A Report On The E-C Translation Of Passive Sentences In Mechanical Text

This paper involves a report on Chinese translation of passive sentences in mechanical text,which is selected from Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 in the book Linear Control Systems.The source text mainly describes the basic working principles,common methods of analysis and design in the automatic control system.There exist great differences between English and Chinese passive sentences.In the translation process,it is a major difficulty for the author that how to translate English passive sentences into Chinese.Therefore,the author selects the Chinese translation of passive sentences as the main content of this report.The Chinese translation of this text can help provide advanced foreign learning materials for students who major in mechanical and electric engineering,enrich the teaching content,and promote the international development of domestic teaching level.Adopting the method of case study from the perspective of Skopos theory,the author analyzes the translation of passive sentences in Linear Control Systems.This report consists of five chapters.The first chapter involves task description,including the research background and significance,text analysis and structure of this paper.Chapter two introduces the whole translation process from three aspects:pre-translation preparation,implementation of the task and post-translation revision.The third chapter mainly illustrates the translation theory.In this chapter,it firstly reviews the four phases of Skopos theory in its development and the representative scholars with different ideas.Besides,it points out that the core of Skopos theory is that the translator needs to select specific translation methods according to specific purposes.Finally,it focuses on the application of three rules in Skopos theory to this translation practice.In chapter four,by analyzing concrete examples,the author classifies the translation methods of passive sentences in mechanical text into three types:converting into active sentences,passive sentences,special patient-subject sentences and subjectless sentences.Specifically speaking,(1)From the perspective Coherence Rule in Skopos theory,most passive sentences are translated into active sentences in Chinese,in which active sentences are widely used.And this type can be further divided into three minor ones:preserving the original subject,converting into object and adding a suitable agent in Chinese.(2)Guided by Fidelity Rule,the passive sentences in English should be kept in Chinese when passive meaning is emphasized.In particular,passive sentences in Chinese contain sentences with passive markers and those without markers.(3)Under the joint instruction of Skopos rule an d Coherence rule,passive sentences in English can be translated into special patient-subject sentences in Chinese when the concept,property or state of the substance is stressed;And the passive sentences can be converted into subjectless sentences in Chinese when it is unnecessary to describe the performer of the action.Chapter five is a summary of the report,including the major findings,limitations and some useful suggestions for future study in relevant texts.Through this translation practice,the author concludes three points:Firstly,passive sentences are frequently used in mechanical text.Secondly,three principles in Skopos theory play a crucial guiding role in the translation of passive sentences,among which the Coherence rule is the most important.Thirdly,translation involves the conversion of two different languages,and the translator should constantly improve his/her bilingual ability.