Verbalization Strategy In English-Chinese Translation

This paper aims to study the application of verbalization strategy in E-C translation. Verbalization is an important conversion skill adopted by translators. This paper, by summarizing previous studies that mainly focused on the conversion of parts of speech, illustrates three verbalization strategies with detailed translation examples, namely the conversion strategy, the addition strategy and the repetition strategy.This paper summarizes reasons for verbalization, namely the differences in language forms and thinking patterns. By comparing the noun prominence of English with the verb prominence of Chinese, perceiving the differences in lexical categories and SV structures, this paper analyses the statement that English is more nominalized while Chinese is more verbalized, which serves as the theoretical background of the study. The conversion strategy featuring the highest frequency of use is the focus of this paper, including noun to verb conversion, adjective to verb conversion and preposition to verb conversion. The conversion from nouns to verbs covers abstract nouns as well as specific nouns ended with er/or. The conversion from prepositions/adverbs to verbs occurs when the former show strong action tendencies, indicating directions and manners. The conversion from adjectives to verbs is applicable to adjectives which indicate sense, feelings and recognition. In addition, the shifts of sentence patterns, including the shift from modifier-core structure to SV structure and the adoption of multi-verb sentences are also mentioned in the first strategy. The addition strategy refers to the proper adding of verbs to certain target texts. The repetition strategy, given that Chinese prefers overlapping verbs and paratactic structures, refers to the repetition of certain words in the target tests. Comparisons of different translation versions are offered so as to highlight the advantages of verbalization strategy. This paper also analyses the adaptability of verbalization strategy for the translator's reference.Verbalization strategy can break through lexical, grammar barriers, and thus increase the dynamism and readability of Chinese texts. However, the translator has to hold the principle of moderation and give full consideration to text types and reader response so as to produce ideal target texts.