一般认为background 、context、setting 是同义词,但在科技论文写作中的应用要注意:
background 可以作为题目,但文中表示“背景”是一般多用context。setting 一般是指“设定”、“设置”,既各种“设定”和“设置”形成的背景。
我们下面给出一段以Background 为标题的例文(论文的一小节),包含了这三个单词的用法:
Background
Internet enables every individual in the world to connect to others. Mobile smart devices further allow one to hook up to the Internet anytime. Data from anyone flows perpetually through the network to a variety of destinations including servers, smartphones and PCs. In the context of anyone being linking to the Internet anytime and anywhere, data security should be received substantial attention. Nowadays devices like smartphones are equipped with an authentication protocol which ensures that no illegal invaders succeed. The security settings involve not only authentication but encryption and digital signatures as well……
(背景
Internet 使世界上的每一个人与其他人连接,移动智能设备更使一个人随时连接到Internet,数据从任何人那里通过Internet 流向各种各样的目的地。在任何人在任何时间、任何地点都连接Internet 的背景下,数据安全应该得到足够重视。现在,设备例如智能手机“装备”有认证协议,能保证非法者不能侵入。安全设置不仅仅有认证,还有加密和数字签名……)
当涉及学科背景时,一般用background ,例如:
Research on cryptography requires one to have profound mathematical background.(密码学研究需要一个人有深厚的数学背景。)
如果出现mathematical context 就不自然了,但是可以有 global/historical context。
(例句属原创)