A Three-Dimensional Model for Core Terms Translation in Chinese Medicine: Case Study on “Qi” in Huangdi Neijing Suwen

doi:10.12339/j.issn.1673-8578.2024.03.003

Abstract

Abstract:

Core terms in Chinese medicine (CM) embody the quintessence of its theory but are often subject to oversimplified translations that overlook their multifaceted nature. Aiming to offer a novel theoretical and practical framework for the cross-linguistic transfer of CM knowledge, this paper focuses on “qi” from the Huangdi Neijing Suwen, a term pivotal in aggregating CM’s core concepts,to illustrate the inadequacies of traditional terminological theories in cross-language conversion. “Qi” exhibits intricate conceptual characteristics including categorization, genealogy, productivity, relevance, duality, and contextuality, which challenge simple linguistic transfers. Adopting a communicative terminology perspective, this study analyzes the translation of “qi” across three dimensions: cognitive (bridging the gaps between ancient and modern, East and West), linguistic (encompassing form, sound, meaning, and integrated translation techniques), and communicative (involving contexts that are both aggregative and combinative). Based on a comprehensive consideration of different dimensional translation goals and requirements, this paper proposes translation strategies and methods for CM core terms. Consequently, a three-dimensional model is constructed that integrates cognitive, linguistic, and communicative aspects.

Key words: CM terms, term translation, communicative terminology, qi

HOU Yuehui. A Three-Dimensional Model for Core Terms Translation in Chinese Medicine: Case Study on “Qi” in Huangdi Neijing Suwen[J]. China Terminology, 2024, 26(3): 22-30.

Figures/Tables 5

References 45

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译本	“气”的译法
倪译	qi; color; energy; season; (vital) force; potential; part of the year
吴译	(vital) energy; season; factor; wind-evil; weather; earth-energy; earth; solar term; element; element-energy; breath; quintessence; air in respiration
朱译	qi; season; wind; evil; smell
李译	Qi; season; Element; solar terms
罗译	(visceral) Vital Energy; season; spirit; qi; (pathogenic) factor; pathogenic Wind; Essence; gas; Vital prevalence; quality; function; breath; earthly; solar term; (Circuit) Phase
文译	qi

译本	“气”的译法
倪译	qi; color; energy; season; (vital) force; potential; part of the year
吴译	(vital) energy; season; factor; wind-evil; weather; earth-energy; earth; solar term; element; element-energy; breath; quintessence; air in respiration
朱译	qi; season; wind; evil; smell
李译	Qi; season; Element; solar terms
罗译	(visceral) Vital Energy; season; spirit; qi; (pathogenic) factor; pathogenic Wind; Essence; gas; Vital prevalence; quality; function; breath; earthly; solar term; (Circuit) Phase
文译	qi

篇章	汉语术语	文译	李译
39	气乱	qi is in disorder	to disorder Qi
64	乱气	disorderly qi	disorder of Qi
17	气治	qi is in order	peaceful flow of Qi
39	气上	qi rises	to drive Qi to flow upwards
22	气上逆	qi rising contrary [to its regular course]	adverse flow of Qi
47	气上溢	qi rises and overflows	Qi flows upwards
39	气下	qi moves down	to make Qi sink
71	气中	qi [in nature] is in the center	[if the effect of Six-Qi is in] the middle
39	气缓	qi relaxes	to slacken Qi
39	气消	qi dissipates	to exhaust Qi
39	气收	qi collects	to stagnate Qi
39	气泄	qi flows out	to leak Qi
39	气耗	qi is wasted	to consume Qi
39	气结	qi lumps together	to bind Qi

篇章	汉语术语	文译	李译
39	气乱	qi is in disorder	to disorder Qi
64	乱气	disorderly qi	disorder of Qi
17	气治	qi is in order	peaceful flow of Qi
39	气上	qi rises	to drive Qi to flow upwards
22	气上逆	qi rising contrary [to its regular course]	adverse flow of Qi
47	气上溢	qi rises and overflows	Qi flows upwards
39	气下	qi moves down	to make Qi sink
71	气中	qi [in nature] is in the center	[if the effect of Six-Qi is in] the middle
39	气缓	qi relaxes	to slacken Qi
39	气消	qi dissipates	to exhaust Qi
39	气收	qi collects	to stagnate Qi
39	气泄	qi flows out	to leak Qi
39	气耗	qi is wasted	to consume Qi
39	气结	qi lumps together	to bind Qi

篇章	汉语术语	文译	李译
29	水谷气	qi of water and grain	nutrients
76	水气	water qi	Shuiqi (Water-Qi)
5	水注之气	where qi flows like water	where Shuiqi (Water-Qi) infuses
45	酒气	qi of wine	Jiuqi
5	谷气	qi of valleys	Guqi (Grain-Qi)
43	水谷之精气	essence qi of water and grain	essential nutrient of water and food
43	水谷之悍气	violent qi of water and grain	Hanqi (Swift-Qi) of water and food