A Comparative Study of Chinese and English Textile-Related Cultural Terms and Their Translation Strategies
Baolan KONG
Article
2026 / Volume 9 / Pages 5265-5287
Published 27 April 2026
Abstract
In the context of a globalized textile industry, precise cross-lingual communication is critical for technical documentation, international trade, and the dissemination of textile manufacturing knowledge. This study conducts a comparative analysis of Chinese and English terminology related to key textile materials, fabrication processes, and associated cultural concepts. Employing corpus linguistics and semantic network analysis on a custom-built bilingual terminology database, this paper investigates the semantic differences of core terms for materials such as silk, brocade, wool, and denim; processes like weaving and embroidery; and equipment, including looms and shuttles. The analysis reveals significant divergences in semantic categories and metaphorical meanings, where Chinese terms often integrate material properties with cultural heritage, while English terms frequently emphasize technical function and standardization stemming from industrialization. To bridge this semantic gap, this paper proposes practical translation strategies, including a framework for balancing literal translation with transliteration and enhancing cultural compensation. The study advocates for establishing a standardized mechanism for terminology translation, referencing ISO standards and industry-specific termbases, to ensure accuracy and consistency in communication within the international textile sector.
Keywords
textile terminology, fabric manufacturing, weaving technology, silk, technical translation