A Comparative Study Of The English Translation Of Shanghanlun In Terms Of Polysystem Theory

Polysystem theory as theoretical framework, use descriptive comparative analysis method to explain Chinese cultural context, translation purpose and the subjectivity of the translator in the translation decision process through investigating the force of culture and the subjectivity of the translator study. On the language and cultural levels, we compare and analysis the two English versions Shanghanlun of Luo Xiwen and Huang Hai. The two versions are produced in different historical periods, which are separated by20years, emphasize the divergence caused by different position of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture in different times. Investigate the reason of different translation strategies through restoring the language and culture background, ideology and Chinese medicine professional translation requests as well as the features of the reader groups in different times. The comparison of different Shanghanlun versions is not for judging the handling of language and culture, but try to explain the coexist of different versions of the same text, different translation strategies and divergences between these versions basing on the descriptive translation theory. The article includes five parts:The first part introduces the theory basis, polysystem theory, explore the polysystem theory embodiment in the development process of English translation of traditional Chinese medicine. This theory can be applied in research of different versions of the same work in different historical conditions and the target is to explain related translation behaviors based on description. The second part is the introduction of authors and versions, provides the historical and cultural backgrounds. The third part compares the two versions in aspects of language and specialty. The linguistic aspect is mainly related to the word, sentence, the specialty aspect is mainly involved the differences and reasons in traditional Chinese medicine terminology. The fourth part analyses the adelomorphous and delomorphic reasons of these differences, and points out that cultural forces and the Chinese medicine position in different eras, translation purposes, readers, translators' academic backgrounds and subjectivity are the important factors of different versions. The fifth part classifies and sums up the translation of conceptual terms in Shanghanlun and makes new exploration under polysystem theory.Objective:Analyse, research, compare and revise the existing Shanghanlun English versions according to polysystem theory and explores the roles of Chinese medicine cultural forces, tranlation objective, target readers, translators' academic background and subjectivity. Devote to the new attempt, we will establish some standards for the English versions, provide experience for standardization, thus promote the speed of standardization in translation and provide the further development for TCM with long-term supports.Methods:1. Literature ApproachAccording to the research objectives, obtain information about Polysystem theory and TCM translation theories and strategies through literature search, learn about the history and the status in quo of the project, form the general impression of the study object and identify the research topic. Read Shanghanlun and translation versions of Shanghanlun, get comparative information, thereby, proclaim the culture notion of the original.2. Interdisciplinary StudiesUse theory, methods and results of TCM and linguistics to research the topic comprehensively. The interdisciplinary connection is becoming more and closer and there is an inclination to unification in respects of language, methods and some concepts.3. Descriptive ResearchNarrate and explain out Polysystem theory and translation theory of TCM through understanding and validation. Therefore, directionally bring up the questions, reveal the malpractices, describe phenomena and introduce the experiences.Results:The translated versions research tells us that translation is a dynamic process of cultural exchange. Chinese-English translating in TCM should develop from reader-guided to original-guided, so it can more close to the chronic expressions and features. Translating standards of the two versions depend on the followings:the first is affects by goal culture and culture position in different ages. The second is versions aim and readers. The third is the scholarly background and subjectivity of translator.Conclusion:Polysystem theory can be adapted to research of different translated versions finished many years ago or in different historical conditions. TCM classics translations should not only emphasis the original appearance, but also reflect the original essence. According to the theory, different education background, level of education, work experience and historical factors will have a greater impact on the translator's translation tendency. Readers pick out the most appropriate from many versions in accordance with their learning requirements. Only in this way can guide the readers to indeed understand the essence of traditional Chinese culture.