On The Translation Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Instructions From The Perspective Of Skopos Theory

The translation of traditional Chinese medicine instructions (TCMI) is playingthe role of a bridge in the process of globalization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). TCM, as the cultural treasure of the Chinese nation, is popular with people athome and abroad due to its good clinical effects and insignificant toxicity. Althoughthe export of TCM has been increasing significantly in recent years, it still accountsfor a smaller share in the international market of herbal medicine whose annual saleexceeds billions of dollars. There are many factors affecting the international marketshare of TCM, among which the mistranslation of the TCMI is an indispensable andcrucial factor. The above phenomenon results in suspicion and even prejudice aboutthe security, validity and reliability of TCM in the minds of foreign consumers,leading to the obstruction of the TCM sale in the international market. Therefore, it isan arduous and urgent task for translators to translate the TCMI properly and provideaccurate information for medical management departments, doctors and patients toensure the security and validity of its pharmaceutical use. It is natural that thetranslation of TCMI and its related research have become the hot topics in bothtranslational field and medical circles.This thesis analyzes the wrong translation and mistranslation in TCMI with suchmethods as sample analysis and questionnaire survey in the light of Skopos theory putforward by Hans Vermeer, who is the representative figure in German functionalistschool. Skopos theory holds that the standpoint of translation should be focused on thetarget readers and initiators, especially on the functions of target text in their specific culture. Translators have to make decisions on principles and strategies of translationin the light of target text’s functions in target culture. That is why Skopos theory canprovide effective theoretical guidance to TCMI translation. The author attempts togeneralize guiding principles and strategies of translation by means of analyzing agreat number of translation cases, with an aim to improve the translation of TCMI. Itis hoped that through such efforts expended by translators, the suspicion and prejudiceabout the security and validity of TCM in some Western countries will be graduallyremoved. This will inevitably sweep away the hindrance to the export of TCM.