On Translating Chinese Medicine Instructions

The German functionalist translation theory starts from Katharina Reiss who develops the functional category of translation criticism based on the functional relationship between source text and target text. After Reiss, her student Hans J. Vermeer has developed her theory even further. According to Vermeer's Skopos rule,"Any action has a purpose"and the word"Skopos"is"a technical term for the purpose of a translation", which is an action as well. Later on, Christiane Nord proposes her"Function-plus-Loyalty"model of functionalist approach. She points out that the prime principle in every translation process is the purpose (Skopos) of the overall translation action, that is, the end justifies the means. However, at the same time, Nord argues that the Skopos rule may leave translators free to do whatever they like with any source text, or worse, what their clients like. Therefore, the loyalty principle is introduced which takes account of the legitimate interests of the three parties involved: initiators, target receivers and original authors.With the expansion of the world trade and China's entry into the WTO, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Chinese medicine (CM) are becoming more and more familiar to westerners. Therefore, the translation of Chinese medicine instructions (CMI) is of particular importance to the introduction of CM and related CM products to the outside world. However, the question lies in how to make the translation of CMI clearer and more explicit so that overseas customers may acquire a better understanding of traditional Chinese drugs and the purpose of opening up the international market for our domestic products can be met. Although in 2007 WHO announced the International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine in the Western Region, its acceptance still needs to be examined. Due to the characteristics of CMI language and lack of translation standards, current CMI translation is in such a chaotic situation that it fails to attract foreign customers and enter the international market smoothly.This thesis deals with CMI translation from the perspective of the functionalist translation theory, whose focus has shifted from the source text to the target text. It is the function of the translated CMI or the purpose of the CMI translation that determines the translation strategies when translating CMI for western consumers. According to the functionalist translation theory, CMI translation is an equifunctional translation, belonging to the category of the instrumental translation, which is the counterpart of the documentary translation.The development and relationship of TCM translation and CMI translation are then discussed, in which the latter is part of the former but they are different to a large extent, according to their different functions for different target readers. The characteristics of the language of CMI are talked about later on, which definitely increases the difficulty in translating CMI.This paper, based on the framework of the functionalist translation theory, discusses the major problems in the field of CMI translation and corresponding reasons are presented. Problems involved are translation of the names of CM products, translation of their terminology, translation of the functions and indications of CMI as well as mistranslation and incomplete translation. Guided by Nord's Function-plus-Loyalty principle, the author puts forward some constructive suggestions for CMI translation in light of the problems summarized above, including creating names suitable as brand names, diversifying strategies when translating their terminology, observing the rules of the equifunctional translation and training professional translators.This thesis aims to deal with CMI translation from the functionalist perspective and provide some enlightening recommendations and effective translation patterns for CMI translators to carry out their work and finally help CM and CM products smoothly enter the international market, expand their influence across the world and successfully promote their sales.