1
大学英语翻译教程
1.8.7.25 二十五、剪纸
二十五、剪纸

【翻译原文】

剪纸(paper cutting)有着悠久的历史,是传统的民间艺术形式。它可以追溯到东汉时期。在中国的传统文化中,剪纸可以反映生活的许多方面,如繁荣、健康或收获。虽然其他艺术形式,如绘画,也可以显示类似的景象,但剪纸仍然以它的魅力脱颖而出。今天,剪纸主要用做装饰。中国人认为门上的红色剪纸可以给全家人带来好运和幸福。剪纸在中国的传统节日,特别是春节(the Spring Festival)期间更常见。

【表达难点】

1.剪纸有着悠久的历史,是传统的民间艺术形式:从整个句子来看该句有两个谓语动词,即“有着”和“是”,可将其中的“有着”翻译为with短语,即with a long history,“是”则用be动词来表示。“民间艺术”可译为folk art。

2.中国人认为门上的红色剪纸可以给全家人带来好运和幸福:“认为”可译为believe,也可译为think或consider后可跟宾语从句。“给……带来……”可译为bring…to…,其他带有bring的常用的短语还有bring(培养,养有)、bring in(引起,介绍)、bring about(引起,导致)。

【精彩译文】

Paper cutting is a traditional folk art form with a long history.It can be dated back to the Eastern Han Dynasty.In traditional Chinese culture,paper-cuts can reflect various aspects of life such as prosperity,health or harvest.Although other art forms,like painting,can also show similar scenes,paper-cuts still stand out for its charm.Today,paper-cuts are chiefly used as decorations.Chinese people believe that the red papercuts on the door can bring good luck and happiness to the whole family.The paper-cuts aremore often seen during traditional Chinese festivals,particularly in the Spring Festival.