六 主从：用从句
《译海一粟：汉英翻译九百例》六 主从：用从句,页面无弹窗的全文阅读!
句子结构中的主从关系反映出汉英两种语言在句子结构方面的一个最重大的差别。这个题目太大，我们分三次来讨论，今天先讨论使用从句的问题。
上次我们讨论了并列结构的译法，看到原文和译文很接近，甚至可以说大体上一样。一个明显的差别是译文加了一个and，甚至一个句子里要加好几个and。这也正是两种语言之间的一项差异，虽然可以说是大同小异，但也值得注意。
今天我们看到的将完全是另外一番景象。原文似乎仍是并列结构，然而译文呢？先请看一组例子。
例1
抓住时机，发展自己，关键是发展经济。（DⅢ375）
If we are to seize opportunities to promote China's allround development, it is crucial to expand the economy. (363)
例2
百分之七的速度并不低。速度过高，带来的问题不少，对改革和社会风气也有不利影响，还是稳妥一点好。（DⅢ143）
That growth rate cannot be considered low. If the growth rate were too high, it would create many problems that would have a negative effect on the reform and on social conduct. It is better to be prudent. (146)
例3
搞平均主义，吃“大锅饭”，人民生活永远改善不了，积极性永远调动不起来。（DⅢ157）
If we practise egalitarianism—what we call letting everyone "eat from the same big pot", it will never be possible to raise the people's standard of living and stimulate their initiative. (160)
例4
我们要按价值规律办事，按经济规律办事。搞得好，有可能为今后五十年以至七十年的持续、稳定、协调发展打下基础。（DⅢ130）
We have to proceed in accordance with the law of value and other economic laws. If all goes well, we shall be able to lay the foundation for sustained, coordinated development of the economy over the next 50 to 70 years. (134)
例5
中国经济发展了，对外贸易也会增加。在我们的对外贸易中，欧洲应占相应的份额。（DⅢ119）
If China's economy grows, its foreign trade will increase accordingly. Europe should have an appropriate share in our foreign trade. (125)
例6
改变国际经济秩序，首先是解决南北关系问题，同时要采取新途径加强南南之间的合作。（DⅢ20）
If we want to change the international economic order, we must, above all, settle the question of relations between the South and the North, but at the same time we have to find new ways to increase South-South cooperation. (30)
例7
现在小学一年级的娃娃，经过十几年的学校教育，将成为开创二十一世纪大业的生力军。（DⅢ120）
If the children now in the first grade of elementary school receive ten or more years of schooling, they will become a vital force for ushering in the 21st century. (126)
例8
比如说，改革的决定，在你那个地区、那个部门，怎样贯彻落实？校舍和教学设备不够，怎样解决？学校经费不足，怎样筹集？（DⅢ121）
For example, how are you going to implement the decision on reform in your area or department? If there are not enough school buildings and teaching facilities, how are you going to solve the problem? If the schools are short of funds, how are you going to raise them? (127)
例9
每个党员都能以身作则，我们的一切事情就都好办了。（DⅢ144）
If all Party members set a good example, things will become easier. (147)
例10
搞精神文明，关键是以身作则。我们这些老同志下去，人家是非常尊重的，生活上是会照顾的，我们自己要注意不要过分麻烦人家。（DⅢ7）
If we want to promote ethical progress, it is crucial for us to set an example. When we veteran comrades go down to a grassroots unit, the people there will respect us. They will take care of everything for us, and we should try not to give them too much trouble. (19)
以上十个例子，内容涉及的范围很广，包括经济、改革、对外贸易、国家关系、教育、精神文明建设等方面。但译文都在句子开头加了一个if，而如果再回去看原文，也并没有什么线索，原文并没有“假如”之类的字样。这究竟是为什么？下面咱们就带着这个问题去请教一下王力先生。
王力先生在《中国语法理论》第六章“欧化的语法”中，对汉语和英语的语法作了详细的对比。他指出：“中国语里多用意合法，联结成分并非必需；西文多用形合法，联结成分在大多数情形下是不可缺少的。”
王力先生在同一著作第一章第九节“复合句”中还指出：“主从句次序的固定，是连词可以不用的一个主要原因。中国语里两个句子形式相联结，虽然没有连词，我们还知道上一个句子形式含有‘虽’、‘纵’、‘若’、‘如’、‘倘’、‘既’、‘因’等意义，这是因为从属部分必须居前的缘故。”
看了以上引文，我们可以认识到这样两点：
1．在复合句里，汉语可以不用连词，而英语则需要用连词；
2．汉语在不用连词的情况下，从句在前，主句在后，两者之间蕴藏着各种不同的关系。至于究竟是何关系，译文用何连词，就要译者自己体味决定了。
例11
觉慧：你就闯一下吧！我劝过你四次了，我给你预备过！你，你现在决定走，还来得及——（家26）
Juehui: Why can't you make a break? I've talked to you four times. I have everything prepared for you! If you decide to make a bolt for it now, there is still time—
觉新：这是不可能的——
Juexin: No, it's impossible—
例12
婉儿：她不言不语，倒像心里挺有打算的样子。大少爷，您千万救救她吧。她性子烈，脾气犟得很。逼紧了，说不定会出事的。（家106）
Grace: She doesn't say anything, but seems to have her mind made up. Young Master, please lend her a hand. She is a strong-willed person, not easily put down; and if forced against her will, anything may happen.
此二例选自剧本《家》，译文都用了if引导的从句，可见这种句子结构在对话里也是可以用的。
例13
光靠物质条件，我们的革命和建设都不可能胜利。（DⅢ144）
We can never succeed in revolution and construction if we rely on material conditions alone. (147)
例14
十年时间，有一两个地方，借百把亿美元，只要讲效益，有什么危险？两百亿也没有什么了不起！（DⅢ165）
What danger is there if one or two places borrow $10 billion over a period of ten years and make effective use of the money? There will be no trouble even if it is $20 billion! (168)
此二例与上面所见各例有所不同，译文中if引导的从句不是放在前面，而是放在后面。这完全是看行文的方便，意思没有差别。其实，if引导的从句放在后边才更符合英语的特点。
例15
要把国家助学贷款工作做得更好，进一步扩大助学贷款的普及面还有很多工作要做，还应当更进一步地统一思想，提高认识。（L118）
We still have much work to do. We need to be of one mind and deepen our understanding if we are to better assist university students with state loans and further expand the scope of such loans. (112)
例16
实行开放政策必然会带来一些坏的东西，影响我们的人民。要说有风险，这是最大的风险。（DⅢ156）
Our policy of opening to the outside world will inevitably bring into China some evil things that will affect our people. If we say the policy involves risks, this is the greatest one. (159)
此二例也与上面所见诸例有所不同，原文不是没用连词，是用了连词的，只是咱们没有意识到罢了。句子开头都有一个“要”字，这就是连词。根据《现代汉语词典》，“要”可以用作连词，意思就是“如果”。不过这并不影响译文。不论原文用没用连词，在译文里这个连词是不可或缺的。
例17
我国人口众多，经济发展又不平衡，就业形势一直都比较紧张。（L121）
In our country the job situation has always been tense because the population is huge and economic growth is uneven. (115)
例18
中国的特点是又大又落后，办起事情来不容易。（DⅢ183）
It is difficult for us to get things done, because China is a big and backward country. (184)
例19
有了共同的理想，也就有了铁的纪律。无论过去、现在和将来，这都是我们的真正优势。（DⅢ144）
Because we shared common ideals, we had strict discipline. That is our real strength today as it has been in the past and will be in the future. (147)
这三例原文都是先说一点情况，再说引出的结果，并没有连词相连。译文都加了because，其所引导的从句，有的在前，有的在后，视情况而定。
例20
计划经济不等于社会主义，资本主义也有计划；市场经济不等于资本主义，社会主义也有市场。（DⅢ373）
A planned economy is not equivalent to socialism, because there is planning under capitalism too; a market economy is not capitalism, because there are markets under socialism too. (361)
例21
你们对处理这几个人有不同的意见，从人权的观点提出问题。这就要问，什么是人权？首先一条，是多少人的人权？是少数人的人权，还是多数人的人权，全国人民的人权？西方世界的所谓“人权”和我们讲的人权，本质上是两回事，观点不同。（DⅢ125）
Your view of the way we dealt with these few persons is different from ours, because you think of this question in terms of human rights. I should like to ask: what are human rights? Above all, how many people are they meant for? Do those rights belong to the minority, to the majority or to all the people in a country? Our concept of human rights is, in essence, different from that of the Western world, because we see the question from a different point of view. (130)
此二例原文都是用后面的话解释前面的话，也都没有用连词。译文分别加了because，其所引导的从句放在后面也顺理成章。
例22
人还是那些人，事还是那些事，改制为社会化经营以后，竞争机制一起作用，职工的收入与其服务质量和效率一挂钩，面貌就发生了根本变化。（L126）
After franchising, the same people do the same things, but because competition mechanisms come into play and workers' income are geared to the quality and efficiency of their services, the situation changes radically. (122)
这个例子很别致。原文包含六个短句，没有用连词，只有“一……，一……就……”这一结构体现了一点语气上的联系。译文加了一个并列连词but，和一个从属连词because，便把整个句子按英语的习惯联系在一起了。
例23
我国是社会主义国家，国民生产总值达到一万亿美元，日子就会比较好过。（DⅢ57）
As China is a socialist country, $1 trillion will mean a higher standard of living for its people. (67)
例24
我们两国又是近邻，不相互了解、不建立友谊是不行的。（DⅢ19）
As the two countries are neighbours, we cannot afford not to understand each other and promote the friendship between us. (29)
例25
火电上不去，要在水电上打主意。水电大项目上去了，能顶事。（DⅢ17）
As we cannot produce enough thermoelectricity, we should try to generate more hydroelectricity. If a major hydroelectric project can be completed, it will be a great help. (27)
例26
改革能否成功，再过几年就能看清了。农村的改革三年见效，包括城市、农村在内的全面改革更复杂了，我们设想要五年见效。（DⅢ113）
We shall see in a few years whether the reform is successful. It took three years for the rural reform to show results. As the overall reform involving both urban and rural areas is more complex, we think it will take five years to show results. (119)
例27
美育能够陶冶情操，开发智力，塑造健康的人格，提升学生的精神境界，对于促进学生全面发展具有不可替代的作用。（L362）
Education in aesthetics plays an indispensable role in promoting all-round student development, as it helps refine the human spirit, enhance intellectual development, foster a healthy personality, and elevate the spiritual well-being of students. (365)
以上五例，译文都加了连词as，用来引出一点情况，包含一点原因，但语气没有because那么重。尤其是第一个例子，开头一个短句“我国是社会主义国家”，一般都译作从句，而不译作主句，因为它是大家熟知的事实，不是本句要说的主要内容，但是文章必须从这里做起。最后一例将as引导的从句放在后面。我想如果放在前面，就会显得头重脚轻了，你说是不是？
例28
我于是日日盼望新年； 新年到，闰土也就到了。好容易到了年末，有一日，母亲告诉我，闰土来了，我便飞跑的去看。（故乡）
I looked forward every day to New Year, for New Year would bring Jun-tu. At last, when the end of the year came, one day mother told me that Jun-tu had come, and I flew to see him.
例29
要提倡科学，靠科学才有希望。（DⅢ377-378）
We must promote science, for that is where our hope lies.(365)
此二例译文都加了连词for，把句中的两个短句联系起来。这个连词引出一句解释，说明前面为什么这样说，但没有because那么明显。用for引导的从句只能放在后面。
例30
世界在变，人们的思想不能不变。（DⅢ283）
The world is changing, so people's minds have to change with it. (276)
这里加了连词so。这一连词和前一例中所用的for有异曲同工之妙。意思不同，一个引出原因，一个引出结果，二者的用法是一样的。
例31
农产品基本上都是入口进肚的东西，要确保其绝对的安全性。（L207）
Since farm products are largely used as food, their safety should be absolutely guaranteed. (211)
例32
天津开发区很好嘛，已经创出了牌子，投资环境有所改善，外国人到这里投资就比较放心了。（DⅢ165）
The Development District here is very good, indeed. Since it has earned a high reputation and improved the environment for investment, foreign investors should feel confident. (168)
例33
你们这里有些基础设施比上海好，有些事情办起来可能容易些。（DⅢ165）
Since some of your infrastructure here is better than that in Shanghai, you can probably do certain things more easily. (168)
此三例，译文都加了连词since，它的意思与because和as相近，用来引出一点已知的情况，句子的重点在后边。
例34
深圳搞了七八年了，取得了很大的成绩。（DⅢ239）
But the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone has achieved remarkable successes since it was established almost eight years ago. (236-237)
这里加的这个since，和前面诸例不一样，纯粹表示一个时间概念：自那时以来。
例35
我没有去过你们的国家，听说荷兰不少土地是填海造出来的，这种艰苦奋斗的精神了不起。（DⅢ232）
Although I have not been to your country, I know that much land in the Netherlands was reclaimed from the sea, and your spirit of hard work is marvelous. (230)
原文句中第一个短句不是重点，放在although引导的从句里，这样就可以突出后面的话了。
例36
但我们必须走改革这条道路，有问题要及时妥善解决，不能停滞，停滞是没有出路的。（DⅢ260）
Nevertheless, we must pursue the reform, and if problems arise, we have to solve them promptly and properly. We cannot allow stagnation, which is only a dead end. (255)
例37
在整个改革开放过程中都要反对腐败。对干部和共产党员来说，亷政建设要作为大事来抓。还是要靠法制，搞法制靠得住些。（DⅢ379）
Throughout the process of reform and opening, we must combat corruption. Cadres and Party members should consider it of prime importance to build a clean government. But we still have to rely on the law, which provides a firm guarantee.(366-367)
例38
我在青年时代就知道你们的国家，当时叫阿比西尼亚，进行了英勇的抗击意大利法西斯侵略者的正义战争。这样的民族现在面临着经济困难，相信你们会克服困难的。（DⅢ270）
When I was young, I already knew about your country. At that time it was called Abyssinia, and its people were courageously waging a just war against the Italian Fascist aggressors. Now this nation is confronted with economic difficulties, which I believe you will overcome. (265)
例39
杨凌示范区有基础，已初步搞出有中国特色的农村城镇化模式，要进一步完善，为小城镇建设作出示范。（L210）
The Yangling Pilot Zone has come up with a distinct Chinese form of urbanization in the countryside, which should be further improved to show the nation how to build small towns. (214)
例40
我们的第一个目标是解决温饱问题，这个目标已经达到了。（DⅢ256）
Our first objective was to solve the problem of food and clothing, which we have now done. (251)
例41
我们进一步的目标是下一个世纪的五十年，达到中等发达国家的水平。到那时，国家总的力量就大了，可以为人类做更多的事情，在解决南北问题方面可以尽更多的力量。我们就是有这么一个雄心壮志。（DⅢ233）
Our next goal is to reach the level of the moderately developed countries in the first 50 years of the next century. By then the overall strength of our country will have increased, which will enable us to make more contributions to mankind and to play a greater role in solving the world's North-South problem. These are our aspirations. (230-231)
此六例，译文都加了which。严格说来，which不是连词，而是关系代词。它既能起连接的作用，又能起替代的作用，因此放在这里一并处理。在前四例中，它替代紧接在前面的名词或名词词组。在第五例中，它指的是前面的表语to solve the problem of food and clothing。在第六例中，它指的是前面的主句the overall strength of our country will have increased.
例42
教育决不能只简单地停留在学文化、学知识上。我们要特别注意加强学校的德育工作，而国情教育是德育的重要内容。（L329）
Education can never stop at the learning of knowledge. We must pay special attention to stepping up moral education, of which education on national conditions should be a major part. (329)
例43
还有牛胚胎切割移植技术，一个种牛胚胎切割后可分成十多个胚胎，用“借腹怀胎”方法可生出十多头小种牛，而普通繁殖方法，一头牛一年才产一胎。（L208）
I also saw their newly invented technology for cattle embryo cutting and transplantation, whereby a single cattle embryo can be cut into a dozen or so pieces, which are then transplanted into a cow's womb, so that the same number of calves can be bred. By traditional methods, a cow can breed only one calf a year. (211-212)
此二例较为复杂。第一列，因为句子结构的需要，在which之前加了of。第二例，先用了whereby，等于by which，指上文所说的technology，又用了which，指前面所说的pieces，最后用so that引出结果。
例44
总之，一个高校，无论是校园内部，还是校园周边，都需要有一个良好的环境和氛围，适宜于教师教学科研、学生读书学习和开展文艺体育活动。（L141）
To summarize, a university needs a fine environment and atmosphere on and around campus that is conducive to teachers engaging in academic pursuits and to students studying and participating in cultural and sports activities. (138-139)
例45
总的来说，“一国两制”是个新事物，有很多我们预料不到的事情。基本法是个重要的文件，要非常认真地从实际出发来制定。我希望这是一个很好的法律，真正体现“一国两制”的构想，使它能够行得通，能够成功。（DⅢ221-222）
In short, the concept of "one country, two systems" is something new. In applying it we may run into many things we don't anticipate. The basic law will be an important document, which you should draft very carefully, proceeding from realities. I hope it will be a good law that truly embodies the concept of "one country, two systems" and makes it practicable and successful. (220)
例46
你们有本领、有知识，是能够为我们国家做出重要贡献的。（DⅢ161）
You are so capable and knowledgeable that you are in a position to make important contributions to our country. (164)
此三例都有后半句对前半句作进一步说明的现象，译文用that或which引导的从句加以处理，非常方便。这是英语中最常见的一种从句。
例47
我们奉行独立自主的和平外交政策，这有利于和平。（DⅢ233）
We pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, a policy that helps to preserve world peace. (231)
例48
这是个很大的试验，是书本上没有的。（DⅢ130）
This is a great experiment, something that is not described in books. (134)
例49
“七五”期间，工农业总产值的年增长率定在百分之七左右，这是政治局常委一致同意的，执行中可能超过。（DⅢ143）
It is projected that during the period of the plan the annual growth rate of the total value of industrial and agricultural output will be about 7 per cent, a figure on which the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau has unanimously agreed, and which may be exceeded in practice.(145-146)
这三个例子，译文用that和which引导的从句修饰同位语，以对前面的话加以说明。
例50
总结历史，不要着眼于个人功过，而是为了开辟未来。（DⅢ272）
When we review our history, we should not focus on the achievements and mistakes of particular individuals but seek to chart a course for the future. (267)
例51
坦率地说，我们过去照搬苏联搞社会主义的模式，带来很多问题。（DⅢ261）
Frankly, when we were copying the Soviet model of socialism we ran into many difficulties. (256)
例52
国家总的力量大了，那时办事情就不像现在这样困难了。（DⅢ162）
When the total strength of the country is much greater, it will no longer be so difficult for us to do things. (164)
例53
一个十亿人口的大国，教育搞上去了，人才资源的巨大优势是任何国家比不了的。有了人才优势，再加上先进的社会主义制度，我们的目标就有把握达到。（DⅢ120）
When China, a vast country with a billion people, has developed its education, it will enjoy an enormous superiority in intellectual resources that no other country can match. There is no doubt that when we have that superiority, together with an advanced socialist system, we shall be able to attain our goals. (126)
例54
中国人分散开来力量不大，集合起来力量就大了。（DⅢ358）
When the Chinese people are disunited, they are weak, but when they join together, they have enormous strength. (345)
例55
占全国人口百分之八十的农民连温饱都没有保障，怎么能体现社会主义的优越性呢？（DⅢ255）
When the peasants, who make up 80 per cent of China's population, could not even be guaranteed adequate food and clothing, how could we demonstrate the superiority of socialism? (251)
例56
中国现在属于第三世界，将来发展富强起来，仍然属于第三世界。中国和所有第三世界国家的命运是共同的。（DⅢ56）
It belongs to the Third World today, and it will do so even when it becomes prosperous and powerful, because it shares a common destiny with all Third World countries. (66)
例57
有一次我到一个高校的实验室参观，见到一台用塑料罩盖着的设备。实验室主任向我介绍说，这台设备是高价进口的，是他们的“镇室之宝”。（L83）
When I visited a university lab, I spotted a device under a plastic cover. The director of the lab told me that the device had cost them a fortune and was seen as the "treasure" of their lab. (73)
例58
我的父亲允许了；我也很高兴，因为我早听到闰土这名字，而且知道他和我仿佛年纪，闰月生的，五行缺土，所以他的父亲叫他闰土。（故乡）
When my father gave his consent I was overjoyed, because I had long since heard of Jun-tu and knew that he was about my own age, born in the intercalary month, and when his horoscope was told it was found that of the five elements that of earth was lacking, so his father called him Jun-tu (Intercalary Earth).
例59
我在朦胧中，眼前展开一片海边碧绿的沙地来，上面深蓝的天空中挂着一轮金黄的圆月。我想：希望是本无所谓有，无所谓无的。这正如地上的路；其实地上本没有路，走的人多了，也便成了路。（故乡）
As I dozed, a stretch of jade-green seashore spread itself before my eyes, and above a round golden moon hung in a deep blue sky. I thought: hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads to begin with, but when many men pass one way, a road is made.
例60
他在我们店里，品行却比别人都好，就是从不拖欠；虽然间或没有现钱，暂时记在粉板上，但不出一月，定然还清，从粉板上拭去了孔乙己的名字。（孔乙己）
In our tavern his behaviour was exemplary. He never failed to pay up, although sometimes, when he had no ready money, his name would appear on the board where we listed debtors. However, in less than a month he would always settle, and his name would be wiped off the board again.
例61
中秋过后，秋风是一天凉比一天，看看将近初冬；我整天的靠着火，也须穿上棉袄了。一天的下半天，没有一个顾客，我正合了眼坐着。忽然间听得一个声音，“温一碗酒。”（孔乙己）
After the Mid-Autumn Festival the wind grew colder every day, as winter came on. Even though I spent all my time by the stove, I had to wear my padded jacket. One afternoon, when the shop was empty, I was sitting with my eyes closed when I heard a voice: "Warm a bowl of wine."
以上诸例，译文都加了连词when，它是一个时间概念，引出当时存在的某种情况，或具备的条件，句子的重点在后面。第一例强调如何总结经验，第二例强调带来的问题。最后一例，译文I was sitting with my eyes closed when I heard…，这个when表示突然发生的意思，因此不必再加suddenly了。
例62
中国人民珍惜同其他国家和人民的友谊和合作，更加珍惜自己经过长期奋斗而得来的独立自主权利。（DⅢ3）
While the Chinese people value their friendship and cooperation with other countries and other peoples, they value even more their hard-won independence and sovereign rights. (14)
例63
民族工业的发展是推动历史前进的，至于资本主义的消极因素那是另外一回事。（DⅢ161）
The growth of national industry helps to advance the progress of history, while the negative elements of capitalism are another aspect of the story. (164)
此二例，译文都加了连词while，但它在这里不是一个时间概念，而是把两件事作了对比。第一例表现了程度的差异，第二例表现了性质的不同。
看到这里，你也许会觉得这些例子的译文都很一般，这样的句子你也写得出来，甚至觉得没有什么可以借鉴的地方。看别人的译文，有这种感觉，并不奇怪。不过，回过头来想一想。原文一般都是并列结构，译者首先需决定，是保持并列结构呢，还是译成主从结构？如果要变，何者为主，何者为辅？变成主从结构，也不止一种变法，在一定的上下文里，哪种译法最为可取？这些问题不见得都很好解决。因此，不要老看着人家的译文简单，多想想人家是怎么把并列结构译成主从结构的，就会觉得有收获了。
另外汉语也有各种连词，可以把句中的主从关系交待得清清楚楚。这就和英语的主从复合句非常相近，翻译起来也不构成问题，就不在这里讨论了。只想提醒一下，汉语可以说“虽然……但是……”，可以说“因为……所以……”，英语只顾一头就行了，请注意。