英語產(chǎn)生長句的原因我們已有所了解。如果英語長句所敘述的事件是按照時間順序或按照邏輯關系安排的,并與漢語表達方法基本一致時,便可按照原文的順序翻譯。如:
* If such alloys possess other properties which make them suitable for die casting,
(1)
they are obvious choices for the process,
(2)
because their lower melting point will
(3)
lead to longer die lives than would be obtained with allovs of higher melting points.
(4)
分析:如上所示,本句由一個主句和四個從句組成。其句法結構依次是:(1)是 if引導的條件狀語從句,其中包含which引導的定語從句修飾名詞properties, (2)是主句;⑶是because引導的原因狀語從句;⑷是more ...than結構的比較狀語從句。 翻譯時采用順譯法先翻譯第(1)部分:如果這類合金具有使它們適于壓鑄的其他性能,其中的定語從句譯為“的”字結構的定語,即使它們適于壓鑄的;再翻譯第(2) 部分:它們顯然可以被選來用于壓鑄;然后翻譯第(3)部分,即原因從句:因為它們熔點較低,所以……可以延長壓鑄模壽命,注意翻譯原因狀語從句時采用了分譯法,即將其主語部分譯成ー個分句;最后翻譯第(4)部分:比起高培點合金來,并 將此插在原因狀語從句中。
譯文:如果這類合金具有使它們適于壓鑄的其他性能,它們顯然可以被選來用于壓鑄。因為它們熔點較低,比起高熔點合金來可以延長壓鑄模壽命。
However, even if prediction becomes possible,
(1)
people who live in areas
(2)
where earthquakes are a common occurrence
(3)
will still have to do their best to preventdisasters by building structures
(4)
that are resistant to around movement and
(5)
by beinq personally prepared.
(6)