There are many differences in grammar and mode of expression between English and Chinese, so to make a translated text smooth, native and readable; we need to change our method to express when translating form English into Chinese. This method is called shift of perspective.

This kind of transfer skill can be achieved by different ways. Usually, there are seven ways, including: a. word class shift; b. sentence component shift; c. expression mode shift; d. the shift between natural order and inverted order; e. the shift of direct and indirect expression; f. the shift of passive voice and active voice; g. clauses shift.

First, let’s come to word class shift.

It refers to the shift of word class of source language (English) into different word class of target language (Chinese) when we are translating. There are always three kinds of this skill.

A. English nouns, prepositions, adjectives and adverbs shift to Chinese adverb
Eg: The cultivation of a hobby and new forms of interest is therefore a policy of first importance to a public man. 因此，对于一个从事社会活动的人来讲，培养一种爱好和新的情趣方式，乃是至关重要的对策。

Here “ cultivation” is a noun, and it is shifted to a verb when translated into Chinese.

B. English verbs and adverbs shift to Chinese adjectives and nouns
Eg: The inflammation is characterized by red, swelling, fever, and pain. 炎症的特
点是红、肿、热、痛。

Here the verb “ characterize” is shifted to a noun in Chinese.

C. English nouns shift to Chinese adjectives and adverbs
Eg: They came back game and glee. 他们兴高采烈地回来了。

Here the nouns “ game” and “ glee” are shifted to adjectives in Chinese.

Read Also: Translation skill—Shift of perspective (II )