A Study Of The English Translation Of Cultural Connotation Of TCM Terminology From The Perspective Of Skopostheorie

Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history and embodies fruitful culture of China. It is based on Chinese traditional philosophy and is an integration of the essence of the doctrines of great Chinese philosophers. TCM, with its advanced theoretical system, scientific therapy and humane treatment, has made great contributions to the nation’s reproduction and development. With the reform and opening up policy going further, the exchange of traditional Chinese medicine becomes increasingly frequent. The internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine also speeds up. Therefore, the translation of TCM undertakes the task of information delivery and culture exchange, especially the English translation of cultural connotation of TCM terminology. Because of the language and cultural barriers as well as the huge difference between western medicine and TCM, the TCM translation works are beset with difficulties. In recent years, although more and more experts and scholars have realized the crucial guidance of translation theory to the TCM translation, the TCM translation still lacks the effective translation theory and the standard as a result of various kinds of reasons. This is also one of main barriers which the present TCM translation faces and has a great influence on its spread.In view of the above phenomena, the thesis discusses the previous studies of TCM terminology at home and abroad. In the process of discussion, the development of TCM studies, the achievements and the existing problems of TCM translation are also mentioned. From the perspective of Skopostheorie put forward by Hans J. Vermeer, the thesis gives a detailed description of its three basic rules, i.e. Skopos rule, intratextual rule and intertextual rule. The thesis also analyzes the unique characteristics of the translation of TCM terminology. Under the guidance of intratextuai and intertextual rule, the thesis brings forth some methods.In the study, the author has found that Skopostheorie can guide the English translation of TCM terms effectively. Purposes of English translation of TCM terms are to make foreign TCM readers comprehend TCM terms with ease, and to enable even a foreigner without any knowledge of TCM and Chinese culture to grasp the essence of TCM terms and to retain the national characteristics of TCM terms so that foreign TCM readers can indeed feel the unique glamour of TCM. The author has also found that when translating TCM terms without equivalent concepts in English, the translator can use loan translation, transliteration, and transliteration+literal translation. The prime rule of Skopostheorie is that Skopos determines translation methods. The above methods can just meet the needs of making TL more faithful to SL and delivering the Chinese culture to the target readers better.For the readers of traditional Chinese literature and the learners of traditional Chinese medicine, the findings of the study can help them not only to know the meanings of TCM terms or learn the therapy but also to understand ancient Chinese culture so that TCM can be spread to the world.