4.3 根据上下文确定词义
思果认为:一个字理想的解释是“在这样一句里是什么意思”。英国伦敦语言学派创始人Firth更是明确指出:Each word when used in a new context is a new word.至于上下文在翻译中的重要性,Newmark的一句话可谓切中要害,他说:Context is the overriding factor in all translation,and has primacy over any rule,theory or primary meaning.下面不妨以英文单词wet为例,看看其在不同的上下文中都有着怎样不同的含义。
原文:Wet paint!
译文:油漆未干!
原文:He was wet to the skin.
译文:他全身湿透了。
原文:She had a wet nurse for the infant.
译文:她给婴儿雇了个奶娘。
原文:If you think I am for him,you are all wet.
译文:如果你认为我支持他,那你就大错特错了。
原文:At that time he was still wet behind the ears.
译文:那时他还是个乳臭未干的孩子。
原文:Some kids usually had wet pants in the kindergarten.
译文:一些小孩在幼儿园里常常尿裤子。
原文:It was rather wet of you to say nothing when you had the chance.
译文:你本来有机会表达意见却没有那样做,真笨!
原文:But Smith showed unexpected strength,especially in the wet districts.
译文:但史密斯表现出不俗的实力,特别是在那些非禁酒地区。
原文:He was such a wet blanket at the party that they never invited him again.
译文:他在聚会上令人扫兴,那之后,大家不再邀请他了。
原文:The driver chose the track which seemed least dangerous,and rejoiced if in wet seasons he reached Washington without miring or upsetting his wagon.
译文:马车夫总是尽量走危险性小的路,如果在下雨天也能安全抵达华盛顿而没有陷入泥坑或翻车,他们便会喜出望外。
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