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Translation of medical terms from an ethical perspective

A case study of the Chinese translation of Alzheimer’s disease

ORCiD logo with link | Tongji UniversityShanghai
Published online: 13 October 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/term.25003.shi
Abstract
This paper explores medical terminology translation from an ethical perspective, focusing on the Chinese translation of “Alzheimer’s disease.” Historically translated as both “老年痴呆症” and “阿尔茨海默病”, the latter is now more commonly used. The study examines the intersection of medical and translation ethics, emphasizing the balance between scientific accuracy and humanitarian concern. By tracing the term’s development in China, it reveals the complex context of terminology translation. Drawing on ethical theories, the paper highlights the need for accuracy, standardization, and ethical responsibility toward patients. It argues that medical translation goes beyond language conversion to include ethical sensitivity and respect for patient dignity. Ultimately, medical translation should prioritize precision while embracing ethical considerations to promote a humanistic spirit in healthcare communication.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Medical ethics and translation ethics
    • 2.1Medical ethics
    • 2.2Translation ethics
  • 3.The concept of Alzheimer’s disease and its Chinese translation
    • 3.1The conceptual evolution of Alzheimer’s disease
    • 3.2The Chinese translation of Alzheimer’s disease
  • 4.An analysis of the translation of Alzheimer’s disease: Ethics in practice
    • 4.1A comparative study of the Chinese equivalents of Alzheimer’s disease
    • 4.2Translation analysis of Alzheimer’s disease from an ethical perspective
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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