A review on different English versions of an ancient classic of Chinese medicine: Huang Di Nei Jing. 2017

Xiao Ye, and Min-Hua Dong
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China.

Huang Di Nei Jing (Nei Jing), one of the most important classical texts of traditional Chinese medicine, is the foundation upon which today's Chinese medicine principles are built. This seminal ancient classic has been translated into English many times by different scholars worldwide. The authors have found thirteen English versions, each of which has its own distinctive features. By reviewing different versions and research achievements of the English translation, the authors try to summarize the translation style, purpose, content and other features of each version, and point out each translation's weaknesses, strengths, or significance. The emerging of so many English versions of Nei Jing, an ancient and sophisticated text, shows that scholars have disparate understanding of its language and concepts. Additionally, different educational backgrounds, professions and goals of the translators will all contribute to different perspectives and approaches in the translation. It is understandable that so many versions of translation exist for such an ancient and important classic. However, to achieve truly accurate translation of ancient classical texts of Chinese medicine, all translators should abide by certain basic requirements and translation principles.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007802 Language A verbal or nonverbal means of communicating ideas or feelings. Dialect,Dialects,Languages
D008516 Medicine, Chinese Traditional A system of traditional medicine which is based on the beliefs and practices of the Chinese culture. Chinese Medicine, Traditional,Chung I Hsueh,Traditional Medicine, Chinese,Zhong Yi Xue,Chinese Traditional Medicine,Traditional Chinese Medicine,Traditional Tongue Assessment,Traditional Tongue Diagnosis,Hsueh, Chung I,Tongue Assessment, Traditional,Tongue Diagnoses, Traditional,Tongue Diagnosis, Traditional,Traditional Tongue Assessments,Traditional Tongue Diagnoses
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013782 Textbooks as Topic Works about books used in the study of a subject that contain a systematic presentation of the principles and vocabulary of a subject.
D014175 Translating Conversion of written materials from one language to another language. Written Materials Translation,Materials Translation, Written,Materials Translations, Written,Translatings,Translation, Written Materials,Translations, Written Materials,Written Materials Translations
D014177 Translations Products resulting from the conversion of one language to another.
D049690 History, Ancient The period of history before 500 of the common era. Ancient History,Ancient History (Medicine),Ancient History of Medicine,History of Medicine, Ancient,Medicine, Ancient History,Ancient Histories (Medicine),Ancient History Medicine,Ancient History Medicines,Histories, Ancient (Medicine),History Medicine, Ancient,History Medicines, Ancient,History, Ancient (Medicine),Medicine Ancient History,Medicines, Ancient History

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