稳中求变

求变是英语的特色。用词的变化，句式的变化，构成了具备英语特色的文字。汉语相对而言求稳，重复的词语，相似的句式，常常能够构成典型的汉语文字。

       这篇汉译英短文，“逆耳之言”在许多地方提及，如果都译成unpleasant to the ear，英语译文重复过多，不符合英语表达习惯。我们如果能够在不同的上下文中采用不同的词语和短语，文字的灵动就能够给人留下深刻的印象。如：

人们通常喜欢听好听的话，一听到拂耳之言就容易产生不悦甚至愠怒。

We tend to hear words pleasant to the ear but have displeasure and resentment at words harsh to the ear.

一个人特别是身居要职的人要能够心悦诚服地倾听逆耳之良言并从中获得智慧，就需要一种容忍和大度的雅量。

A man, especially one occupying an important position, needs tolerance and magnanimity to lend an ear to truthful yet offensive words with heartfelt admiration so as to gain wisdom from them.

忠言逆耳利于行

Honest advice, though unpleasant to the ear, benefits conduct.

但在行为上，人们又时常背离这些古训，不愿意听或听不进“逆耳”之言。

.     In our behaviours, we tend to depart from those established maxims, reluctant to accept and follow those uncomfortable truths until eventually grave errors are committed.

上海新东方口译教研中心   2009.3.15
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