|
1. Names, titles, and honorifics
How do you refer to people in English when you write in English? Do you use a title in English such as Mr. President or Your Honor? Not many people are called by titles today in America. Do you use honorifics such as san or sensei when you write in English? Some people think doing so is culturally sensitive or polite. They would say Tanaka-sensei instead of Mr. Tanaka or Professor Tanaka. Remember that we use professor only to refer to teachers employed as professors, the job title of some college and university teachers. Other people would write Mr. Tanaka or Professor Tanaka in English.
There are also people who like to use Japanese honorifics in novels and short stories because they think it adds cultural flavor. What do you think? There may be no correct answer that fits all situations. The only correct answer would be to know why you write what you write and know you have good reasons for doing so.
2. Letter writing
Letter writing used to be an art. People would spend time carefully composing letters. They would mail them off and eagerly wait for a reply. Letters used to be more formal than today, and there were many formal phrases and expressions in both personal and business letters. Now, as modern society moves at a faster pace, letter writing is no longer an art. It is simply a way to communicate.
Japanese letters still use many of these formal phrases and sentences. They do not always translate well into English. Many of them should be deleted when translating into English. If you click the英文ライティング･リソース button at aaronlanguage.com, you will find a sample modern business letter. Notice how short, crisp, and clear the words are. Business people are busy. If a letter must be long to include business information, that is fine. If not, a short letter such as Aaron’s sample is best.
3. Functions
The word function is often used in Japanese to English translations. An introduction in a computer manual might look something like this:
This computer offers the user many functions. Users will find the editing function especially useful. The interface function enabling users to connect their computer with their home entertainment system will be appreciated by many people. Other useful functions include a self-updating function for all the software and a function that contacts a repairperson when you need one. Lastly, and most importantly, however, is the virus detection function, which will keep you safe from viruses.
Natural English does not use the word function as much. If a word such as function does not carry any meaning, it should not be included. A more natural version would look something like the following:
This computer has much to offer you. You will find that editing is smooth and easy. The interface will enable you to connect your computer with your home entertainment system, allowing you to watch DVDs and entertain yourself. This computer also does self-updating for all the software and will contact a repairperson when one is needed. Lastly, and most importantly, however, is the virus detection software, which will keep you safe from viruses.
Wouldn't it be great if such a computer existed?
|
