A Study on the Translation of Decorative Pattern Terms in Dunhuang Culture from the Perspective of Transknowletology

As an artistic treasure of Chinese civilization and a vital witness to the cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road, the Dunhuang Mogao Caves possess immense cultural significance. The accurate translation of decorative pattern terms related to Dunhuang culture is essential for promoting the rich heritage of traditional Chinese culture on a global stage. Guided by Transknowletology and its principles of truth, goodness, and beauty, this study systematically explores the classification and translation methods for Dunhuang cultural decorative pattern terms. These terms are classified into three categories based on their attributes: cultural, formal, and functional. Within the theoretical framework of Transknowletology, distinct translation strategies are proposed for each category: transliteration with annotation for cultural terms to ensure the full transmission of cultural meaning; a combination of literal translation and aesthetic expression for formal terms to accurately convey visual features while enhancing artistic appeal; and literal translation supplemented by functional notes for functional terms to precisely communicate their practical roles. Through detailed case analysis, this study demonstrates that the proposed classification and translation strategies effectively address the challenges of cultural differences and semantic gaps in translating Dunhuang decorative pattern terms. The findings offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the international dissemination of Dunhuang culture.