Abstract:English passive voice and its translation into Chinese are met by English learners frequently. Owing to different usages of languages, English passive voice is much more commonly used than that in Chinese, and it is embodied in diverse means of expressions. In cases where the act-performer is thought unnecessary, unwilling to be referred to or the author doesn’t know the act-performer, passive voice is often used. Sometimes in order to emphasize the passive act, to make it clear to express oneself in the context, to relate in a more objective way, to communicate with proper words or express one’s respect for others, passive voice is also used. Compared to English passive voice, Chinese passive voice has been used only in a limited scale. Thus, when we try to translate English passive voice into Chinese, some transformations must be made. If inappropriately dealt with, the translation can be unreadable or is not idiomatic. To solve this problem, we need to master some common strategies and techniques of translation as well as some methods. By means of all kinds of translation strategies, techniques and rules, this phenomenon could be avoided or eliminated, thus, accelerating our translation efficiency and improving translation quality.

Keywords: English passive voice; translation; strategies; techniques

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 Literature Review-3

2.1 Definition of Passive Voice-3

2.2 Function of Passive Voice-3

2.3 Formation of Passive Voice-4

2.4 Necessity of Using Passive Sentences in English-5

Chapter 3 Strategies of Translating English Passive Sentences-7

3.1 English Passives into Chinese Actives-7

3.2 English Passives into Chinese Subjectless Sentences-8

3.3 English Passives into Chinese Passives-9

Chapter 4 Techniques of Translating Special English Passive Sentences-13

4.1 Tackling Fixed Patterns of English Passives-13

4.2 Tackling Special Cases-13

Chapter 5 Conclusion-15

References-16

Acknowledgements-17