TITLE:
A Comparative Study on the English Translation of Tea Wares Names in The Classic of Tea from the Perspective of Translator Behavior Criticism
AUTHORS:
Chen Jiang
KEYWORDS:
The Classic of Tea, Translator Behavior Criticism, Names of Tea Wares
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Tea culture is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. As the first monograph on tea, the English version of The Classic of Tea holds significant value in promoting Chinese tea culture to the world. As the most concentrated area of culture-loaded words, the translation of tea ware names directly affects the translation and introduction of this work. Guided by the theory of Translator Behavior Criticism, this paper selects the two English translations of The Classic of Tea by Carpenter and by Jiang Xin & Jiang Yi as research subjects. It focuses on the translation of the names of twenty-eight tea wares, compares and analyzes the differences in translation methods between the two versions, and employs the “Truth-Seeking-Utility-Attaining” Evaluative Model of Continuum to assess the translator’s behaviors. The study finds that Carpenter’s translation primarily uses free translation, leaning more towards the “utility-attaining” end of the continuum. The Jiangs’ translation comprehensively uses various methods such as free translation, literal translation, and transliteration with annotations, distributing between the “utility-attaining” and “semi-truth-seeking and semi-utility-attaining” poles. This research aims to provide a reference for handling culture-loaded words in the translation of Chinese classics and to facilitate the spread of Chinese tea culture.