On English Translation Of TCM Terminology From The Perspective Of Hermeneutics

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is identified as one of the treasures of thesplendid Chinese ancient cultural heritages. After thousands of years’ medical practice,TCM has gradually developed into a complete scientific system which has its owndistinctive and unique features. TCM has received a lot of attention from the worldmedical field because of its remarkable effects on the prevention and treatment ofdiseases and its low side effects.English is a worldwide language. TCM translation not only assists the furtherdevelopment of TCM but also promotes the cultural exchanges between the East and theWest. Although TCM has received increasing welcome and attention during the pastdecades, it meets a lot of obstacles during its transmission to the West: inappropriatetranslation versions of TCM terminology, inadequacy of introducing cultural phenomenain TCM classics and even wrong translation versions. As we know, rooted in traditionalChinese culture and influenced by traditional Chinese philosophy, TCM has formed alarge number of distinctive vocabulary and expressions. Together with its long history,complex systematic theories and abstract medical language, all of which contribute to thedifficulties in TCM translation, especially in the translation of TCM terminology.Therefore, translators do need a theoretical guidance in TCM translation so as to avoidmisinterpretations and errors in translation.Hermeneutics, what Schleiermacher has referred to as a “theory of understanding”and as what George Steiner has put forward “understanding as translation”, mainlyconcerns the understanding and interpretation of the source language. Thus, the present author believes this theory will probably be an effective guidance in the translation ofTCM terms, most of which are profound and difficult to understand and interpret.Therefore, the present thesis attempts to probe into the application of hermeneutics to thetranslation of TCM terminology. It will introduce the basic concepts and development ofhermeneutics as well as hermeneutic translation theories, and by analyzing the historyand present state of TCM translation at home and abroad, it will further discuss theguiding significance of hermeneutic translation theories in the translation of TCMterminology. Under the guidance of hermeneutic translation theories, especially GeorgeSteiner’s fourfold hermeneutic translation motion and Schleiermacher’s translation theory,the present thesis analyzes the process, strategies, principles and methods of TCMterminology translation.This thesis intends to draw scholars’ and translators’ attention to the application ofhermeneutics to TCM terminology translation and call for them to come forward withmore valuable research, thus further promoting TCM translation.