“metaverse”译为“元宇宙”的术语翻译体系妥当性研究

对“metaverse”的精准翻译既要做到术语译文和原文的对应性，又要避免术语体系上的错位，具有典型的术语翻译体系妥当性研究价值。“metaverse”作为混合词译为“元宇宙”面临术语翻译体系妥当性质疑，“meta-”与“元-”在术语翻译体系中也具有非直接对应性风险。文章建议将“universe”译为“本宇宙”以提升术语翻译体系妥当性，而网络时代的语义异化消解了“meta-”与“元-”非直接对应性的风险。在此基础上，文章进一步建议构建“-宇宙”系列混合词术语的“X-Y-Z”命名规则，X是特征限定，Y是基本维度，Z是词根概念。“X-Y-Z”命名规则具有演绎性与规范化特点，并具有可扩展性，能够确保术语翻译体系的妥当性。

A Study on Whether Translating "Metaverse" into "Yuanyuzhou" Fits Appropriately in A Bigger System of Terminology

To translate "metaverse" into Chinese, we need to focus not only on its linguistic accuracy, but also avoid malpositioning of the term in a bigger system of terminology in Chinese. Therefore, this is a typical case to study whether an English term is appropriately translated to fit into a bigger terminology system in Chinese. The Chinese translation of "metaverse" as "yuanyuzhou" may trigger malposition of the term in the Chinese terminology system, as the prefix "meta-" does not naturally correspond to "yuan" in Chinese. To solve this problem, this paper suggests that "universe" be translated into "benyuzhou" to relocate the term "yuzhou" in Chinese terminology system. Further, study shows that wide use of the word with "meta-" in the internet has changed the original meaning of this prefix, dissolving the risk of indirect correspondence of "meta-" and "yuan". Finally, this paper suggests that a naming formula of "X-Y-Z" with "-verse" as the core be established. X is a qualifier, Y stands for basic dimensions, and Z is the root. A Chinese formula of "X-Y-Z" is deductive, normative and extensible for future terms to be appropriately translated from and into English.