“工欲善其事,必先利其器”是对译者的要求。译者的能力,除了语言能力以外,历史文化在内的广泛知识面也必不可少,否则译者语文水平即使很高,也不能胜任翻译工作。萨缪尔森《经济学》里有很多历史文化知识,书中的“镀金时代的垄断者”就是典型。但北大团队误读、误译甚至篡改这些历史常识。翻译文本如同冰山,语言往往只是表象,历史文化是潜在水面以下的重要部分,所以译者更应该重视它。 “If a worker wants to do something good, he must first sharpen his tools” is a requirement for the translator. In addition to language skills, the translator’s ability is also indispensable for a wide range of knowledge, including historical culture. If the translator’s language level is high, translators will not be able to perform translation work. Samuelson’s “Economics” has a lot of historical and cultural knowledge. The “monopoly of the gilded era” in the book is typical. However, Peking University team misreads, misinterprets or even falsifies these historical knowledge. Translation texts are like icebergs. Languages ​​are often mere representations. Historical culture is an important part of the underlying surface. Therefore, translators should pay more attention to it.