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汉译英翻译文本材料时，如何处理间接引语？

In the process of translating Chinese text materials into English, handling indirect speech is a crucial skill that requires careful consideration. Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, involves changing the original speaker's words into a statement that reflects the speaker's meaning but is presented in a different form. This article will delve into the various aspects of handling indirect speech in Chinese to English translation.

Understanding the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Speech

Before we can effectively handle indirect speech, it is essential to understand the difference between direct and indirect speech. Direct speech is when the exact words of the speaker are quoted, while indirect speech involves paraphrasing the speaker's words into a statement that conveys the same meaning.

Identifying the Subject and Verb

The first step in translating indirect speech is to identify the subject and verb in the original Chinese text. This is crucial because the subject and verb will determine the tense and form of the verb in the English translation.

Changing the Tense

One of the most significant changes that occur when translating from direct to indirect speech is the change in tense. The tense of the indirect speech will usually be in the past tense, regardless of the tense in the original direct speech. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the reported speech is about a future event known to the speaker at the time of reporting.

For example:

Direct speech: "I will finish the work tomorrow."
Indirect speech: "He said that he would finish the work the next day."

Using Reporting Verbs

Reporting verbs, such as said, told, asked, and replied, are essential in indirect speech. The choice of reporting verb depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being reported to.

For example:

Direct speech: "She asked me if I was going to the party."
Indirect speech: "She asked me if I was going to the party."

Changing Pronouns and Possessives

In indirect speech, pronouns and possessives may need to be changed to reflect the new speaker. For instance, the first person pronoun "I" may become "he" or "she," and the possessive pronouns "my" and "mine" may become "his" and "his," respectively.

For example:

Direct speech: "I think this is a good idea."
Indirect speech: "He thought that this was a good idea."

Adjusting Sentence Structure

The structure of the sentence in indirect speech may differ from that in direct speech. Adverbs of time and place, such as "yesterday," "today," "here," and "there," may need to be changed to their past tense equivalents, and the word order may also shift.

For example:

Direct speech: "I saw him yesterday at the store."
Indirect speech: "He said that he had seen me at the store the day before."

Handling Questions and Commands

When translating questions and commands into indirect speech, the structure of the sentence will change, and the reporting verb will often be followed by a question mark or exclamation point, respectively.

For example:

Direct speech: "Are you coming to the meeting?"
Indirect speech: "He asked if I was coming to the meeting."
Direct speech: "Go and get the report."
Indirect speech: "He told me to go and get the report."

Ensuring Clarity and Accuracy

Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that the translated indirect speech is clear and accurate. This involves checking for consistency in tense, pronouns, and possessives, as well as verifying that the meaning of the original text is preserved in the translation.

In conclusion, handling indirect speech in Chinese to English translation requires a careful understanding of the differences between direct and indirect speech, the appropriate use of reporting verbs, and the necessary adjustments to tense, pronouns, and sentence structure. By following these guidelines, translators can produce accurate and clear translations that effectively convey the original meaning of the text.