidotes” to revive lifeless prose. Her tone remains accessible, avoiding academic jargon in favor of relatable analogies that make complex grammatical concepts feel intuitive.  
    The theme revolves around the philosophical divide between “dynamic action” and “abstract nominalization” . The chapter argues that Chinglish’s reliance on nouns like “implementation,” “development,” or “strengthening” strips sentences of vitality and precision. For instance, the Chinglish phrase “the enhancement of educational standards” is recast as “improve educational standards,” replacing a noun-verb combo with a single, active verb. This shift reflects English’s preference for “agentive clarity”—who does what, and how—over Chinese’s tendency to elevate concepts into nominal abstractions. The author frames this not as a flaw in Chinese but as a cultural-linguistic habit requiring intentional adaptation for English audiences.  
    The chapter also touches on “cultural pragmatism”, acknowledging that nominalization has its place in Chinese but emphasizing that English demands a different register. For example, she notes that phrases like “the construction of a harmonious society” sound stilted in English but are natural in Chinese political discourse. The challenge for translators, she argues, is not to mimic Chinese structure but to “transplant the meaning into English’s grammatical DNA”—a task that often requires sacrificing literalism for dynamic equivalence.  
    All in all, it is a rallying cry for “linguistic efficiency”. By exposing the noun plague as both a stylistic vice and a cognitive barrier, the author challenges translators to view verbs not as mere grammatical tools but as vectors of clarity and agency. This blend of linguistic analysis, cultural contextualization, and hands-on strategies cements the chapter as a vital resource for anyone seeking to transform stilted Chinglish into English that “breathes”—a language where actions drive ideas, and ideas land with the force of a verb.

Reflection:
    This chapter, with its focus on the “noun plague,” offers profound insights that extend far beyond the realm of language translation, providing a fresh perspective on communication, problem - solving, and social interactions in our daily lives.
    In personal communication, the overuse of abstract nouns can often lead to misunderstandings and a lack of clarity. Just as Chinglish sentences burdened with excessive nouns become convoluted and difficult to decipher, our conversations can suffer when we rely too heavily on abstract concepts. For example, instead of saying “I need an improvement in our communication,” a more direct and actionable statement like “We should talk more openly” conveys the message more effectively. By reducing the use of nominalizations in our speech, we can make our intentions clearer, avoid confusion, and foster more meaningful connections with others. This principle also applies to written communication, such as emails or text messages. A message filled with abstract nouns like the optimization of our work process" might leave the recipient scratching their head, while “let’s streamline our work process” is straightforward and easy to understand.
    When it comes to social issues and public discourse, the way we frame problems and solutions is crucial. Noun - heavy language can sometimes make social problems seem abstract and insurmountable. For example, discussing “the eradication of poverty” as an abstract noun - based concept may not inspire immediate action. However, stating “We need to create more job opportunities and improve access to education to fight poverty” presents a more tangible and actionable approach. The use of clear, verb - centered language in social discussions can help engage the public, make complex issues more understandable, and mobilize people to take part in solving these problems.
    In conclusion, Chapter 7's exploration of the “noun plague” serves as a powerful reminder that clarity, simplicity, and action - orientation are essential not only in language but also in various aspects of our lives. By being mindful of our language use and favoring verbs over excessive nouns, we can communicate more effectively, solve problems more efficiently, and navigate both personal and social landscapes with greater clarity and purpose.