A Study of English Translation of TCM Health Care Terms in Yinshan Zhengyao

Abstract

Yinshan Zhengyao, the first comprehensive treatise on nutrition in China, not only encompasses a diverse array of medicinal recipes, food materials, and cooking techniques but also sheds light on historical cultural exchanges between China and other regions during the Yuan Dynasty. As a result, it holds significant historical value for the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the study of diet culture. Moreover, the English translation of Yinshan Zhengyao is equally noteworthy for its contribution to the internationalization of TCM. Nevertheless, the intricacies of food nomenclature, obscure Chinese medical terms, and culturally nuanced expressions present formidable challenges for translators. This article critically examines the translations of TCM health care terms pertaining to material and cultural elements found within the English rendition of Yinshan Zhengyao, delving into the translators’ strategies and methods.