难得的是那自然天成——例析英语写作语言过度复杂化

英语写作中，为了体现更高的文字水平，有意识地使用一些复杂的语法结构和高级词汇是必要的，但是如果分寸把握不当，出现了过度复杂的语法结构和晦涩的用词，反而会适得其反，使文章失去了自然，读起来不流畅，甚至给人莫名其妙乃至古怪的感觉，影响了意义的表达，偏离了写作的初衷。

试举几例：

1. It is an opportunity where we can have a discussion about the cultural differences between the two languages.

相比之下，It is an opportunity for us to have a discussion about the cultural differences between the two languages显得更为自然些，opportunity where这样的结构尽管语法上能说得通，但毕竟实际上极少有人使用，这样的结构虽然体现出了作者的语法水平，但是失去了表达的“得体”，因小失大，不值得。

2. It is generally acknowledged that we spent a lot of time on traveling. With the rapid envelopment of society, I want to be a volunteer. It goes without saying that it help me understand others. In addition, I want to do a part-time job. As is known to all, doing a part-time job is beneficial to our growth. I hope I can spent a wonderful vacation.

这一段中的几个句子单独看来都使用了挺不错的结构，也就是划线的部分，但是把这些句子放在一起连成语篇，部分结构就显得多余了，给人卖弄文字的感觉。一篇文章中，句子有长有短读起来才自然，如果全是结构纷繁复杂的句子，不把人憋死，也会把人噎死。

3. Above all, I would like to find a part-time job so as to earn enough money. Besides, because I plan to relax myself, so I am eager to tour, and through it I could enjoy the beauty of nature. At the same time, I am eager to become a volunteer.

这是一个滥用连接词的例子，如果不是有意的卖弄，可能就是无知的迂腐。

4. What I want to do most is that being a volunteer, one help children who have difficulty in learning English.

what从句、that从句、同位语one、who从句集中在如此短的一句中，读之令人气结，更不必说其中的语法错误了。语言，哪有那么复杂！

5. 下面的几个句子也是2013年山东高考阅卷中明确提到的表达失度的例子，作为前车之鉴。

① How time flies! It seems a long time since we chatted last time. How is everything going？

② For the sake of the test, I forget to reply. There is no denying that study plays an important part in daily life. As a result, I pass the exam.

③ I’m sincerely looking forward to your reply at your earliest convenience.

④ I am Li Hua, who is from Xinhua School.

总而言之，追求语言美无可非议，但语言美源于自然而非做作，源于实在的内容而非空洞的形式，其目的在于更好地表达而非卖弄，用优美的语言得体地表达思想才是正道，“寒塘渡鹤影，冷月葬花魂”之类的句子之所以备受推崇，就是因为这样形神俱佳的表达展示给读者的正是那难得的自然天成。