英语四级翻译模拟练习：铜鼓文化

　　参考译文

　　The bronze drum culture is representative of South China's culture. In ancient times, bronze drums were mostly used at the sacrifice ceremonies, deploying rituals and celebrating ceremonies. They belong to exciting percussion instruments which bring people great spiritual inspiration. Bronze drums were also used to transmit signals and direct military operations in battles. Until now, many minority groups still maintain the tradition of playing the bronze drums on the occasions such as traditional festivals, wedding ceremonies and funeral ceremonies. The bronze drum culture greatly enriches the treasure house of Chinese national art.

　　翻译详解

　　1.第1句中的“代表”可译为representative，常用短语是be representative of。该词作形容词时包含有“有代表性的，典型的”，故可省译原文中的“典型的”，而“中国南方地区”表达为South China已可达意，无需再译出area。

　　2.第2句中的“铜鼓多用于祭拜、出征仪式和庆祝活动”可按其字面义直译，或用增译法把宾语中心词“场合” (occasions)补译出来，举例“祭拜、出征仪式......”用such as引出，译作such as sacrifice ceremonies... 。

　　3.第3句有两个分句，两句的逻辑主语相同，可将后半句处理成定语从句，用which引导。“给(什么人)带来(什么东西)”可套用句型 bring sb. sth.，译作 which bring people great spiritual inspiration，结构紧凑。

　　4.倒数第2句中的“保持着......的习俗”可用短语maintain the tradition...译出。状语“在传统节日、婚娶和丧葬等场合”用介词短语 on the occasions such as traditional festivals...来表达。