生技09专外2--赵满兴.ppt

Chapter 3 Characteristic Syntax of EST 1 . More long and complicated sentences EST as a formal style of writing usually consists of more long and complicated sentences. When translated into Chinese, a long sentence may be cut into several parts. For example: Chapter 3 Characteristic Syntax of EST 2 . More nominalization compared with general English, noun phrases are more frequently used in EST. This is because scientific literature contains more abstract concepts such as definitions, principles, laws, conclusions, etc., and manifold modification and restriction are required to elaborate these concepts or ideas. As the semantic meaning of a noun phrase that consists of several words is usually complicated, the translation should go beyond the surface structure. For example: All substances will permit the passage of some electric current, provided the potential difference is high enough. Chapter 3 Characteristic Syntax of EST 3 . Extensive use of the passive voice in order to achieve objectivity, the passive voice is extensively used in EST. Let’s compare the following two examples. People get natural rubber from rubber trees as a white, milky liquid, which is called latex. They mix it with acid, and dry it, and then they send it to countries all over the world. Natural rubber is obtained from rubber trees as a white, milky liquid known as latex. This is treated with acid and dried, before being dispatched to countries al over the world. Chapter 3 Characteristic Syntax of EST 4 . More non-finite forms of the verb none-finite forms of the verb, namely, the infinitive, the gerund, the present and the past participles are frequently used in EST. for examples: Today the electronic computer is widely used in solving mathematical problems having to do with weather forecasting and putting satellites into orbit. 5 . Different uses of the tense I