Modern Social Science Research

As an important component of traditional Chinese culture, the English translation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classics holds significant importance for the “internationalization” of TCM. This study analyzes the core concepts of hermeneutics, including fore-interpretation, fusion of horizons, and effective history, and suggests that translating TCM classics should focus on a deep understanding of the historical background, cultural connotations, and linguistic features of the original text. The findings, originated through the study of Professor Li Zhaoguo’s English translation of the Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Medicine, indicate that the translator’s understanding of the cultural core of TCM, the complexity of TCM terminology, and cultural differences is crucial to enhancing international readers’ recognition of TCM culture and promoting its internationalization process. Hermeneutics also has important implications for translation teaching, which is to focus on cultivating students’ historical and cultural sensitivity, promoting their interdisciplinary knowledge reserves, and enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills, in order to better promote the global dissemination of TCM.

Hermeneutics; English translation of TCM classics; Li Zhaoguo; Pedagogical implication