从“佛跳墙”到“夫妻肺片”，美媒探索中国美食的趣味菜名翻译

Core Viewpoint - The translation of Chinese dish names into English often leads to confusion and misinterpretation, highlighting the complexity of Chinese culinary culture and the challenges faced in accurately conveying its essence to foreign audiences [1][3][10]. Group 1: Translation Challenges - Translating Chinese dish names is a complex task that often results in strange or misleading interpretations, as many dishes have unique cultural backgrounds that are difficult to encapsulate in English [3][7]. - The lack of corresponding culinary terminology in English makes it challenging to convey the specific meanings and cooking methods associated with Chinese cuisine [7][9]. Group 2: Examples of Misinterpretation - The dish "夫妻肺片" (Husband-and-Wife Lung Slices) is a prime example where the translation could be misleading; it refers to spicy beef offal, and while a more descriptive translation could be "spicy sliced beef offal," it lacks the charm of the original name [9]. - The term "dumpling" in English is a broad category that encompasses various stuffed foods, which can confuse those familiar with the specific types of dumplings in Chinese cuisine [9]. - The dish "鱼香茄子" (fish-fragrant eggplant) does not contain fish; its name derives from the spices used, and while "spicy Sichuan eggplant" is a more accurate translation, the culinary community often retains the misleading name for its cultural significance [9]. Group 3: Cultural Significance of Translation - The purpose of translating dish names is to attract potential customers and make the dishes more understandable, emphasizing the importance of translation in cultural exchange [10]. - Misinterpretations in translation can sometimes enrich cultural understanding, suggesting that there is value in both accurate and inaccurate translations [10].