Translation Principles Of The TCM Classics From The Stylistic Perspective

In recent decades, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made great progress in its globalization and translation of TCM classics is flourishing. Theories and principles of TCM translation vary greatly. This thesis takes the stylistic perspective and proposes the principles and methods for the translation practice of TCM classics.The whole paper is done by combining the qualitative and quantitative research methods. The terms and concepts are mainly defined by referring to former research and the authors understanding. The features are concluded by taking specific examples from the related texts and the comment part is also a review of the typical cases from the related texts. It aims to consider TCM classics translation from a brand new perspective and contribute to the building of new translation theory of TCM classics.By a close inspection of TCM texts and reference to related materials, this thesis found some unique stylistic characteristics of TCM classics. Developed in ancient China, when medical doctors usually possess the identity of scientist and literary writer at the same time, TCM texts bear the features of literary writing, scientific writing and classical writing. All these make it a special and complex style of text, and which forms a big challenge for the translators.The style of texts is of great importance to the translation practice, translation of different styles of text may follow different principles and techniques. Based on the unique characteristics of TCM texts, this thesis devised three translation principles. Scientific writing which concerns more of the facts and objective laws with an ultimate aim of transporting information and which emphasizes more on the scientificalness, logicalness and objectiveness values most the exactness in delivering the original meaning. Literary writing, laying particular emphasis on vivid description and beauty of the language, usually reminds people of ordinary life and arouse people’s sympathy and appreciation. So elegance is regarded as the pursuit of literary translation. TCM is an independent medical system which carries5000years of Chinese culture. Retaining the national flavor of TCM classic has long been a challenge for Chinese translators.Moreover, taking these principles as the criteria of TCM classic translation, this thesis makes a comment of two versions of translation of TCM classic work---Husngdi Neijing Lingshu. A comparative study shows that Li’s version did much better in exactness while Wu’s version did better in elegance and nationality. But both versions are far from perfect from the stylistics translation perspective. Thus, there is still room to improve.