Unit 1 General Description of Literature Reading and Translation 1. Definition of LiteratureLiterature is a general term for professional writings in the form of books, papers, and other documentations.2. Classification of Literature1) Textbooks(教科书)：In general, a textbook is a kind of professional writing specially designed for the students in a given branch of learning.2) Monographs(专著)：A monograph is an artide or short book on one particular subject or branch of a subject that the writer has studied deeply.3) Papers(论文)：A complete paper is usually composed of the following elements: title, author, affiliation, abstract, keywords, introduction, theoretical analysis and/or experimental description, results and discussion or conclusion, acknowledgments, references, etc.4) Encyclopedias(百科全书)：An encyclopedia is a book or set of books dealing with every branch of knowledge, or with one particular branch, in alphabetical order.5) Periodicals(期刊)：A periodical is a series of publications that appear at regular intervals.6) Special Documentation(特别文件)：Special documentation refers to all the printed materials that are non-books or non-periodicals.3. Linguistic Features of Scientific Literature1) Stylistically(在文体上), literature is a kind of formal writing.2) Syntactically(在语句构成上), scientific literature has rigorous grammatical structures, andin most cases is rather unitary.3) Morphologically(在词法上), scientific literature is featured by high specialization, the useof technical terms and jargons, unambiguous implication and the fixed sense of the word.4) Besides, non-verbal language is also very popular in various literatures such as signs, formulas, charts, tables, photos, etc.4. Discussion1. What is your opinion on the importance of translation? Can you cite some examples to support your idea?As a means of communication, translation plays an important role in human civilization. for example , in the West, literary translation can be traced back to 300 BC; while in China, recorded translation activities are even earlier, dating from Zhou Dynasty (1100 BC).A modern society sees an extensive use of translation on various occasions. Proper and dexterous translation helps promote mutual understanding between peoples of different culturaland social backgrounds. For example ,the ordinary word “menu”. Its original meaning is “a list of dishes in a meal or to be ordered as separated meals. However, when it is used in computer science, its meaning shifts to “a list shown on the display of a computer from which a user can select the operation the computer is to perform.”2. What is translation? Do you agree with the author’s point of view? Why or why not?If the word “translation” refers to a subject, it is a science. If it refers to some specific piecesof translation, it is more like an art. If it refers to a process, we may regard it as a craft or skill.Yes, because t he answer depends on how we understand or interpret the word “translation”.3. How is translation generally categorized? Which categories are you familiar with?In terms of languages, translation can be divided into two categories: from native languages into foreign languages and vice versa.In terms of the mode, it can be divided into oral interpretation and written translation.In terms of materials to be translated, there are translation of scientific materials, translation of literary works, etc..In terms of disposal, it can be either full-text translation, abridged translation or adapted translation.4. How do you understand Mr. Yan’s three-word guide xin, da, ya? What’s your opinion on the principles or criteria of translation?Xin, da, ya namely, “faithfulness (信), expressiveness (达), and elegance (雅)”. The principles and criteria of translation are actually the two sides of the same coin. On the part of the translator, he or she should follow them while translating; whereas on the part of the reader or critic, he or she may use the principles and criteria to evaluate translation works.Accuracy (准确) and smoothness (流畅).5. What are literal translation（直译）and free translation（意译）? And what principles should a translator abide by in applying them?Literal translation means not to alter the original words and sentences.Free translation is an alternative approach which is used mainly to convey the meaning and spirit of the original without trying to reproduce its sentence patterns or figures of speech.In the application of literal translation, we should endeavor to rid ourselves of stiff patterns and rigid adherence to translation rules, trying to be flexible; while in the practice of free translation, we should be cautious of subjectivity, avoiding groundless affirmation or arbitrary fabrication.6. What do you know about translation techniques in general? And scientific literature translation in particular?Generally speaking, the basic translation techniques include: (1) Diction (选词用字); (2) Amplification (增益); (3) Omission (省略); (4) Repetition (重复); (5) Conversion (转换); (6) Rearrangement (词译调整); (7) Negation (正说反译，反说正译); (8) Division (长句拆译).Scientific materials stress their preciseness.Unit 2 Professional Papers1. Definition of professional papersA professional paper is a typewritten paper in which professionals present their views and research findings on a chosen topic.2. Classification of professional papers1) Report Paper：The report paper summarizes and reports the findings of another on a particular subject.2) Research paper：A research paper can be intelligent, well informed, interesting, and original in its conclusions.3) Course Paper：Course papers are written after a specific course is learned or are designed at the end of a term, also called “term paper”.4) Thesis Paper：Unlike report papers, the thesis paper takes a definite stand on an issue. A thesis is a proposition or point of view that a writer or speaker is willing to argue against or defend.3. Linguistic Features of Professional Papers1) Formal Style（正式性）：A professional paper deals with the study of some objective facts or problems, and the conclusion that is drawn should be based on relevant data, not on personal likes and dislikes. Generally speaking, formal writing sets an unusually high value on objectivity, meticulousness, accuracy, and restraint.2) Specialized Terms（专业性）：The terms in professional papers are typically specialized.3) Rigid Sentence Structure（严谨的句式结构）：The arguments in professional papers will be concisely and concretely.4) Formatted Elements（固定的内容格式）：A complete professional paper usually has a regular format composed of the following elements: the title, author(s), affiliation(s), abstract, keywords, introduction, body of the paper (theoretical description including calculation, inference, reasoning, conclusion, etc. or experimental description including techniques, methods, materials, results and analysis, etc.), acknowledgments, appendices, references or bibliography, etc.4. Discussion1. How is a professional paper defined? What is your understanding of a professional paper?A professional paper is a typewritten paper in which professionals present their views and research findings on a chosen topic.The task of the author of a paper is to read on a particular topic, gather information about it, and report the findings in it. A professional paper must conform to a special format. A professional paper involves the use of library sources from which facts, quotations, and the opinions of others are drawn to explain , support , or authenticate ideas in the paper.2. How are papers classified? What are the similarities and differences between/among them?Report Paper, Research Paper, Course Paper, Thesis Paper.3. What are the linguistic features of professional papers?Formal Style, Specialized Terms, Rigid Sentence Structure, Formatted Elements.4. Where can you search for different kinds of papers from various sources?Journals（期刊）/Acta（学报）/ Bulletins, Circulars or Gazettes（公告，通告）/ Rapid Communications/ Reviews/ Proceedings/ Dissertation Abstract International/ Comprehensive Dissertation Index (CDI)（综合报告索引）/ On line Access to Dissertation.5. Diction(1)This war is becoming the most important story of this generation.（event）这场战争将成为这一代人经历的最重大的事件。