大学英语四级段落翻译练习题

　　Long before the emergence of the written words, ballads and myths, passed around by word of mouth, were widely popular. Chinese literature finds its origins in these traditions. However, ballads were what people improvised out of daily life, and due to lack of means to record and preserve them in ancient times, they quickly disappeared without leaving much of a trace. Today, we can only deduce their existence from ancient books, which recorded some time-honored ballads, though most of these are believed to be derivatives of later generations. Ballads in the Book of Songs are the earliest writings that can be dated. From this point of view, ancient mythology obviously has had a great influence on Chinese literature.

　　中国成语是汉语中意义完整的表示一般概念的固定词组或短语。“成语”中的“成”既是约定俗成。成语是比词大而语法功能又相当于词的语言单位。绝大多数的中国成语由四个汉字组成，例如：自强不息、青出于蓝、厚积薄发。成语主要从民间谚语、古代文学作品、诗歌、寓言、典故、名言警句等方面提炼而成，是汉语语言中精炼而又富有生命力的一部分。

　　Chinese Idioms Chinese idioms refer to comprehensive and integrated fixed phrases and expressions. Idioms are established and accepted by constant usage and common practice. An idiom is a language unit that is larger than a word, but has the same grammatical function as a word. Most Chinese idioms consist of four characters. For example, ziqiangbuxi ( make unremitting efforts to improve oneself), qingchuyulan(bluer than indigo), and houjibofa (success comes with time and effort). Idioms are extrated from folk proverbs, ancient works of literature, poems, fables, allusions, and well-known sayings. Idioms are a part of the Chinese language that are concise and have great vitality.

　　美国人强调效率、竞争和独创性，而中国人则将严谨规划放在首位，鼓励团队成员之间的密切合作和无私奉献。//在美国学校，讨论享有至高无上的地位，讨论是课堂教学的主旋律;而中国教师喜欢讲课，喜欢考试，编写千篇一律的标准教案，培养整齐划一的高材生。//美国人的政治观，经济观以及社会观的核心是个人道德自治观。中国传统的思想体系是以儒家学说为基础的，这种思想强调整体和谐。//现在，中美联系比以往更加紧密，中国人学英语，玩保龄球，吃肯德基，美国人学汉语，练功夫，吃北京烤鸭，《泰坦尼克》驶进中国，《牡丹亭》也在百老汇上演。//

　　American people emphasize efficiency,competition and originality while Chinese people give priority to carefulplanning and encourage close cooperation and altruistic dedication among teammembers.//In American schools, discussion is given top priority while Chineseteachers like to lecture in class,and a lot of them are obsessed withexaminations. They write consistent and standardized teaching plans, and arehappy with bringing up identical and standardized talents.//Central to Americanpolitical, economic and social thought is the concept of individual moralautonomy. Traditional Chinese philosophical systems are based on Confucianism,which sings high praises for communal harmony.//Nowadays, the relation of China and America become closer than ever. Chineselearn English, play bowling, enjoy KFC, while Americans learn Chinese, exerciseKung Fu, like Peking Duck. And Titanic sailed into China, while The Peony Pavilion hasbeen performed on Broadway.//