Validation of traditional Chinese medicine terminology: Crucial steps for inheritance, development, and in-depth internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a gem of the Chinese nation, a key to unlocking the treasure trove of Chinese civilization, and a precious gift to the people of China and the world. Accumulating thousands of years of medical practice, it encapsulates profound philosophical thoughts and extensive practical experiences. As society evolves, TCM faces challenges caused by confusion and inconsistencies in language expression, nomenclature, and terminology, which hinder efficient academic communication and international dissemination. Therefore, validating and approving TCM terminology are crucial for the inheritance, development, and in-depth internationalization of TCM. The primary task of approving TCM terminology, under the guidance of excellent traditional Chinese culture, is to validate TCM terms with Chinese characteristics. Spreading the academic contents of TCM by translating the terminology into various languages, including English, Russian, French, German, Spanish, and Arabic, is a significant work for the construction of disciplines. With the joint efforts of experts and scholars, numerous TCM terminology standards and norms, research monographs, and normative work documents have been formulated and published. Concurrently, a TCM terminology retrieval system has been established by virtue of modern information technology, providing convenient inquiry services for researchers, clinicians, and the general public. This system improves work efficiency and information accuracy. Current research achievements cover areas such as TCM, Chinese materia medica, acupuncture and moxibustion, and ethnomedicine. These achievements promote the standardization and normalization of academic exchanges and advance the internationalization process and global dissemination of TCM terminology. With the continuous advancement and deepening of disciplinary research, the approval of TCM terminology faces new challenges and historic opportunities. The first challenge involves the TCM terminology work itself. Issues include polysemy, synonymy, inconsistency between term translation and concept, using the same term translation for different concepts, and insufficient dynamic updating of TCM terminology. Additionally, the confused use of terms in TCM technical standards highlights the unsatisfactory normative work in the standardization of term naming, definition writing, and English translation. Coordinating and harmonizing various terminology standards are also difficult. The second challenge comes from the innovation and evolution of TCM within the traditional knowledge system. With the development of TCM disciplines, further refined specialization, and the emergence of new TCM disciplines and industries, the traditional academic knowledge system no longer meets the diverse needs of TCM in terms of academia, management, clinical practice, teaching, production, service, export, and publication. Constructing a systemic TCM knowledge system is fundamental for discovering and standardizing new TCM terms. The third challenge lies in the promotion and application of TCM terminology. In the process of multilingual conversion and cross-cultural communication of TCM terminology, it is crucial to enhance the industry’s attention to the application and standardization of TCM terminology. Increasing the awareness and popularity of TCM terminology outside the industry and at a societal level and utilizing new internet technologies for popularization are important tools to expand the social influence and practical application of the terminology validation work. The construction of the TCM knowledge system is the theoretical cornerstone for its long-term development and an important method to secure international discourse and pioneering power. Therefore, the approval of TCM terminology must advance from a new starting point, deepening the compilation, validation, and revision work with a broader vision and higher standpoint. Based on this work, the TCM knowledge system can be constructed. In this regard, we have the following suggestions: (1) Clarify one goal and unify one understanding: “There is no knowledge without terminology.” By validating and standardizing TCM terminology, we ensure the accuracy and scientific validity of the terms, eliminate communication barriers, and establish a solid linguistic foundation for TCM research, teaching, clinical practice, and international exchanges. This is a fundamental, systematic, and long-term project that requires the collective wisdom and efforts of experts and scholars. (2) Strengthen cooperation and promote integration: TCM terminology is an emerging, cutting-edge, interdisciplinary science. In addition to the study of TCM, it involves knowledge and methods from various fields, including terminology, ancient philosophy, information science, cognitive linguistics, logic, and translation. Interdisciplinary cooperation and exchange can enrich the theoretical system and research methodology. Consequently, TCM terminology can maintain its traditional characteristics while meeting modern scientific standards, achieving the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity, East and West. (3) Focus on practice and serve the overall situation: Terminology work should not be conducted in isolation; it must be closely integrated with the latest clinical practice and scientific research results to ensure the practicality and foresight of the terms. We should review and analyze our existing disciplinary and knowledge systems, incorporate new research findings, and establish an up-to-date, systematic, and structured new TCM knowledge system. (4) Strengthen advocacy and expand influence: We need to excel in terminology work to form a broad consensus and encourage extensive application within the TCM field. Additionally, we must focus on external promotion to gain understanding and support. Publicizing this work will expand its influence. By showcasing terminology research and results to the international community, we can highlight China’s achievements and initiatives, assert international academic discourse, and further enhance the global influence of TCM. “Terms are laden with meanings in the world, and each of them is a gateway to understanding.” TCM terms form the foundation of this scientific discipline, not only influencing the precision and effectiveness of academic communication but also serving as a vital bridge for the globalization of TCM and cross-cultural exchanges. Approving TCM terminology is both critical and challenging. We invite you to join us in this effort with a heightened sense of responsibility and mission and with an open and inclusive mindset. Let’s advance the standardization and internationalization of TCM terminology, contribute to TCM research, tell the story of TCM effectively, and amplify the voice of TCM worldwide!
Authors: Yongyan Wang, Luqi Huang
Institution: China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402505479