Translation Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Articles

TCM-Centric Innovations in WHO's International Standard Terminologies: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly recognized worldwide as a valuable complementary and alternative medicine. To facilitate global research and collaboration in this field, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine on March 3, 2022. This international terminology translation standard, IST 2022, goes beyond conventional translation by embracing three innovative features: 1) It reflects TCM's foundational philosophy of unity and opposition, emphasizing the interconnectedness among TCM terms during translation. This approach transcends individual term translations to explore the interrelationships among them. 2) It meticulously preserves the integrity of TCM theory. It achieves this by retaining transliterations for unique TCM terms that possess distinct features, thus upholding the essence of TCM. 3) It employs innovative Xiang (Image) cognition, a concept rooted in traditional Chinese thought by helping readers grasp visual and mental imagery associated with each term. This study presents a qualitative analysis based on interviews with 11 TCM translation experts, examining their perspectives on these features and their translational preferences across IST 2007 and 2022 versions. The findings contribute to the standardization and global harmonization of TCM terminology, advocating for clarity, precision, and the advancement of TCM in the international healthcare arena.

The History, Development, and Prospect of Standardization in English Translation of TCM Terminology

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an extensive and profound component of Chinese cultural heritage. In the context of globalization, TCM has ascended onto the international stage, significantly influencing global health and wellness and garnering worldwide attention. This article employs a literature review methodology to elucidate the global impact of TCM and highlight the importance of contributions to the translation and standardization of TCM. The pivotal role played by scholars and practitioners in this domain is instrumental in shaping the future of TCM. The article examines the historical trajectory and evolution of the English translation of TCM terminology, critically analyzing the roles and contributions of various individuals and organizations engaged in the standardization of TCM terminology translation. The study proposes a promising framework for developing global standards in TCM terminology translation by synthesizing their translation methodologies, principles, standards, and guiding philosophies.

The Integration of Traditional Culture and Modern Technology in the Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Translation

Traditional Chinese medicine translation is an essential component of traditional culture and medicine. This article explores the current situation, implementation path, and key technologies of standardization in Chinese traditional medicine translation, and proposes some thoughts on the implementation path of standardization. This includes establishing translation standards for Chinese traditional medicine majors, strengthening the cultivation of translation talents, establishing a standard library for Chinese traditional medicine translation, and promoting standardized practices in Chinese traditional medicine translation.

Translation Studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China: Achievements and Prospects

Given the accelerated pace of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) translation studies and their increasing popularity in China, it is necessary to make a comprehensive review. This study explores the recent development and hotspots on TCM translation studies, based on research articles published between 1992 and 2020 in key journals in China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and it employs bibliometric methods to analyze the status quo, hotspots, and future trends of TCM translation studies. The study identifies the main researchers, their affiliations, and frequently cited papers and examined them from the perspective of keywords and burst terms. We find that TCM translation studies are rapidly increasing, topics and fields are increasingly covered, and cultural elements and their significance are increasingly considered. More perspectives and topics should remain to be considered. Thus, the TCM-related corpus should be expanded to enable in-depth studies. Further, more studies should be conducted on the training of TCM translators and interpreters.

Analysis of the Current Situation and Trends of Medical Translation Research in China

Medical translation is an interdisciplinary research direction between medicine and translation, with both theoretical and practical value. This study is based on the CNKI core paper database, utilizing the CiteSpace knowledge graph visualization tool and Excel data analysis. A systematic literature review method is used to sort out 1764 articles in Chinese medical translation related journals from 2001 to 2022, in order to clarify the research content and characteristics of medical translation. A dynamic econometric analysis was conducted on the current status and trends of medical translation research in the past two decades, and the results showed that: 1) Chinese medical translation research has shown an overall upward trend in the past two decades. 2) The research direction of influential authors in Chinese medical translation research is mostly traditional Chinese medicine translation, with research institutions mainly being universities of traditional Chinese medicine, and research achievements in Western medicine translation account for a relatively small proportion. 3) The main focus of Chinese medical translation research is the English translation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms. From the perspective of highlighted words, corpus and medical translation talent cultivation have been cutting-edge topics in recent years, and it is predicted that they will continue to grow in popularity in the future.

Sociocognitive terminology-based principles for translating the classics of traditional Chinese medicine

The classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contain terminology that is challenging to translate from the Ancient Chinese language into modern English and other target languages. In this paper, we introduce the main principles of sociocognitive terminology theory and examine how the application of these principles in TCM translation projects can produce superior results. To begin our study, we evaluate the salient characteristics of important TCM terms from linguistic, cognitive, diachronic, and communicative perspectives. Next, we present a model for realizing the objectives of linguistic economy, systematic relevance, conceptual retrospection, and knowledge dissemination in sociocognitive translation studies. Finally, to illustrate the practicality of this four-dimensional model, we present a case study on sociocognitive translation of the TCM classic 黄帝内经 (Huangdi Neijing or The Inner Canon of Huangdi), which was compiled during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). In summary, we find that this model effectively addresses the complexities of TCM terminology and provides solutions to problems involving conceptual connotation, symbolic representation, and communicative context. Following this approach, translators will be better able to convey the profoundly humanistic nature of TCM concepts, significantly improve the quality of TCM translations, and promote TCM and Chinese culture internationally.

A Preliminary Study on China English in Translation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Terms

China English, standard English with Chinese characteristics, exists largely in English translation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms with unique Chinese philosophy and culture. This study conducts a translation criticism on English Translation of TCM terms selected from Classified Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine from the perspective of China English under the guidance of Coordination Theory of Translation, that is, translators are required to coordinate all aspects and relationships in translation to the greatest extent. The key issues to be resolved in this study are as follows: 1) What are the word-formation methods of China English in the translation of TCM terms? 2) How should English translations of TCM terms in Classified Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine be evaluated? 3) What strategies, methods, and techniques should be adopted in English translation of TCM terms? Through the translation criticism of typical cases, conclusions are made as follows: firstly, domestication and foreignization strategies should be used together in a coordinated way on translation of TCM terms; secondly, as for terms whose corresponding expressions cannot be found in Western medicine, the translator should coordinate the use of various translation methods and techniques, such as literal translation plus free translation, transliteration with annotation, and literal translation with annotation. The findings of this study are expected to promote the normalization and standardization of English translation of TCM terms as well as provide some implications for future studies on TCM translation.

Targets and mechanisms of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel fruits in treating neurodegenerative dementia.

The dried and ripe fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and ripe fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel (AO) have the effects of tonifying kidney-essence and nourishing intelligence and thus have been widely used in treating dementia. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a typical form of neurodegenerative dementia with kidney-essence deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). So far, there is a lack of systematic studies on the biological basis of tonifying kidney-essence and nourishing intelligence and the corresponding phytochemicals. In this study, we investigated the targets of AO in tonifying kidney-essence and nourishing intelligence based on the key pathophysiological processes of neurodegenerative dementia. According to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry data and Lipinski's rule of five, 49 bioactive phytochemicals from AO were identified, and 26 of them were found to target 168 key molecules in the treatment of neurodegenerative dementia. Nine phytochemicals of AO were shown to target acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), and 19 phytochemicals were shown to target butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE). A database of neurodegenerative dementia with kidney-essence deficiency involving 731 genes was constructed. Furthermore, yakuchinone B, 5-hydroxy-1,7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) heptan-3-one (5-HYD), oxyhylladiketone, oxyphyllacinol, butyl-β-D-fructopyranoside, dibutyl phthalate, chrysin, yakuchinone A, rhamnetin, and rhamnocitrin were identified as the key phytochemicals from AO that regulate the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative dementia in a multitargeted manner. The approach of studying the pharmacological mechanism underlying the effects of medicinal plants and the biological basis of TCM syndrome may be helpful in studying the translation of TCM.

Current Situation and Countermeasures of English Translation of International Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Post-epidemic Era

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine has achieved great success in the global anti-epidemic cause and the construction of human health community, and has gradually become a business card for Chinese traditional Chinese medicine culture to step onto the world stage. In the post-epidemic era, the international communication and exchange of traditional Chinese medicine will become more and more frequent, and English translation of traditional Chinese medicine as the key to its external communication. Accurate English translation of traditional Chinese medicine can not only express the connotation of basic Chinese medicine terms and convey the medical concept of traditional Chinese medicine, but also promote the concept of health preservation of traditional Chinese medicine and carry forward the characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a remarkable curative effect in every stage of COVID-19 prevention and treatment. In order to let the world see the anti-epidemic effect of TCM, China has formulated a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan for COVID-19 epidemic, and shared the successful experience of TCM anti-epidemic with the world. In order to further analyze the current situation and problems of Chinese medicine translation in international communication in the post-epidemic era, this paper will analyze and study the English version of novel coronavirus Chinese Medicine Treatment Plan (7th Edition for Trial Implementation) (hereinafter referred to as the 7th Edition Plan) from the perspective of language dimension, cultural dimension and communication dimension in the theory of eco-translatology, and propose corresponding solutions to the problems to help the international communication of Chinese medicine.

Retrospection and Reflection on the Role of Henry C. Lu as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Writer, Educator, and Translator

This paper respectfully commemorates the life of Dr. Henry C. Lu (1936–2022), who was the founding president of International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver. Dr. Lu was an active educator, a prolific writer and translator of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the West and an influential figure during the initial stage of the international dissemination of TCM. By comprehensively searching, referencing, and cross-validating the literature, this article reviewed Dr. Lu’s major life events, bibliography, and, most importantly, his contribution to TCM education and translation. Dr. Lu should be given more credit for his achievements, and further studies are needed in future.

On the Prescription Translation of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an essential legacy of Chinese culture, which makes a great contribution to China and the world's medical fields. To make it accepted by more people from different countries, the translation of TCM becomes important. As an important branch of TCM, the study of prescription promotes the development of TCM, and its translation is also significant. However, there are various problems in TCM prescription translation and there are few standards in TCM translation. Thus, this research uses Christiane Nord's "Functionality plus Loyalty" Translation Theory to analyze the TCM prescription translation. Based on characteristics of prescription formation, the paper applies Christiane Nord's "Functionality plus Loyalty" theory to TCM prescription translation. It draws a conclusion that TCM prescription translation can be done according to "Functionality plus Loyalty" theory, and there are three ways of prescription names translation. They are literal translation, free translation and transliteration.

The paradox of intertextuality and dilemmas in English translations of traditional Chinese medicine texts: terminology as a case study

ABSTRACT Structuralists use the concept and methods of intertextuality to locate and fix literary meaning, yet poststructuralists employ the same term to disrupt notions of meaning, making it difficult to navigate through this paradox in textual and translation studies. When this term was incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) translation studies, the paradoxical meanings of the term were also adopted without resolving these paradoxes. This paper therefore focuses on the translation of a few key TCM terms, and attempts to clarify the following translation dilemmas that arise when attempting to apply the concept of intertextuality: 1) Intertextuality deconstructs clear and stable meanings and this leads to untranslatability; 2) It is impossible to reproduce the intertextual relations of the original; 3) The notion of equivalence in translation is therefore an illusion; 4) Translating becomes an intertextual practice itself, and the target text is just intertextually related to the source text. The paper probes into the potential usefulness and significance of intertextuality for TCM translation and finally proves that all dilemmas of translation can only be resolved through the very act of translating.

Translation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Gains vs. Losses

Translation criteria have always been a controversial topic in contemporary discourse. Depending on the preference for valuing the cultural messages of the source language or valuing the acceptability of the target language, translation theorists mainly fall within two schools: the adaptation school and the alienation school. However, whatever criterion is used, gains and losses are inevitable in the process of translation. In this article, the author, through textual analyses, proves this argument by providing specific findings from the case study of Traditional Chinese Medicine translation. He also argues that the best result of translation lies in choosing the right criterion that best accommodates the translation goal, which offers some help to translators who feel unsure about what translation criteria to abide by in their translation work.

Boym and Rémusat: Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Rise of Western Sinology

This article provides an introduction to Michel Boym (1612–1659) and Jean Pierre Abel Rémusat (1788–1832) and examines the research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) conducted by the two prominent sinologists. This work points out that Michel Boym introduced TCM to the West and Rémusat was the first to write a doctoral thesis on TCM. A historical overview of the translation, communication and impact of TCM in Europe at that time reveals that this communication of TCM to the West played a significant role in the rise of the study of Sinology in Europe.

Study on Translations of Five Xing Theory of TCM and Its Core Terminologies

Against the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative, the going-out policy of Chinese culture is ensured by a strong language tool. Now the going-out of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is leading an irreversible trend for TCM is widely expanded as the significant part of traditional Chinese culture. Then, the precise translation of TCM is expected to be a guarantee for its internationalization. To date, mistranslation, omission and inaccuracy have extremely interfered with the cultural exchanges with other countries, affecting the quality of translations. From the aspect of the translations of Five Xing Theory of TCM and its core terminologies, the paper purports to compare WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine in the Western Pacific Region (IST) and International Standard Chinese-English Basic Nomenclature of Chinese Medicine (ISN). And then it can be concluded that when translating Five Xing Theory of TCM and its core terminologies, literal translation and transliteration should be mainly adopted and annotation is supposed to be added in proper situation so as to achieve accurate translation and better the promotion of transmission of TCM.

标准化基本方法在中医翻译中的应用

标准化基本方法在中医翻译中的应用

Challenges for the Promotion and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Central and Eastern Europe Under the Belt and Road Initiative

Along with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly used and attracts more interest in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). As an important bridge between different cultures, translation plays a major role in promoting TCM in CEE. However, there are some problems in the translation process hindering further promotion of TCM theories and culture in CEE. First of all, the English translations of TCM classics and textbooks lack universally accepted standards, and the quality of TCM text translation is low. Secondly, TCM translators lack sufficient training in TCM knowledge. Also, the translation of TCM materials lacks cultural connotation. Through analyzing the current problems of TCM translation in CEE, this study proposed three suggestions: strengthening the exchange between the government and experts, regulating the translation of TCM textbooks, and strengthening the training of TCM translators.

Understanding Fang-Tingyu's philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine term translation from the perspective of translator's subjectivity

Within the framework of translator’s subjectivity, this paper explores professor Fang-Tingyu’s philosophy in translating traditional Chinese medicine terms by taking four medical terms (miaoqiao, rouci, hexifeng, qihengli) as examples and referring to previously published interviews. The terms were chosen from his book New Chinese-English Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Second Edition). We summarized his translation philosophy as follows: to put the purpose of translation first; to trace the source and understand the source text correctly; to apply translation strategies and methods in a flexible manner; to take readers’s expectations into account; to keep abreast of the progress in traditional Chinese medicine translation studies. It is conducive that traditional Chinese medicine translator’s translation philosophy is from the perspective of translator’s subjectivity to grasping the nature of translation and may shed light on both translation practices and studies of traditional Chinese medical texts. Key words: Translating; Translator’s subjectivity; Fang-Tingyu; Terminology on traditional Chinese medicine

English translation of long Traditional Chinese Medicine terms

Abstract Apart from the importance of accurate meaning transference, the key to English translation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms lies in the proper translation of term forms, in particular, of long term structures and length. This article reports on an empirical study of the English translation of long TCM terms by the following procedures: (1) collecting 1220 TCM terms and their English translations from dictionaries, journals and official websites related to TCM terminology translation; (2) segmenting and POS-tagging with ICTCLAS to obtain 823 long TCM terms with 3 or more Chinese words; (3) selecting 150 out of the 823 long TCM terms through random sampling; (4) POS-tagging the 150 English translations with CLAWS5; (5) basing on the parallel corpus and systematically discussing the structures, term length change, translation techniques and translation regularities generalized from the English translation of long TCM terms. The result shows nominalization, shift of some pre-modifiers into post-modifiers, and amplification of a predicate in the 9 kinds of structural features, and some translation techniques like literal translation, paraphrase, adaptation, amplification and simplification employed in the English translation of long TCM terms.

Brief analysis on the promotion of traditional Chinese medicine translation from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine English translators

English translation competence for TCM, a specialized industry, was analyzed from the perspective of representative translators. The background information of some representative translators who had made great contribution to TCM translation were reviewed and concluded, based on which their common excellent translation quality and professional quality was summarized and then some enlightenment and suggestions on the promotion of TCM translation were given for future TCM translation practitioners. Key words: Education, traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacy; English translators; Translation competence