A Skopos Theory-based Study of Translation Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

摘要

English translations of Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)terms and prescriptions need standardizing to minimize ambiguity as the popularity of TCM spreads globally.Herein an evaluation guide for translation of TCM decoctions in English into diverse social,cultural and medical systems,is proffered which integrates Skopos theory and Li Zhaoguo’s principles of English translation(conciseness of lexical composition,information accuracy,and similarity in lexical composition).Based on a case study of the traditional herbal medicine Mahuang Xingren Gancao Shigao Tang,direct translation methods with concise lexical composition are determined to most clearly convey the sophisticated and verbose original TCM prescription.