The realization of zero translation largely depends on the translator's experience, knowledge, temperament, aesthetic concept, cultural accomplishment, bilingual level and translation attitude. In addition, the translator should also master some zero translation skills. The author thinks that zero translation can be divided into absolute zero translation and relative zero translation. Absolute zero translation refers to the translatability effect without using the target language vocabulary. There are two common methods: ellipsis translation and transfer translation. Relative zero translation refers to skillfully using the target vocabulary and flexibly expressing the meaning of the source vocabulary. The common methods are transliteration, simultaneous interpretation of sound and meaning, compensation, image translation, literal translation and domestication. The following is a brief introduction of various means to achieve zero translation in English-Chinese translation, with examples.

Ellipsis (ellipsis)

Ellipsis translation means that some words (or components) are essential in English but redundant in Chinese because of the differences in usage between English and Chinese, so it is necessary to omit the untranslated parts in translation to make the translation more rigorous, concise and clear.

For example, at present, Chinese herbal medicine is used to treat hepatitis. They proved to be very active in this disease. At present, Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat hepatitis and proved to be very effective. The experiment achieved good results, which brought him great adventure. The good results in the experiment gave him great encouragement. It didn't snow, the leaves fell from the tree and the grass died. It didn't snow, but the leaves fell and the grass withered. (translated from Thetres)

Transfer (translation)

Transfer translation refers to the direct "transplantation" of words in the source language into the target language. English words translated into "zero" in this way are often seen in Chinese newspapers.

For example, The Century of China was written by John Wiley & Sub-publishing company (Guangming Daily 200 1 Mar. 7, 2008 1 Edition); 1996, China's transition to a country meeting the requirements of IMF8 was 32 years later than that of Japan (Reference News, 8th edition, March 4th, 2006, 5438+0) "; This is a grim period for IT to drive Web and Web to dominate IT. IBM calls it the' e-commerce generation' (Guangming Daily, 3rd edition, February 28th, 2006, 5438+0); Enlighten.com recently launched an online registration campaign for GlobalEnglish in Chinese mainland. The purpose of this activity is to introduce the world's advanced online learning mode into China, and invite "e-Teach2er" home for those who want to learn English. After the course, the students of this website can get an internationally authoritative English certificate, and at the same time get English credits from the famous American school CONTRA COSTA. GlobalEng2lish online English includes general English and business English. (China Education News 200 1 4th Edition on March 24th, 2008) "and so on.

Similar transliteration includes WTO, CD, VCD, DVD, MTV, e-mail, Internet, TMD, IP and so on. , and some special terms. This transliteration method conforms to the progress of the times, the development of society and the further globalization of economy, and also conforms to the trend of more extensive and frequent exchanges between the East and the West, and also reflects the changes brought about by cultural exchanges and mutual influence on language.

Transliteration (translation)

Transliteration is a translation method of translating source words into target words according to pronunciation. This method is often used to translate the names of people, places, brands and some innovative words in the source language.

For example, Owen, Einstein, Bush, Greenwich, Virginia, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Audi, Motorola, Martell, Hacker and cool. Cloning, gene, Boeing 747, Nokia, talk show, etc.

Simultaneous translation of sound and meaning

Phonetic-semantic translation refers to the method of combining the partial pronunciation of the original word with the (partial) meaning of the original word to translate English words into Chinese words.

For example: pickup truck (pickup truck), AIDS (AIDS), yuppie (yuppie), genebank (gene bank), Internet (bungee jumping), Makarina (Makarina dance), Nippon paint (Nippon paint) and mini skirt (mini skirt).

Compensation (supplementary translation)

Compensation translation refers to transliteration of the source word into the target word, which can produce just the right meaning to compensate for the semantic loss caused in the translation process. This translation method can make the target language readers have some associations, thus deepening the understanding and impression of the source language vocabulary. This method is mostly used in the translation of trademark words.

For example, the translation of Coca-Cola into Coca-Cola vividly reminds China readers of the refreshing and pleasant feeling brought by this drink-that is, "delicious" and "coke", and its name actually has a feeling of sudden meeting and silent agreement; Mercedes-Benz's original translation of "Ben Ci" is a pure transliteration with no metaphorical meaning. Later translated into "Mercedes-Benz", it is easy to think of the speed of the car, which is unusual; Head and head. Shoulder shampoo, originally translated as "Helen Sundance", is complicated and unclear. Far less beautiful than the translated "Head & Shoulders", it can better reflect the characteristics of the product. There are Pepsi Cola (Pepsi Cola), Goldlion (Goldlion), Brandy (Brandy), Budweiser (Budweiser), Philip (Philip), Hushubao (Hushubao), Hismanal (Sismin), Nike (Nike), Shufujia (Shufujia) and so on.

Image translation

Image translation refers to the translation method of translating words used to describe the appearance of things in English into Chinese with the help of concrete images.

For example: U-shaped (horseshoe-shaped), parabolic (parabolic), T-shaped bandage (T-shaped band), serrated incision (I-shaped segment), V-shaped band 2ing(V-shaped ligation), Y-shaped graf (Y-shaped transplantation) and claw-shaped foot. Coronary artery (coronary artery), crossshapedplate (cross plate), C net (C net), H column (H pile), J display (J display), Ishapedst ringer (I-shaped longitudinal beam), K-Strout (K column), T nut (T nut), T net (T four-terminal net), etc.

Annotated literal translation

Due to the differences between Chinese and English in religious beliefs, political systems, humanities and history, it is inevitable that there will be a lack of vocabulary caused by cultural differences. In translation, literal translation may make it difficult or impossible for the target readers to understand the information expressed by the source vocabulary, so it is often necessary to make up for the possible loss of the source meaning in the target language by means of annotations.

For example, let the two sides unite and obey Isaiah's orders in all corners of the earth to "lift the heavy burden" ... (and). Let the opposing Gof be free. " No matter where we are on the earth, let us remember the great trust of the prophet Isaiah: "Unload the burden and set all the oppressed free". Isaiah is a prophet, from the Old Testament. He is educated, talented and knowledgeable. Not afraid of power and danger, he predicted that Israel would be saved one day. Kennedy mentioned this name in his short inaugural address, which is self-evident for westerners who believe in Christianity. However, if the book of Isaiah is translated into Isaiah without annotation, China readers will not be able to understand the sense of mission given by God in the source language. Similar translations include: American Dream, Aunt Jemima (Jemima, formerly a black wardrobe lady in American commercials, referring to black women who obey white people), Brompton cocktail (actually referring to cancer painkiller, named after it was first used in Brompton Chest Hospital in London) and so on.

Adapt (adapt)

Domestication translation refers to the method of translating the source language with words that are similar to the expression function of the source language but often have a certain cultural color of the target language.

The famous ball mall (cigarette) is translated into "Shun" brand, which is a typical example. BALL MALL originally meant "stadium", but ball reconciled the sound of "waves" and MALL reconciled the sound of "drowning", and the waves disappeared. Is there any reason why the sea is not calm? And isn't it smooth sailing on a calm sea? Therefore, the translation of BALLMALL into "Shun" accords with China people's psychology of paying attention to "Dashun" and has obvious China cultural color. Another example is e &；; YOU, the brand name of clothing, translated as "Cute Clothes", reminds China readers of the charm that this brand of clothing adds to people. The American sports series "Nike" can be traced back to the Greek goddess. This word was used in the name of a missile in the 1950s, which made the word contain the meaning of speed and power. Translate it into "Nike" to make it durable. The word "gram" contains the meaning of defeating the opponent, winning the game and being invincible, which coincides with the original intention of "goddess of victory".