Chau Cheuk Lam, Faculty of Education

Programme: Course on Translation

Partner Institution: Shanghai International Studies University

Period: May 27 - June 6, 2024

I am Nicole Chau, and I am studying for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in English Language Education at the University of Hong Kong, majoring in English Language and Linguistics and Music. I was raised as a Cantonese, Mandarin, and English trilingual and have always had a passion for languages. I started translating classical Chinese poetry last year, but somehow came to a halt when I realised my lack of knowledge in translation. This programme, Course on Translation, organised by the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), was very timely.

The overall experience was rewarding. Being one of the very few students in the programme who does not major in translation, it was a unique opportunity to understand the work of Chinese-English interpreters and translators.

Although the workshop only lasted for two weeks, a wide range of courses were arranged. From literary translation to professional interpretation, from translation ideologies to practical applications. Thanks to the careful lesson planning, I now understand the different strategies of Chinese-English translation, and I am more inspired by how I can continue with my translation of classical Chinese poetry. Moreover, the school invited top professionals to give us lectures. I very much enjoyed Prof Li Zhengren’s lecture, unveiling the work of Chinese interpreters at the United Nations. He shared with us his invaluable experience as the former director of the Department of Interpretation of the Conference Management Bureau at the United Nations.

In addition to taking lessons, we learnt about the culture of Shanghai. The conference with SISU students was insightful. We shared our learning experiences and research interests. We also visited historical sites such as the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and the Sihang Warehouse Memorial of War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, where we had a deeper understanding of China’s history and future development.