Our aim, then, has been not merely to present a collection of disparate examples but to highlight the various systems to which they belong, since these systems constitute the building blocks of the overall system of the English language. Wherever possible we have considered these systems in the context of their Japanese counterparts, hoping in this way to inculcate a more systematic approach in translators and help them to move away from a simple ad hoc approach.

Also towards this end we have emphasized the function of the language involved and, therefore, the function of the text itself. Some would argue that categorizing texts by genre is a useful tool in determining methodology. In my view, however, it is more fruitful for the translator to concentrate on function, since such an analysis provides clearer information as to the approach he should take.

In a word we have attempted to put together a course which is both practical and supported by solid translation theory.

　一見どれほどやさしいと思える表現でも、念のため辞書で確認してみる謙虚な姿勢も大切です。辞書は「確認のための書」だと私は定義しています。1929年10月24日と言えば、世界的不況のきっかけとなったいわゆる“Black Thursday”ですが、その日の新聞の大見出し“Wall Street Lays an Egg”を日本の公共放送教養番組では「ウォール街黄金の卵を生む」と訳していました。これなど、辞書で lay an egg を引けばすぐに、「ドジを踏む、大失敗をやらかす」と出ているのですから、翻訳者の怠慢以外の何物でもありません。「黄金の卵」と「壊滅」とでは正反対もいいところです。

　日常、外国語に対し、次のような態度を取りがちな人は、翻訳者には向いていないと思って間違いないでしょう。