用英语讲中国非遗文化：中国传统木结构建筑技艺

Traditional Chinese wooden architecture techniques have a long and glorious history, dating back thousands of years. These techniques are not only a manifestation of the Chinese people's wisdom and creativity but also an important part of Chinese cultural heritage. Through generations of inheritance and innovation, traditional Chinese wooden architecture has formed a unique system with distinct features.

中国传统木结构建筑技艺拥有悠久而辉煌的历史，可追溯到数千年前。这些技艺不仅是中国人民智慧和创造力的体现，也是中国文化遗产的重要组成部分。经过世代的传承与创新，中国传统木结构建筑形成了具有鲜明特色的独特体系。

In ancient times, wood was one of the most readily available building materials in China. As early as the Neolithic Age, primitive wooden structures began to appear. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, wooden architecture techniques made significant progress. The construction of palaces and temples became more sophisticated, with the use of basic wooden components such as columns and beams. In the Qin and Han dynasties, the scale of wooden architecture expanded. The invention of the dougong system, a unique wooden bracket set, further enhanced the stability and aesthetic value of buildings. Over the following dynasties, from the Tang to the Ming and Qing, traditional Chinese wooden architecture continued to develop and refine, reaching a high level of craftsmanship.

在古代，木材是中国最容易获取的建筑材料之一。早在新石器时代，原始的木结构就开始出现。商周时期，木结构建筑技艺取得了重大进展。宫殿和庙宇的建造更加复杂，开始使用柱子和横梁等基本的木制构件。秦汉时期，木结构建筑的规模不断扩大。斗拱系统（一种独特的木制斗拱组合）的发明，进一步提高了建筑的稳定性和美学价值。在随后的朝代，从唐朝到明清，中国传统木结构建筑不断发展和完善，达到了很高的工艺水平。

Mortise - and - Tenon Joints（榫卯结构）

One of the most remarkable features of traditional Chinese wooden architecture is the use of mortise - and - tenon joints. Instead of using nails or glue, carpenters create a connection between wooden components by cutting a mortise (a hole) in one piece of wood and a tenon (a projection) in another. The tenon is then inserted into the mortise, forming a tight and durable joint. This technique allows for flexibility in the structure, enabling buildings to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes. For example, many ancient wooden buildings in China, like the Forbidden City, have survived for centuries despite numerous earthquakes, thanks to the ingenious use of mortise - and - tenon joints.

中国传统木结构建筑最显著的特点之一是使用榫卯结构。木匠不用钉子或胶水，而是通过在一块木头上切割出榫眼（一个洞），在另一块木头上切割出榫头（一个突出部分），从而在木制构件之间建立连接。然后将榫头插入榫眼，形成紧密而耐用的接头。这种技术使结构具有灵活性，使建筑物能够抵御地震等自然灾害。例如，中国的许多古代木结构建筑，如故宫，尽管经历了无数次地震，但由于巧妙地使用了榫卯结构，仍然保存了数百年。

Dougong System（斗拱系统）

The dougong system is another unique technique in traditional Chinese wooden architecture. It consists of a series of wooden brackets that are stacked on top of each other and placed between the columns and the beams. The dougong not only provides additional support to the roof but also serves as a decorative element. The complex and intricate design of the dougong showcases the high - level craftsmanship of ancient Chinese carpenters. It also contributes to the unique aesthetic of traditional Chinese wooden architecture, with its layers of brackets creating a sense of grandeur and elegance.

斗拱系统是中国传统木结构建筑中的另一项独特技艺。它由一系列相互堆叠并放置在柱子和横梁之间的木制斗拱组成。斗拱不仅为屋顶提供了额外的支撑，还起到了装饰作用。斗拱复杂而精致的设计展示了中国古代木匠的高超工艺。它也为中国传统木结构建筑独特的美学做出了贡献，其层层斗拱营造出宏伟而优雅的感觉。

Traditional Chinese wooden architecture is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It reflects the Chinese people's understanding of nature, harmony, and social order. For example, the layout of traditional Chinese houses often follows the principle of symmetry, which symbolizes balance and stability. The use of natural materials like wood also shows the Chinese people's respect for nature and their pursuit of harmony with the environment. Moreover, wooden architecture has played an important role in various aspects of Chinese social life, from family residences to religious temples, representing different cultural values and social hierarchies.

中国传统木结构建筑深深植根于中国文化之中。它反映了中国人对自然、和谐和社会秩序的理解。例如，中国传统房屋的布局通常遵循对称原则，这象征着平衡和稳定。使用木材等天然材料也体现了中国人对自然的尊重以及对与环境和谐相处的追求。此外，木结构建筑在中国社会生活的各个方面都发挥了重要作用，从家庭住宅到宗教寺庙，代表了不同的文化价值观和社会等级制度。

In modern times, traditional Chinese wooden architecture techniques face several challenges. With the development of modern construction materials and technologies, the use of traditional wooden architecture in large - scale construction has decreased. The complex craftsmanship of traditional wooden architecture requires a long - term apprenticeship and high - level skills, making it difficult to attract young people to learn. However, efforts are being made to preserve and inherit these precious techniques. Some traditional architecture workshops are still operating, and there are also educational programs in schools and vocational training centers to teach traditional wooden architecture techniques. Additionally, modern designers are exploring ways to combine traditional wooden architecture elements with modern design concepts, breathing new life into this ancient art form.

在现代，中国传统木结构建筑技艺面临着一些挑战。随着现代建筑材料和技术的发展，传统木结构建筑在大规模建筑中的应用有所减少。传统木结构建筑复杂的工艺需要长期的学徒期和高水平的技能，这使得很难吸引年轻人来学习。然而，人们正在努力保护和传承这些珍贵的技艺。一些传统建筑作坊仍在运营，学校和职业培训中心也有教授传统木结构建筑技艺的教育项目。此外，现代设计师正在探索将传统木结构建筑元素与现代设计理念相结合的方法，为这种古老的艺术形式注入新的活力。

A. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

B. In the Qin and Han dynasties.

C. As early as the Neolithic Age.

D. In the Tang Dynasty.

A. It makes the building more beautiful.

B. It allows the structure to be flexible and withstand disasters.

C. It is easier to construct than other joints.

D. It uses less wood.

A. It only serves as a decorative element.

B. It provides support to the roof and is also decorative.

C. It helps to save building materials.

D. It makes the building taller.

A. Because it is easier to build.

B. Because it symbolizes balance and stability.

C. Because it looks more fashionable.

D. Because it can accommodate more people.

A. The lack of modern construction materials.

B. The high cost of traditional wooden architecture.

C. The difficulty in attracting young people to learn due to complex craftsmanship.

D. The ban on using wood in construction.

Explanation: The passage clearly states that “As early as the Neolithic Age, primitive wooden structures began to appear.” Options A, B, and D are incorrect as these periods are not when primitive wooden structures first emerged.

Explanation: “This technique allows for flexibility in the structure, enabling buildings to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes.” Option A is wrong because the main advantage is not about beauty. Option C is incorrect as the passage does not mention it is easier. Option D is not the main advantage of mortise - and - tenon joints.

Explanation: “The dougong not only provides additional support to the roof but also serves as a decorative element.” Option A is too restrictive as it has a supporting function too. Options C and D are not the functions of the dougong system as described in the passage.

Explanation: “The layout of traditional Chinese houses often follows the principle of symmetry, which symbolizes balance and stability.” Options A, C, and D are not the reasons for the symmetry layout as stated in the passage.

Explanation: “The complex craftsmanship of traditional wooden architecture requires a long - term apprenticeship and high - level skills, making it difficult to attract young people to learn.” Option A is incorrect as there is no lack of modern construction materials. Option B is wrong as the passage does not mention high cost. Option D is not true as there is no ban on using wood in construction.