外国文学论文摘要翻译质量把控方法​

# 外国文学论文摘要翻译质量把控方法，该文聚焦外国文学论文摘要翻译质量把控，指出摘要翻译在外国文学研究交流中意义重大，但存在诸多影响质量的问题，如语言文化差异致语义偏差、专业术语翻译不准确等，文中提出一系列把控方法，包括译者提升自身语言文化素养、借助专业工具辅助翻译、建立严格审核机制等，旨在提高外国文学论文摘要翻译质量，促进国际文学研究交流。

Quality Control Methods for Translating Abstracts of Foreign Literature Papers

I. Pre-translation Preparation

Selection and Training of Translators

• Professional Background Requirements: Select translators with a solid foundation in foreign literature knowledge, including familiarity with different literary periods, genres, and major foreign literary works and authors. For example, when translating an abstract of a paper on Victorian literature, a translator with in-depth knowledge of this period's social background, literary characteristics, and representative writers like Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy will be more capable of accurately conveying the content.
• Language Proficiency: Ensure translators have excellent bilingual abilities, not only in terms of vocabulary and grammar but also in understanding and expressing the nuances of both languages. Regular language proficiency tests and training sessions can be organized to maintain and improve their language skills.
• Translation Training: Provide specialized training on academic paper translation, especially focusing on the translation of abstracts. This training can cover topics such as the structure and style of academic abstracts, common terminology in foreign literature research, and translation strategies for different types of content.

Collection and Analysis of Reference Materials

• Parallel Texts: Gather a large number of parallel texts, which are original foreign literature paper abstracts and their corresponding Chinese translations. Analyze these parallel texts to understand the common translation methods, expressions, and styles used in the field. For instance, by comparing multiple translations of abstracts on the same literary theme, translators can learn the most appropriate ways to translate specific terms and concepts.
• Dictionaries and Glossaries: Compile and update specialized dictionaries and glossaries for foreign literature translation. These resources should include not only general literary terms but also terms specific to different literary theories, movements, and research areas. Regularly review and expand these dictionaries to keep up with the latest developments in foreign literature research.

II. Translation Process Control

Term Consistency

• Establishment of a Term Base: Before starting the translation, create a term base that lists all the key terms in the abstract, along with their standard translations. This term base should be shared among all translators involved in the project to ensure consistency. For example, if the abstract mentions "postmodernism," the term base should specify its Chinese translation as "后现代主义" and ensure that this translation is used consistently throughout the abstract.
• Regular Term Checks: During the translation process, conduct regular term checks to verify that all terms are translated consistently. This can be done manually by the translator or through the use of translation memory software that can automatically flag inconsistent term usage.

Style and Tone Matching

• Understanding the Original Style: The translator should carefully analyze the style and tone of the original abstract. Is it formal and academic, or more casual and descriptive? For example, an abstract of a theoretical paper on literary criticism will have a more formal and academic tone, while an abstract of a paper on a specific literary work's plot analysis may be more descriptive.
• Maintaining Consistency in the Target Language: Ensure that the style and tone of the translated abstract match those of the original. This requires the translator to have a good sense of language and be able to choose appropriate words and expressions in the target language. For instance, if the original abstract uses complex and precise language, the translated version should also avoid being overly simplistic.

Logical Coherence

• Analyzing the Logical Structure: Break down the original abstract into its logical components, such as the research background, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. Understand how these components are connected and the overall logical flow of the abstract.
• Ensuring Logical Flow in Translation: In the translated abstract, maintain the same logical flow as the original. Use appropriate connectives and transition words to link different parts of the abstract. For example, words like " (firstly), " (secondly), " (therefore), and " (in conclusion) can be used to guide the reader through the logical progression of the abstract.

III. Post-translation Review

Self-review by the Translator

• Comprehensive Check: After completing the translation, the translator should conduct a comprehensive self-review. This includes checking for grammar and spelling errors, term consistency, style and tone matching, and logical coherence. The translator should read the translated abstract carefully and compare it with the original to ensure that all the information is accurately conveyed.
• Focus on Problem Areas: Pay special attention to areas that are prone to errors, such as long and complex sentences, ambiguous expressions, and cultural-specific references. For example, if the abstract contains a reference to a foreign cultural concept that has no direct equivalent in Chinese, the translator should ensure that the translation provides an adequate explanation.

Peer Review

• Selection of Reviewers: Choose peer reviewers who have expertise in foreign literature and translation. These reviewers should be able to provide objective and constructive feedback on the translated abstract. Ideally, the reviewers should not have been involved in the initial translation process to ensure impartiality.
• Review Process: The peer reviewers should read the translated abstract independently and then discuss their findings with the translator. They should focus on areas such as accuracy, clarity, and readability. The translator should take the reviewers' feedback into account and make necessary revisions to the translation.

Proofreading by Native Speakers

• Importance of Native Speaker Proofreading: Native speakers of the target language can provide valuable insights into the naturalness and idiomaticity of the translated abstract. They can identify expressions that may sound awkward or unnatural to native speakers and suggest more appropriate alternatives.
• Proofreading Process: The native speaker proofreader should read the translated abstract carefully and mark any areas that need improvement. They should pay attention to grammar, vocabulary usage, and overall fluency. The translator should then incorporate the proofreader's suggestions into the final version of the translation.

IV. Use of Translation Tools and Technology

Translation Memory Software

• Functionality: Translation memory software stores previously translated segments of text. When translating a new abstract, the software can search its database for similar segments and suggest translations. This not only improves translation efficiency but also helps maintain consistency in term usage and style.
• Integration with the Translation Process: Integrate translation memory software into the translation workflow. Translators can use it to quickly retrieve and reuse translations of common phrases and terms, reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.

Machine Translation with Post-editing

• Initial Machine Translation: Use machine translation tools to generate an initial translation of the abstract. Machine translation can provide a quick draft, but it is often not accurate enough for academic purposes.
• Post-editing: Have a human translator review and edit the machine-translated abstract. The translator should correct any errors in grammar, vocabulary, and meaning, and ensure that the translation meets the academic standards of clarity and accuracy. This approach combines the speed of machine translation with the expertise of human translators.

By implementing these comprehensive quality control methods at different stages of the translation process, the quality of translated abstracts of foreign literature papers can be significantly improved, ensuring accurate and effective communication of research findings in the target language.