C-E Translation Of Culture-Specific Lexicons In Huangdi Neijing

Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, commonly abbreviated as Nei Jing) is the classical work that laid the theoretic foundation for traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It ranks the first amongst the four most important classical works on TCM. It has two volumes: Plain Questions and the Spiritual Pivot, each consisting of 81 chapters, so there are 162 chapters altogether. Most chapters are written in a form of conversations between the Yellow Emperor: Huangdi and his minister Qibo.Influenced by the traditional Chinese philosophy and the understanding of nature by ancient Chinese, lots of culture-specific lexicons are found in this book, which reflect traditional Chinese culture and TCM culture. Culture-specific lexicon is one the most important and most difficult part in translating Nei Jing.Culture-specific lexicons are classified. The translation strategies are discussed. Two English versions by Professor Li Zhaoguo and Doctor Ilza Veith are compared.It is found that seven translation strategies are used in the two English versions; free translation, transliteration, literal translation, non-translation, variation translation, additional translation and abridged translation.Li Zhaoguo tried to convey the culture of Nei Jing. He used seven strategies in culture-specific lexicon translating. Transliteration is most commonly used with an interlinear note or a footnote to translate people's names. Context is also usually considered. Li's translation of culture-specific lexicon is accurate and high in consistency.Veith translated Neijing based on her expertise in medical history. Her goal was to introduce this ancient Chinese medical book to the western world. She used six methods in culture-specific lexicon translation. Literal translation and free translation with interlinear notes or footnotes in English or Chinese are the techniques most commonly used. Concepts are explained in various ways but source culture is usually not conserved. Many culture-specific lexicons are misunderstood.