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汉译英翻译文本材料中的并列句如何处理？

In the process of translating text materials from Chinese to English, handling coordinate sentences can be a challenging task. Coordinate sentences, also known as compound sentences, consist of two or more independent clauses that are connected by coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "but," "or," "for," "nor," "so," and "yet." Properly translating these sentences requires an understanding of the sentence structure, the relationships between the clauses, and the nuances of the English language. Here are some strategies for handling coordinate sentences in Chinese-English translation.

Identify the coordinating conjunctions and their functions
The first step in translating coordinate sentences is to identify the coordinating conjunctions used in the Chinese text. Understanding the function of these conjunctions will help in determining the relationship between the clauses and the appropriate translation in English. For example, "and" is often used to express addition or continuation, while "but" is used to indicate contrast or contradiction.
Preserve the parallel structure
Parallel structure is a key element in English writing, and it should be maintained when translating coordinate sentences. This means that if the original Chinese sentence uses parallel structure, such as "I like apples, oranges, and bananas," the English translation should also follow this structure, "I like apples, oranges, and bananas."
Translate each clause separately
It is important to translate each independent clause separately before combining them. This ensures that the meaning of each clause is clear and that the translation is accurate. Pay attention to the tense, voice, and subject-verb agreement of each clause to maintain consistency in the translation.
Choose the appropriate English conjunction
After translating each clause, choose the appropriate English conjunction to connect them. The choice of conjunction should reflect the relationship between the clauses in the original Chinese text. For instance, if the Chinese sentence uses "but" to express contrast, the English translation should also use "but" or a similar conjunction like "however."
Adjust for natural English flow
English sentence structure and word order may differ from Chinese, so it is important to adjust the translation for natural flow. This may involve reordering clauses, using different sentence structures, or even changing the structure of the sentence entirely. The goal is to create a translation that reads smoothly and naturally in English.
Consider cultural and contextual differences
When translating coordinate sentences, consider any cultural or contextual differences that may affect the translation. Certain expressions or concepts may not have direct equivalents in English, and in such cases, it may be necessary to find a suitable translation that conveys the intended meaning without being too literal.
Review and revise
After translating the coordinate sentence, review the translation for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness. Pay attention to the overall flow of the text and ensure that the translation maintains the intended meaning of the original Chinese sentence.

Here are some examples to illustrate these strategies:

Original Chinese sentence:
我每天早上都起床很早，然后去跑步，锻炼身体。

Translation:
I wake up early every morning and then go for a run to exercise.

Explanation:

The coordinating conjunction "然后" (then) indicates the sequence of actions.
The parallel structure "起床很早" (wake up early) and "去跑步" (go for a run) is preserved in the English translation.
The translation maintains the natural flow of the English language.

Original Chinese sentence:
他既聪明又勤奋，所以总是能取得好成绩。

Translation:
He is both intelligent and diligent, thus he always achieves good grades.

Explanation:

The coordinating conjunction "既...又..." (both...and...) is translated as "both...and..." to preserve the parallel structure.
The conjunction "所以" (thus) is used to connect the clauses and reflect the cause-and-effect relationship.
The translation maintains the natural flow and grammatical correctness in English.

In conclusion, handling coordinate sentences in Chinese-English translation requires careful attention to the structure, meaning, and nuances of both languages. By following these strategies, translators can create accurate and natural-sounding translations that effectively convey the intended message of the original text.