友好傳來短信，問能否以較為鬼馬的英文翻譯「才子」與「小男人」？
適逢正與由號稱專業人員操刀，卻狗屁不通的英文中譯文本周旋，友好的小小難題， 正好為我解困動腦，暫時忘卻要修改那些歪曲原文意思的所謂翻譯文案之痛苦。吾等四不像番書女，英文半桶水，中文更不堪。歐式句子入文、錯白字連篇、動輒 「的的了了」，絕非修讀翻譯之材料，更遑論以此餬口。
因緣際會，在沒有受過專門訓練之下，膽敢受命為將送到海外參展的電視節目翻譯字幕，過程步步 驚心。單靠原裝中文字幕實未能掌握語境，為免出現那些如運用了網上翻譯軟件，產生令人失笑的機械式搬字過紙製成品，只好自資購入能播放附設錄影帶的影碟 機，把節目逐格播放，邊看邊譯，落筆時還要兼顧海外觀眾的文化背景，為本來十分地道的意思尋找相應的英文用字。半小時節目的中文字幕英譯本，用了整整兩天 才完成。酬金剛好填補了買新機的支出。
最終節目揚威海外，與有榮焉。翻譯之難，在於以第二種語言，勾勒原文所蘊含的文化精神及面貌。若遇上箇中高手，應當敬禮。
3 則留言:
Talking of Translation, and considering my limited Literacy and short-sighted Viewpoint, i wish to comment on the following Examples of Translation prevailingly found in Hong Kong: -
1) In some Shopping Arcades
小心地滑
CAUTION
WET FLOOR
小心地滑
CAUTION
SLIPPERY FLOOR
I think the second Version is more correctly, more appropriately and more broadly translated especially and generally in the Absence of any apparent Signs of moist Contents on the Floor Surface with the Slipperiness being mainly due to the highly effective Waxing Work applied onto the Floor Surface. On a related Matter, such Work is so highly effective it tends to create a Light reflecting Effect to the Ground Surface so Passers-by ----- in particular, Ladies in Super-mini-skirts -----had better watch out!! This may be one of the local current most-talked-about Issues.
2) 男女廁
TOILET
Unless there is only one Toilet around (so as to follow Suit, the japanese Way), i really see no Reason why the Word "TOILETS" is not used.
3) 男廁
GENTS
Sorry, exclusively for Gentlemen only! Not even open to Men who are no Gentlemen!!
男廁
MALE
Boys, Baby Boys and even male Rascals are also admissible!!
女廁
LADIES
Likewise, no Admission for young Girls, non-lady Women and Baby Girls!
女廁
FEMALE
Anyone of feminine Gender is welcome!
I think the Use of the Words "MALE" and "FEMALE" is more suitable, advisable and straightforward.
4) In some public Parks and Sitting-out Areas
此場地全面禁煙
Smoking is prohibited in this venue
I would consider the Term "全面" excessive and therefore, a Surplus, and not entirely consistent with the english Expression. If the Government is "afraid" of facing the Possibility of confronting Violators who may or may not have misinterpreted the whole Slogan, then i would suggest the english Expression be rewritten in a clumsy Manner for the Sake of achieving complete Consistency "Smoking is prohibited in this entire venue" (but, i take such Rewriting as stupid).
5) 皇后大道中
QUEEN'S ROAD, CENTRAL
皇后大道東
QUEEN'S ROAD, EAST
皇后大道西
QUEEN'S ROAD, WEST
皇后碼頭
QUEEN'S PIER
Queen Victoria was not a 皇后; she was a 女皇 (a reigning Queen).
英皇道
KING'S ROAD
King George V, after whom the Road was named, was no Emperor (皇帝) to Hong Kong, but a King (國王) so the english Name should have been translated into "英王道".
Correction:
Queen Victoria was a 女王 (a reigning Queen) not a 女皇 (a reigning Queen).
"5) 皇后大道中
QUEEN'S ROAD, CENTRAL
皇后大道東
QUEEN'S ROAD, EAST
皇后大道西
QUEEN'S ROAD, WEST
皇后碼頭
QUEEN'S PIER
Queen Victoria was not a 皇后; she was a 女皇 (a reigning Queen).
英皇道
KING'S ROAD
King George V, after whom the Road was named, was no Emperor (皇帝) to Hong Kong, but a King (國王) so the english Name should have been translated into "英王道". ":
This is also in Reference to the following prestigious educational Institutions: -
Queen's College (皇仁書院)
King's College (英皇書院)
(The english and chinese Names do not conform exactly and strictly with each other.)
I don't mean to be provoking but i can't help saying there are many "不求甚解" People in Hong Kong.
張貼留言