People of learning Chinese Mandarin language may have found that the importance of tea for Chinese people. Some students who are learning Mandarin in China noticed that there are some different translations for the variety of teas. Among them several students who have learnt Chinese mandarin language for a long time gave us some translation examples for two different teas of A Dream of Red Mansions as models for the translation of tea names——-六安and 老君眉.
In Chapter 41, Grandmother Jia takes Granny Liu to visit the Grand View Garden around. When they arrives at Miao-yu’s place, Miao-yu serves them with tea and has a conversation with them: 贾母道：“我不吃六安茶。”妙玉笑说：“知道，这是老君眉。”
One translation for this dialogue is: “I don’t drink Liuan tea.” said the old lady.
“I know,” replied Miao-yu smiling. “This is Patriarch’s Eyebrows.”
The second translation provided by students of learning Chinese Mandarin language is: “I don’t drink Lu-an tea,” said Grandmother Jia.
“I know you don’t,” said Adamantina with a smile. ‘This is Old Man’s Eyebrows.’
The 六安tea that Grandmother Jia doesn’t drink is produced in Lu’an, Anhui and several couties near it, whose shape is like melon seeds and is also called 六安瓜片. It also belongs to the top-grade of green tea, which tastes a little bitter. Because of the zero of equivalent word, the two translations are transliterated. But the second translation can embody Chinese culture better than the first one in the opinion of students who are learning Chinese Mandarin language, for Lu’an, Anhui and the surrounding couties are called 六安，whose pronunciation is “Lu’an”. The ancient pronunciation of “六” is different with the modern Chinese pronunciation. Although both of the two translations are right, the second translation “Lu-an tea” is closer to the real pronunciation. If the translator can give a necessary note behind the transliterated word, readers will learn more about this famous Chinese tea.
As for the translations of 老君眉, people who learn Chinese Mandarin language deeply think that the first translation is better. Firstly, seeing from the effect that translation text spreads culture, “老君”means old man in Chinese culture. China has the tradition of respecting seniors since the ancient time. Seniors enjoy superior right and prestige. The word “Patriarch” has the meaning of the clan leader, the most senior or venerable person in English. This translation contains the two meanings of “老君”, but “old man” doesn’t carry this culture implication. This is related to the difference of national psychology.
Secondly, in the context, the name of “老君眉” is related to “天上老君”. “太上老君”is familiar to students who have been learning Mandarin in China. He is the head god of Taoism and the title of Lao-tse and has great effect on Chinese culture. Grandmother is the most senior with superior right in Jia’s Mansion and regarded as the “太上老君”of Jia’s Mansion. Miao-yu serving “老君眉” for Grandmother Jia on one hand means to offer birthday congratulations to Grandmother Jia; on the other hand shows that Miao-yu is proficient in teaism, clever and highly educated. But both “Patriarch’s Eyebrows” and “Old Man’s Eyebrows” are not exact enough. People of learning Chinese Mandarin language suggest to using “Old Patriarch’s Eyebrows” and adding notes for it. That will be better.
Translation may be the best way for students to learn Chinese culture and language. Students should do more practice and read more translation to feel the differences of two cultures.