Read the following paragraphs on the results and suggestions of a research and try to find out in what way it can be improved. Please write your answer in the space provided.

Results

Based on the analysis of the data, the similes and metaphors collected from the TCM works are translated in the following ways. First, the principle of having the translation make sense to the reader should be put in the first place because the purpose of translating TCM works requires the translation to be accurate. Second, in TCM works, there are a large number of similes that describe the signs and symptoms of patients, such as the pulse, tongue appearance, complexion, feelings, etc., which can be translated in a literal way, as has been illustrated in Examples 2 to 17. Third, some metaphors can be translated in a literal way if the images can be easily understood both in the source language and the target language, such as Examples 20 to 35. Fourth, in order to make the reader fully aware of the meaning of the source sentence and avoid ambiguity, sometimes the metaphors could be converted into similes with necessary explanations in the translation, such as Examples 22, 31, 32 and 33. Fifth, some metaphors in TCM works that refer to organs can be replaced by their equivalents in modern medicine such as Examples 29 and 30. Although the translation leaves out the image thoroughly, the reader can understand what the original sentence refers to.

Suggestions

In the cross-culture communication, the role of a translator is very important. Before translating the source language text, what is most essential is that the translator should accurately grasp the connotation of the similes and metaphors in the source language. Since TCM works have its unique theoretical systems with close correlation to ancient Chinese philosophy and traditional culture, a translator should try his/her best to understand the background knowledge in the original work, which is the foundation of the translation and the understanding of the target reader.