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Abstract

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), originating more than 20 centuries ago, has gained Western popularity due to increased globalisation and cultural exchange. This trend has motivated TCM scholars and translators to translate TCM classics into English and other languages. Metaphorical language is extensively used in TCM and this presents a significant challenge for TCM translators. Despite prior research on translation strategies for TCM classics, the translation of metaphors within TCM classics necessitates a deeper and more systematic exploration.

This study addresses a notable research gap by examining the English translation sof metaphors in TCM medicinal herb classics. It specifically compares and summarises translation strategies employed in Shennong Bencaojing and Bencao Gangmu through the lens of Skopos theory. This approach enables TCM translators to identify effective methods for conveying metaphorical expressions within TCM classics.

Two English translations of Shennong Bencaojing and one of Bencao Gangmu were selected for analysis. The study's findings reveal three major domains of linguistic metaphors used in the source texts: ontological, structural, and orientational. Additionally, it identifies four primary translation approaches: convert the source metaphor to sense, retaining source metaphors with added intertextual gloss or using literal translation strategy, replacing the metaphor used in source language (SL) with a standard target language (TL) metaphor and deleting the metaphor used. The study concludes that outlining translation skopos before starting the translation process is crucial in determining effective strategies aligned with target readers and culture. This underscores the significance of the intended purpose when translating TCM metaphors and classics, shaping the overall translation approach. By applying Skopos theory, translation choices can achieve both cultural accessibility and authenticity.

Course: Translation Studies - MA/PGD - C0680

Date Deposited: 2024-02-06

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14370.html