In the global cultural landscape, "soft power" has become a core element of a nation's comprehensive strength. Chinese ceramics, as the material and spiritual crystallization of Chinese civilization, serve as a significant vehicle for its cultural "soft power." Ceramic motifs, integrating history, philosophy, folklore, and art, are central to this endeavour. The effectiveness of their cross-cultural communication directly impacts the international recognition and influence of Chinese culture. This study, focusing on the translation of ceramic motifs, and drawing upon theories of text typology, cultural default, and terminology management, provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, strategies, and challenges in translating these motifs into English. The paper identifies current issues such as the loss of cultural imagery, terminological inconsistency, and insufficient aesthetic representation. To address these, it proposes the construction of an accurate, systematical, and aesthetic sensible translation framework for ceramic motifs. This can be achieved through the development of standardized terminology databases, the enhancement of translators' cross-cultural competence, and the application of multi-dimensional translation strategies. Such an approach can effectively bridge cultural divides, facilitating a transition from mere "linguistic transfer" to profound "cultural communication." This process is not merely a technical practice of translation but a strategic initiative to actively engage in global cultural dialogue, shape a positive national image for China, and strengthen its cultural "soft power."
Jin Huijun (Wed,) studied this question.