A Corpus-based Study Of English Translation Of Theses Abstracts By Chinese Masters Of Science

To find out a way to help Chinese masters of Science improve English translationof theses abstracts, this thesis compares the English abstracts translated by masters ofScience of Jilin University with those written by English-speaking Masters, using acorpus-based method. The results show that when translating theses abstracts, Chinesemasters of Science tend to be greatly restricted by Chinese thinking mode and codesof language so as to employ word-for-word translation strategy, which leads to longversions of English abstracts with obvious traces of translation. Based on the practicesof native speakers’ abstract composition, this paper proposes that when translatingtheses abstracts, Chinese masters of Science should:1) moderately condense theChinese versions to extract most important information and translate it into English;2)adequately cut down redundant and repeated information and simplify sentencestructures by using such method as non-finite forms of verbs;3) correctly makepauses within long sentences and adjust sentence orders to make concise and fluenttranslation;4) use a little more passive tense and less “I” and “we” as subjects tobalance the requirements of objectivity and expression of identity, which will moreconform to native speakers’ practice and expectation. This paper links theories withpractice so as to be more practical and pertinent.