Errors In C-E Translation Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Instructions

After China joined the WTO, the import and export of medicines have increased sharply. However, the export of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) is not optimistic. TCM is sometimes not accepted by foreign consumers due to the low translation quality of TCM instruction. Therefore, the translation quality of TCM instruction is a burning issue for the internationalization of TCM. From the perspective of Skopos theory, this paper analyzes three kinds of errors in the C-E translation of TCM instruction: Pragmatic translation errors, cultural translation errors and linguistic translation errors. Then the author finds reasons for these errors, including cultural diversity, insufficient language ability of translators and lack of translation standards. Finally, the author puts forward four appropriate translation methods based on the Skopos theory, including transliteration, literal translation, conversion and free translation. In this way, the translation of TCM could become clearer, smoother, and more coherent, so as to help foreign consumers understand the property and function of TCM and then stimulate their desire for consumption.