Modern Social Science Research

Translators shoulder the dual responsibilities of interpretation and adaptation in cross-cultural communication. Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu, a core classic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, requires more than just language conversion in its English translation. It also demands a balance between cultural differences and communicative intentions. Based on the three-dimensional transformation theory of eco-translatology, this paper conducts a comparative analysis of the translations of acupuncture, meridian, and health-preservation terms in the English versions by Paul U. Unschuld and Li Zhaoguo from the perspectives of language, culture, and communication. The research findings are as follows: In the language dimension, the translation of TCM terms needs to balance professionalism and readability. For example, the translation of “药熨”(medicated fomentation) should highlight the characteristics of TCM. In the cultural dimension, translators need to convey the core concepts of TCM, such as “harmony between man and nature” and “preventive treatment of disease”. For instance, the translation of “离道”should incorporate the cultural connotations of health preservation. In the communication dimension, it is necessary to clarify the medical functions of the terms and the cognitive level of the audience. For example, the interpretation of “五化” (the five transformations) should strengthen the connection between TCM and natural laws. The research shows that through multi-dimensional adaptation and selection, the eco-translation theory can effectively address the ecological imbalance issues in the translation of TCM terms, provide methodological guidance for the translation of TCM classics, and facilitate the global dissemination of TCM culture.

English translation of TCM classics; Eco-translatology; Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu