In a medical paper composed of title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, conclusions and references, the title is often the first part, sometimes even the only part, for readers to browse. Therefore, it is very important to translate the title of a paper accurately, completely, concisely and effectively. There are some common problems in Chinese-English translation of medical papers that need our attention.

The title of 1 is too long.

The title should reflect the essence of the paper with the least words. English composition questions should not exceed 10 ~ 12 English words or 100 English characters (including spaces and punctuation) [1]. The main reason for the long title is that phrases such as research, discussion/preliminary research, experience, observation and significance in Chinese titles have been translated into English word for word, such as research on, research on, exploration on and discussion on. This kind of phrase is considered as redundant "waste words", which affects the conciseness of the title and should be avoided [2]. Even phrases such as "Comparative Research on …… and" Related Research on ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In addition, there are three ways for countable nouns to refer to general things in English: one is to add the definite article the before singular nouns; Second, add the indefinite article a/an before singular nouns; Third, use plural nouns. When translating people or animals as the research object, plural nouns should be used as much as possible in order to reduce redundant words and ensure concise titles. For example: patients, children, infants, newborns, rats, mice, guinea pigs.

2 word order error

Besides vocabulary, there are also differences in word order between Chinese and English in terms of expression. For example:

Diagnostic value of (1) specific anti-myocardial antibody in children with myocardial diseases

(Method) (Object) (Purpose)

Diagnostic value of specific anti-cardiac autoantibodies

(objective) (method)

Children with cardiomyopathy

(object)

(2) Investigation of pinworm infection among children in Pudong kindergarten in Shanghai.

(Location) (Object) (Purpose) (Method)

Investigation on Enterobius vermicularis infection among kindergarten children in

(Method) (Purpose) (Object)

Pudong, Shanghai

(location)

(3)1investigation and analysis of measles outbreak among children in Yunxi area in summer of 1996.

(Time) (Place) (Object) (Purpose) (Method)

Analysis of measles outbreak in children

(Method) (Purpose) (Object)

1996 Yunxi in summer

(location) (time)

If we only pay attention to the differences between Chinese and English words and ignore the differences in word order, then the translated titles are English words and Chinese word order. For example, the literal translation of the above example (3) is:1Analysis on the outbreak of epilepsy and measles among children in Yunxi in summer of 1996.

When translating Chinese titles, we should also pay attention to the order of modifiers and modifiers. Generally speaking, modifiers should follow the modified word closely to make the meaning clear. If you don't pay attention, sometimes you will make jokes. For example [3]:

Mechanism of (1) inhibiting non-metastatic tumor in mice

(modifier)

Induced by Newcastle disease virus

(modifier phrase)

To modify the mechanism of inhibiting non-communicable pneumonia induced by Newcastle disease virus in mice.

The original sentence gives people the illusion that Newcastle disease virus can induce mice, but in fact, this virus induces pneumonia rather than mice.

(2) The original sentence uses antigens isolated from monkeys.

(modifier)

Complement fixation technique

(modifier phrase)

Isolation of antigen from monkeys by complete immobilization technique

The original sentence gives people the illusion that monkeys can actually use complement fixation technology

(3) the original judgment of neonatal multiple infections

(modifier)

Due to implantation

(modifier phrase)

Staphylococcus aureus 502A

Modify the sentence "Multiple infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus 502a in newborns"

The original sentence gives people the illusion that the implantation of Staphylococcus aureus can lead to the arrival of a newborn.

What is discussed above are some common problems in Chinese-English translation of medical papers. I hope it can attract the attention of translators, authors and magazine editors of medical papers.

[Reference essay]

[1] Mimi Z. Writing essentials of biomedical research papers. Health professional departments in mcgraw-hill companies [M], 199 1, 124~ 126.

[2] day RA. How to write and publish scientific papers: Appendix 4: Words and expressions to be avoided [M]. Second edition. Philadelphia: ISI publishing house, 1983, 166~ 169.

[3] day RA. How to write and publish scientific papers: how to prepare the title [M]. Second edition. Philadelphia: ISI publishing house, 1983, 17~ 18.