辨异、求同、变异——谈翻译的思维结构

翻译并不是两种语言的直接转换,而是需要经由中介对象的间接转换。翻译首先要把原语言转换为非语言符号,即语指对象,然后把语指对象转化为翻译语言。因而,翻译思维首先要辨异,以避免两种语言完全直接＂对等＂转化,导致望文生义、貌合神离;接着要＂求同＂,翻译的目的就是要实现两种语言的等值转换;但＂求同＂只有通过＂变异＂才能实现,要根据具体语境,灵活＂变异＂译语的字词句语法修辞形式,才能实现语效同值。

On the Mode of Thinking in Translation

Rather than a direct transference of two languages, translation is an indirect referent-interfered change. In translation, the source language shall be firstly changed into non-linguistic signs, then into target language. Thus, proper translation mode requires that discrimination be conducted so that complete direct ＂equivalent＂ conversion is avoided, resulting in surface and apparent equivalence. The second is to ＂seek commonality＂ and the aim of translation is to realize equivalent value translation. But ＂commonality seeking＂ can only be done by means of ＂adjustment＂, and pragmatic equivalence translation by the flexible adjustment of the linguistic material in question.