An academic forum will be held on April 6-7 in Beijing gathering experts to discuss Chinese translation methodology.

"Communication is vital to our daily lives. In this age of globalization, translation has indisputably played a crucial role in China's communication with the rest of the world," said Huang Youyi, vice president for both the International Federation of Translators and forum organizer the China International Publishing Group, on Wednesday.

Some of China's most famed translators, such as Shi Yanhua, a former ambassador and interpreter for late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, and Lin Wusun, who translated the Sun Tzu's Art of War (Sun Zi) into English, will raise the level of debate at the "Forum on Translating from Chinese into Foreign Languages -- A Bridge to the World".

The forum will not only draw on China's talent pool but see revered sinologists from around the world congregate in Beijing. For example, British professor Bonnie McDougall will participate in the forum, speaking on how to best introduce Chinese literature to foreign audiences. Professor McDougall is best known for her translation of the love letters between Lu Xun, one of the greatest Chinese writers of the 20th century, and his wife Xu Guangping into English.

The forum will be the first of its kind in China, and will also attract delegates from the key media outlets, such as China Daily, China Radio International, and officials from the translation departments of prime academic institutions.

(China.org.cn April 5, 2007)