A Comparative Study Of The Three English Versions Of Huangdi Neijing From The Perspective Of Textual Function-A Case Study Of Su Wen

The school of German Functionalist breaks the argument between literaltranslation and free translation in the field of translation theories, which provides abrand new perspective for the research on translation theories and arouses theextensive concern in the academic circle. Katharina Reiss, an important figure ofFunctionalist School, categorizes the texts in her book, puts forward the theory oftextual functions and begins to examine the translation process from the functionalapproach.In recent years, as the exchange between China and the Western world has beencontinuously strengthened, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been graduallyarousing the attention of international medical circles. Huangdi Neijing, being thecornerstone of TCM theory, has been translated by numerous scholars at home andabroad so as to disseminate the Chinese culture to the world.After reviewing the history and relevant studies on the translation of TCMliterature, especially Huandi Neijing, the research will select12examples randomlyrelated to yin and yang theory in Su Wen of Huangdi Neijing. Under the guidance oftextual functions raised by Reiss, the comparative analysis will be performed amongthree representative translated versions: Ilza Veith’s translation, Wu Liansheng andWu Qi’s translation, Li Zhaoguo’s translation. It is pointed that the same source textmay have several textual functions. Translators should determine and use differenttranslation strategies according to diverse textual functions, aiming at offering afeasible and effective guiding principle for the translation of TCM classics andestablishing the model for specific research on the texts of TCM classics translation.The research findings show that Veith, for the sake of medical and culturalcommunication, stresses the informative function of the text, so she is inclined todomestication. Wu Liansheng and Wu Qi emphasize the clinical value of TCM,anticipating Westerners interested in TCM to apply TCM into medical practice. Theylay great stress on the appellative function of the text by the translation strategy ofliteral translation plus interpretations. Li Zhaoguo emphasizes the informative andexpressive function of the text. Through painstaking efforts, vivid effect could beattained and intercultural communication can be realized. He adopts literal translationsupplemented by free translation, transliteration plus notes.