Comparisons Between The Names Of Diseases In Two English Versions Of Huangdi Neijing·Suwen

Objective: With the development of international communication of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),Neijing· Suwen,or Suwen as shortened form,has been translated into 12 English versions in recent years.However,differences exist among different versions due to the distinction of cultural background,living environment and translation theories of different translators.Such differences result in the diversity of the English translations to the names of diseases,which might lead to confusion or misunderstanding among readers of Suwen.Comparisons of 50 disease names from Li Zhaoguo(abbr.Li)and Maoshing Ni(abbr.Ni)'s translation of Suwen have been listed,and analysis and discussion on the differences,characteristics,and techniques involving different translations in both versions are also conducted in the paper so as to help the readers with profound understanding as well as to provide techniques for the translators concerned.Methods: 12 translation of Suwen and studies concerning names of diseases of Suwen were reviewed in the paper adopting literature research method,so as to understand the researching backgrounds and status quo of this study.Suwen covers a wide range of contents.There are over 300 names of diseases in Suwen.50 of them were selected,and the translations of Li and Ni were served as research objects.The objects were equally and respectively divided into 5 groups according to the Five Zang-organ systems via induction method(10 names in each organ,50 names in total).Translation techniques from both versions were calculated in percentage using statistical method.A direct comparison and the statistical analysis could therefore be conducted.Results: Analysis and comparison of 50 names of diseases had been made in the paper,and there was evidence that Li's version frequently adopted techniques of transliteration and literal translation,while Ni's version' were more likely to use free translation and transliteration.Combination of different translation methods were common in both versions.Transliteration combined with literal translation were more frequently seen in Li's version,while free translation combined with transliteration were more commonly shown in Ni's version.Both translators used the additional translation.However,parentheses and footnotes adopted more often in Li's version as supplementary information,while the conjunction “or” was usually used in Ni's version as implication of supplementary information.There were also some absences of translation of disease names in Ni's version.Conclusion: Educational backgrounds and translation theories are the main factors that determines the diversity in styles and methods of these 2 translators.Li's translation pursuits to the original structure and features of Suwen by adopting transliteration and literal translation.His translation keeps the structure of the original text.However,Ni's translation considers the perspective of readers by adopting free translation and transliteration.His translation is more popular and easy to understand.It focuses on fulfilling the needs of readers from English spoken countries.In the translation of TCM classics,the translator is required to possess excellent English skills,as well as a solid foundation in ancient Chinese and TCM culture.The selection of translation methods should be varied from different groups of target readers.