Nida's Dynamic Equivalence And Translation Of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM hereafter) is an indispensable part of Chinese culture. Translation of TCM makes significant contributions to the integration of TCM and Western medicine, and to the modernization of TCM and the intercultural communication between Chinese and Western cultures. Difficulties in TCM translation are mainly posed by the cultural and linguistic barriers as well as the differences in basic ideas and concepts between TCM and Western medicine. Poor translations and misinterpreted information are very common in the present English literature on TCM. Although more and more translators and scholars of translation studies have recognized the significance of translation theories to TCM translation practice in recent decades, the lack of translation theory and norm is still the main problem in TCM translation.The application of Nida's equivalence theory in TCM translation is studied in this thesis. Through the study of the correspondence between TCM and Western medicine and the literature feature of TCM classics, the justifications and restrictions for the realization of formal equivalence (F-E) and dynamic equivalence (D-E) are listed. The conditioning factors presented mainly include the nature of the message, receptors, the purpose and capability of the translator and his/her cultural background. Besides their respective influences on the translator in decision-making, the interplay of these factors imposes more difficulties to TCM translation. From case studies, it can be concluded that F-E can only work in a limited way in TCM translation. The D-E approach is more constructive and effective, which often provides insight into the author's intention that would not have been conveyed in F-E approach and makes it easier for the receptor to correctly understand and appreciate the translated text. The limitations and flaws of Nida's equivalence theory are also briefly discussed in this thesis.This thesis attempts to contribute to the application of Nida's theory of equivalence to TCM translation. In reality, the conditioning factors to be taken into considerationby the translator listed here will be helpful to assist the translator to adopt proper strategies in the process of TCM translation for better and more successful translations.