A Corpus-based Comparative Study on the English Translation Standardization of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique Terminology: Pathways and Proposals

Abstract

The accuracy and consistency of English translations for acupuncture and moxibustion technique terminology, as a pioneering field in the internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are crucial for global education, clinical exchange, and academic development. Currently, three major authoritative systems—the World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard Terminologies, the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) International Standard Chinese-English Basic Nomenclature of Chinese Medicine, and the Chinese National Standard General Terminology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (GB/T 30232-2013)—coexist. However, significant discrepancies exist in their translated terms, indicating insufficient standardization. To systematically investigate this issue and explore solutions, this study first constructed a Multi-Standard English Translation Comparative Corpus of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique Terminology, encompassing terms from these three standards. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis of 63 core terms commonly included across all standards, it was found that the rate of completely identical translations is merely 14.3%. The discrepancies primarily manifest in four aspects: lexical choice, structural expression, cultural adaptation strategy, and the degree of retention of source-language cultural symbols. In response to this situation, this study proposes a tiered framework of principles for constructing an English translation system. Building on this framework, a four-stage collaborative pathway for standardization implementation is further outlined. This research not only provides a systematic theoretical framework and practical guidelines for translating acupuncture technique terminology but also offers an academic foundation and actionable plan for promoting the establishment of a more authoritative and consensual international standard. It holds significant theoretical and practical importance for advancing the high-quality international dissemination of TCM.