二、 三種文類之英譯中文本
根據Katharina Reiss (1971) 之觀點,語言具有三種功能,及呈現(representation)、表述 (expression )及勸誘(appeal)。此三種語言功能可以引導出三種文類,即:(一) 資訊文類 (informative text-type),如:科學報告;(二) 表述文類 (expressive text-type),如:抒情詩,和 (三)召喚類 (evocative text-type),如:手冊、廣告 (Snell-Hornby 1997:278)。資訊文類經常使用特定語言符號及句構,以傳達各種資訊;表述文類則採用特定文辭技巧及語意策略,如:暗號、象徵、反諷、成語及平行結構等,以創造個人風格。行動文類一如其名,其目的乃是說服讀者採取某項行動;如:購買產品或進行某種交易。本計畫研究已採用此三種文類之英中譯本為樣本,觀察英譯中介詞轉換之情形;以下為此三種文題之範例。


資訊文類: 空氣清淨機說明書
行動文類: 演講
表述文類: 魔戒小說
  1. 資訊文類 (The Informative Text-Type)

    Please read the instructions prior to the use of this device.  These instructions can be saved for future consultation.  When you use electrical appliances, some warnings should always be noted to reduce breakage, risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons.  Read all instructions before you use the air cleaner.
    Locate air cleaner where it is not easily knocked over by your family members.
    Always unplug when not in use.
    Do not use a device with a damaged cord or plug of if the device malfunctions, is dropped or damaged.  Keep the cord away from heated surface.
    Do not put the air cleaner outdoors and use it outdoors.
    Do not use the air cleaner before it is fully assembled.
    Do not place power cord under carpets, and do not cover it with throw rugs.

  2. 召喚文類 (The Evocative Text-Type)

    If our two peoples are enemies the future of this world we share together is dark indeed.  But if we can find common ground to work together, the chance for world peace is immeasurably increased.  In the spirit of frankness which I hope will characterize our talks this week, let us recognize at the outset these points: we have at times in the past been enemies.  We have great differences today.  What brings us together is that we have common interests, which transcend those differences.  As we discuss our differences, neither of us will compromise our principles.  But while we cannot close the gulf between us, we can try to bridge it so that we may be able to talk across it.  So, let us, in these next five days, start a long march together, not in lockstep, but on different roads leading to the same goal.

  3. 表述文類 (The Expressive Text-Type)

    When Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.  Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years, ever since his remarkable disappearance and unexpected return.  The riches he had brought back from his travels had now become a local legend, and it was popularly believed, whatever the old folk might say, that the Hill at Bag End was full of tunnels stuffed with treasure.  And if that was not enough for fame, there was also his prolonged vigour to marvel at.  Time wore on, but it seemed to have little effect on Mr. Baggins.  At ninety he was much the same as at fifty.  At ninety-nine they began to call him well-preserved; but unchanged would have been nearer the mark.