语言、符号与科学:明清科学翻译中数学术语的用字问题

Languages, Symbols and Science: Wording of Mathematical Terms in Science Translations in Ming and Qing Dynasties

  • 摘要: 明清的数学翻译为我国数学引入了新的理论体系,也促进了中国传统数学的嬗变,为后来中国数学新知识体系的形成奠定了基础。在明清的数学翻译中,汉译数学术语的用字为翻译的核心问题,也是包含了语言、符号与科学这三大主题的复杂问题。本文旨在对明清西方数学汉译用字之语言选择,特别是对中西语言的差异、数学翻译的选择和术语体系的形成进行梳理,对明清西方数学汉译用字之符号转换进行探赜,集中分析符号表述中的数学思想。本文也从科学思想史的视角来考察明清对中西数学理论的表达、科学思想融通的实现和中国数学的嬗变。明清西方数学汉译用字对当代科学翻译在引入先进科学思想体系、形成中国特色的科学翻译体系和创建中国科学话语体系等方面具有深刻启示。

     

    Abstract: The translation of mathematics in Ming and Qing Dynasties introduced a new theoretical system to Chinese mathematics, promoted the evolution of traditional Chinese mathematics, and laid a foundation for the formation of a new knowledge system of Chinese mathematics.In those translations, wording of mathematical terms is not only the core issue of the translation, but also a complex issue involving three major themes of languages, symbols and science.This paper discusses the selection of the words used in the Chinese translation of mathematics in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and sorts out the differences between Chinese and Western languages, the selection of mathematical terms and the formation of the terminology system.It explores the symbol conversion in the wording in such translations and focuses on the analysis of the mathematical ideas in symbolic expressions.From the perspective of the history of scientific thought, the paper analyzes the theoretical expression of Chinese and Western mathematics, the integration of scientific ideas, and the evolution of Chinese mathematics.It concludes that the wording in the Chinese translation of mathematics in the Ming and Qing Dynasties is a profound enlightenment for modern scientific translation in introducing advanced scientific ideology, forming a scientific translation system with Chinese characteristics, and creating a Chinese scientific discourse system.

     

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