Abstract

Negative structures in English are different from those in Chinese. Compared with Chinese, negative structures in English are far more complicated and diverse. Therefore, when it comes to translating or studying English and Chinese negation, some difficulties may arise. In order to further help understand and study negative structures in English and Chinese, this dissertation analyzes the causes of the differences between English negation and Chinese negation. Also, according to the comparative study on these two languages, the dissertation generalizes some translation skills of English and Chinese negative structures in order that readers can learn better about the differences of negative structures between English and Chinese and the reflection of those differences in the translation.

Key words: negative structure; comparison between English and Chinese; translation method

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction1

1.1 An Overview of Negation.1

1.2 Main Causes of the Differences1

2.A Comparative Study of Negative Structures between English and Chinese2

2.1 Differences in Lexis.2

 2.1.1 Negative Affix3

 2.1.2 Negative Word4

 2.1.3 Quasi-negative4

2.2 Differences in syntax.5

 2.2.1 General Negation5

 2.2.2 Continuative Negation5

 2.2.3 Full Negation6

 2.2.4 Semi-negation.7

 2.2.5 Partial Negation7

 2.2.6 Double Negation.7

 2.2.7 Transferred Negation8

 2.2.8 Negation in Form or Meaning9

3.Translation of English and Chinese negative structures ..10

4.Conclusion11

References.13