基于可比语料库的英语译文词义泛化研究

Lexical Preference of Translational English: A Comparable Corpus-based Study

本研究基于可比语料库,从实词的熟悉度、具体化程度、意象性、多义性四个语义维度,对比了英语译文与原创英文中的词义抽象度情况。数据显示,英语译文在实词熟悉度上取值明显偏高,在具体化程度、意象性方面取值偏低。这些从正反两方面揭示出英语译文用词抽象、概括的显著特点。

This article reports on the findings of a comparable corpus-based study that compares translational and original English in terms of the semantic dimensions of their content words. The two types of texts in question differ from each other in their verbal choices. And the differences in familiarity, concreteness, imageability and meaningfulness of the content words they choose respectively indicate that translational English tends to use words more familiar, less concrete and less image-invoking than those employed in original English. Compared with original English, translational English shows a tendency toward lexical under-specification or a preference for comparatively more abstract and general words.