WHY?
问题就是出在搭配词!
什么是搭配词(collocation)呢?
搭配词辞典 Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of English(2002:vii)上所提供的定义为:
Collocation is the way words combine in a language to produce natural-sounding speech and writing.
「搭配词是某语言中字汇合并的方式,以产出自然的口语和文字。」
所以简单来说,搭配词意思就是说有些字有它固定可以搭配的字词,这样搭才可以具体表示它的意思以及语言的自然流利度。
而在我们过去的英文学习中常会只背了大量的单字,但是却忽略其应该搭配的字词,不管是动词、名词、形容词、副词或介系词等,所以以至于在口说或写作时会出现语感不对或是不够自然道地的困扰
就让我们来认识一下搭配词吧
一、英文字词搭配种类&用法举例
1. adverb + adjective 副词+形容词
We entered a richly decorated room.
Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?
2. adjective + noun 形容词+名词
The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
3. noun + noun 名词+名词
I’d like to buy two bars of soap please.
The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.
4. noun + verb 名词+动词
The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.
The bomb went off when he started the car engine.
5. verb + noun 动词+名词
I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.
He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.
6. verb + expression with preposition 动词+介系词
At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.
We had to return home because we had run out of money.
7. verb + adverb 动词+副词
She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.
Mary whispered softly in John’s ear.
二、搭配词错误的原因
1. 受母语使用习惯的干扰
主要是因为我们的母语也有惯性使用字词,而这些惯性就有可能造成在运用英文字词上的干扰
EX.1 「提升英文能力」正确是: improve English skills,常见错误: raise English ability
EX.2 「作研究」正确是: do research,常见错误: make research
EX.3 「工作机会」正确是: job opportunity,常见错误: job chance
2. 英文使用的过度类化
这通常是因为学习者的英文已有一定的程度,对于某些词汇的表达过于自信,将在某文境中正确的搭配用法类推到另一文境时,却产生错误的搭配。
EX. 学习者知道commit这个动词可以和 crime/ suicide/ murder/ offence/ conspiracy/ robbery/ fraud/ sin/ harm等负面的名词搭配,但就是不能因此而类推为和mistake搭配来表达「犯错」
三、如何精进搭配词运用能力?
1. 建立自己的语料库
在平常学习英文的过程就可以用电脑或是笔记本建立自己的字词资料库,纪录方式可以以「词性」为分类基础,把前面第一大点中所举出的常用的组合整理好,日积月累后,就会有自己的搭配词语料库
EX. Record
2. 搭配词的克漏字填空练习
看到不错的文章时,看完也可以把有使用搭配词的地方去掉,变成填空,让自己藉由多做练习加深记忆与对搭配词的敏感度。而且在作答的同时也会一起思考了多种可搭配的语词的可能性,也可加深记忆与概念
3. 搭配词的翻译练习
为克服母语对记忆背诵翻译搭配词的干扰,我们也可以藉由更多的翻译练习去打破这个禁锢。尤其是针对常错的字词搭配,或是较容易受中文直觉性翻译影响的字词都可以是加强练习的对象
EX.
1. 我早上起床时感到剧烈的头痛。
When I woke up this morning, I ____ a serious headache.
2. 这种情况下会出现什么困难?
What kind of difficulties may ____ from this situation?
3. 青少年需要一些基本生活技能的训练,包括洗自己的衣服。
Teenagers need some basic life-skills training, including how to____ their own laundry.
正解: 1. had 2. arise 3. do