A Comparative Analysis Of The Three English Versions Of Huangdi Neijing On The Basis Of Newmark’s Theory Of Textual Function

The theory of textual function is the essence of Peter Newmark’s translation theories. According to him, all source texts can be classified into three functions, that is expressive function, informative function and vocative function. Different translation strategies should be adopted in accordance with different functions. Newmark also proposed a series of translation standards and strategies.As globalization deepens, the cultural exchanges between China and the Western world are increasing. Huangdi Neijing, as the quintessence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories, has been translated by many experts home and abroad, thus becoming the cultural bridge between China and the Western world.After reviewing previous studies, the thesis randomly chooses ten examples from chapters on yin and yang theory, and adopts Newmark’s theory on textual function to comparatively analyze three representative versions of translation: Ilza Veith’s version, Wu Liansheng and Wu Qi’s version and Li Zhaoguo’s version. The same source text may have several different textual functions. A translator should use different translation strategies on the basis of different textual functions. The goal of the thesis is to provide a viable and effective guiding principle for the translation of TCM classics.The study reveals that Veith emphasizes the informative function of the text in order to promote medical and cultural communication, so she prefers domestication. Wu Liansheng and Wu Qi stresses TCM’s clinical value and aims to call for Westerners interested in TCM to apply TCM to medical practice. Li Zhaoguo focuses on the informative and expressive functions of the text. Therefore he adopts literal translation method coupled with free translation, translation plus notes.