Chunhui Lecture | Xu Yiru: Telling China’s Stories Better to the World Through Translation Practice

This Friday afternoon, the “Chunhui Lecture” of the School of Foreign Languages commenced as scheduled. Xu Yiru, a professor from Sun Yat-Sen University, was invited to deliver a brilliant lecture for teachers and students of the school. The theme of her lecture was “Telling China’s Stories Better to the World Through Translation Practice”

The lecture was presided over by Vice Dean Xiao Zhenfeng.

With increasingly intricate global context, China’s international exchanges must keep pace with the times to adapt to the ever-evolving global situation. The task of being down-to-earth, showcasing cultural characteristics, and better telling China’s stories to the world presents both a formidable challenge for learners of foreign languages and a gateway to personal accomplishment.

Professor Xu Yiru, with the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations as a backdrop, summarized the key political news from the recent visit of President Xi Jinping to three European nations ( France, Serbia, Hungary), and also introduced the basic knowledge that foreign language and translation major students should possess.

She emphasized that, above all, it is essential to maintain a firm Chinese stance, have a deep understanding of China’s history and current situation, be familiar with China’s principles and positions, and possess a profound sense of Chinese identity and sentiment.

Subsequently, drawing on the example of the mutual receptions between the presidents of China and France, Professor Xu expounded that high-level translation professionals should have international outlook, including a holistic understanding of the global landscape, profound insight into the workings of international organizations, and a thorough comprehension and respect for the culture and courtesies of other nations.

In conclusion, Professor Xu, reflecting on her experience as an interpreter during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Sun Yat-sen University, highlighted the comprehensive qualities and adaptive skills essential for interpreters. She encouraged teachers and students to immerse themselves in the cross-cultural exchange, to embrace global perspectives, and to better tell China’s stories, thereby continuously enhancing their holistic capabilities and contributing to the advancement of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics