Vocabulary is the most quickly changed part amid language which will drive along corresponding changes of vocabulary to reflect the social development. The communication between Sino and foreign countries needs the language as a bridge, where the translation of words bears the brunt.

With gradual progress and development, our language and culture inevitably produce large quantities of political and economic vocabulary with Chinese characteristics. Changes and development of our China should be introduced into the world by way of translation from Chinese into other languages.

Therefore, the accuracy of translation concerning political and economic vocabulary directly affects the comprehension to our social, political and economic progresses and relevant policies. For this purpose, this article introduces a lot of translation methods and strategies by use of examples analysis.

For example, in recent years, “民主党派” has been translated as “non-Communist parties” in some mainstream media, which would indicate other parties other than Chinese Communist Party.

However, in fact, Chinese Communist Party is closely related with Democratic Party in all regards, and in a word Chinese party system is completely different from Western countries, as is an important aspect of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

In view of this historical background and realities, it is inappropriate to distinguish Communist with non-Communist. The normalized translation is original “Democratic Party”. From this minor respect, we can see the importance of accurate translation.

Translation is not only conversion of language but also cultural exchange. A lot of words we frequently meet carry our Chinese culture and background, so attention should be paid to during our translation.

Example 1: 官员被双规中的“双规”, this word is frequently mentioned in China but never in other countries, and it is usually translated as “investigated” rather than “double provision” which is a bit away from Chinese background culture. Certainly, in some foreign newspapers and media, it is replaced with “Shuanggui”.

Example 2: 包二奶, this word is also commonly used in our daily life. The direct translation will confuse everybody, and nowadays it’s always translated as “have a concubine”.

Sometimes, it is difficult for a lot of words with Chinese characteristics to find equivalent translation in original dictionary, when Chinese translators should open your minds to conceive translation with proper expression of original meanings and also comprehended by international society, namely liberal translation. Translation is not only a gradually improving progress but also an innovative process.

Example 1: 外向型经济，it is more appropriate to be translated as global-market-oriented economy;

Example 2: 走出去，it should be translated as “going global” rather than “going out”.

Example 3: 社会治安, it is more suitable to be translated as “law and order” rather than “social security”.

Example 4: 小康社会，it is recognized to be translated as “well-off” without any adjectives.

Example 5: 三个代表，it is well known to be directly translated as “three representatives” with explanations attached below.

All in all, translation is a rich and colorful world where translation regarding political and economic vocabulary with Chinese characteristics is merely a small regard involving Chinese-English translation.

In most cases, in the premise of conveying same information, different translators will give different translations. However, as a qualified translator, we should choose those translation theory adapted to Chinese context based on translation practices to try to give appropriate translations.

Read Also: Some Economic Terms