The Adjustment of Word Order 1

First of all, let’s study the following sentences.

I admire his learning，but I despise his character．

我佩服他的学识，但鄙视他的人格。

His learning l admire，but his character l despise．

他的学识，我佩服；但他的人格，我鄙视。

These two sentences give us a hint that the word order actually conveys some specific meanings of the speakers.

Generally, there is a large gap between the word order of Chinese and English.

英语民族的思维方式是：主体一主体行为一行为客体一行为标志，由此引起的语言表达模式为：主语+谓语+宾语+状语 (The English mode: subject + predicate + object + adverbial modifier);

汉语民族的思维方式是：主体一行为标志一主体行为一行为客体，由此引起的语言表达模式为：主语+状语+谓语+宾语 (The Chinese mode: subject + adverbial modifier + predicate + object)。

It means we need to pay attention to this point when we are translating.

1. 言行不一

inconsistency in deeds with words

2. 祸福与共

share the weal and woe

3. 第一次世界大战

World War I

4. 一位有经验而且娴于辞令的老外交家

a veteran, experienced, eloquent diplomat

5. 那是今天该付的账。

That is a bill due today.

6.数千万遭受震灾的居民得到了政府的充分救济。

Several thousands of quake-smitten inhabitants got plentiful relief from the government.

7. 到什么山上唱什么歌。

Sing different songs on different mountains.

8. 不管他怎样努力，最后还是没有成功。

With all his efforts he failed at last./He failed at last with all his efforts.