Studies On C-E Translation Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Instructions

As a branch of C-E translation of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the translation of TCM instructions proves to be more important and needs more attention, because a TCM instruction is an important attachment to the medicine, which is closely related with terminal consumers. However, due to the differences between the language and culture of the English text and the Chinese text, and more importantly, lack of translation standards, most translation versions of TCM instructions are not satisfactory, which deeply harm the image of the products and hamper them from entering the international market smoothly.This thesis deals with translation of TCM instructions from the perspective of the functional approach. Skopostheorie, which developed from German functionalism, holds that translation is a form of translation action based on a source text and the prime principle determining any translation process is the purpose (Skopos) of the overall translation action. In another words, it is the function of the translated TCM instructions or the purpose of translation of TCM instructions that determines the translation strategies when translating TCM instructions for foreigners. For the purpose of improving the translation quality of TCM instructions, helping more foreigners have a better understanding of TCM and TCM products and eventually promoting the sales of them, the author makes a thorough investigation and a summary into the theories and strategies scholars usually use to translate TCM instructions and the features of TCM language and pharmaceutical instructions. Then the author discusses the translation methods and translation principles in C-E translation of TCM instructions, then gives a detailed description of current problems on it and finally comes up with the suggestion that it should be necessary and urgent to train professional translators. Based on the investigation, the thesis analyzes and discusses three main problems appearing in the translation process from functional approach. Three main problems are name translation of Chinese Herb Medicines, the translation of TCM terminology, and actions and indications of TCM instructions. Through analyzing a number of examples and case studies, the author finally employs feasible strategies and solutions to achieve an accurate translation of TCM instructions. For example, as to the mistranslation of Actions and Indications of TCM instructions, the author put forwards four solutions:the use of conventional expressions, paying attention to semantic redundancy, making the translation version understandable and avoiding misunderstanding.