An analysis of two English translations of Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu from the perspective of eco-translatology
生态翻译学视域下《黄帝内经·灵枢》两英译本评析

摘要

译者在跨文化传播中承担着诠释与适应的双重责任。《黄帝内经·灵枢》作为中医理论的核心典籍，其英译不仅涉及语言转换，更需平衡文化差异与交际意图。本文基于生态翻译学的三维转换理论，从语言、文化、交际维度对文树德与李照国英译本中的针灸、经络及养生术语进行对比分析。研究发现：在语言维度上，术语翻译需兼顾专业性与可读性，例如“药熨”的译法需突出中医特色；在文化维度上，译者需传递中医“天人合一”“治未病”等核心理念，如“离道”的翻译需融入养生文化内涵；在交际维度上，需明确术语的医学功能与受众认知，例如“五化”的阐释应强化中医与自然规律的关联。研究表明，生态翻译理论通过多维适应与选择，能够有效解决中医术语翻译中的生态失衡问题，为中医典籍外译提供方法论指导，助力中医药文化的全球化传播。

Abstract

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.