When we learn a second language, we often memorize new words in a very simple way: x = y. However, to be a professional translator, we must break free of this overly literal approach to language. In this episode I discuss how this can be done.
With a new semester of courses to teach, I start examining the common challenges faced by students of Chinese-English translation. This week, we look at one of the most common difficulties: syntax, or sentence structure.
In this episode I share some of my favourite materials and platforms I use every day as a Chinese-English translator and some other resources that you might find useful as a student of translation.
Join me for the last episode in this series that covers the common vocabulary you need to interpret in the courtroom. This week we are focusing on types of proceedings, legal documents and core concepts.
In this first episode of a three-part series I discuss some of the most common vocabulary you'll encounter when you start interpreting in the courtroom. While this terminology is most commonly used in Commonwealth countries like Australia and N
Microsoft Word remains the most popular word processor in the world, and is commonly used by both translators and their clients. In this podcast I share six tips on how MS Word can make your work more productive. Microsoft Word仍然是世界上最受欢迎的文字处理软件
In recent years, more and more translators have been asked to translate texts relating to cryptocurrency. In this podcast I break down some of the common terms you'll be facing both in English and Chinese.
Scholarly journals, research institutes, and academic publishers are often in need of bilingual professionals to translate their research output. In this week's podcast, I talk about the most important things to bear in mind when translating ac
Today we are dedicating a whole episode to discussing the translation of just one word: 社会 shèhuì, "society". Like many modern concepts (economy, science, culture, etc.) the exact term did not exist natively in the Chinese language. As a result
In this week's podcast on Chinese-English translation, I discuss some of the tricky terminology you'll encounter when dealing with texts on China's cultural heritage.
For many translators, the names of people, places, and organizations are not a big challenge. However, when translating between Chinese and English, they can be very time-consuming to deal with. In this week's podcast, I explore some of the com
In this episode I share the second part of the Guardian poll which asked readers to select words to describe this year (2020) and the one coming up (2021). Chinese translations are provided where necessary. Words for 2021 1. better /ˈbɛtə/ 2. h
Words to Describe 2020 The Guardian asked its readers which words they would use to describe 2020. Let me share them with you — you might find them useful. 1. sh*t /ˈʃɪt/ (also sh*thouse /ˈʃɪthəʊs/, sh*tshow /ˈʃɪtʃəʊ/, sh*tstorm /ˈʃɪtstɔːm/) 2.
From Dark Materials to Mukbangs Words of the Week 1. 黑料 hēiliào 2. 社畜 shèchù 3. 瑞思拜 ruìsībài 4. 尬舞 gàwǔ 5. 懷孕 huáiyùn as in 耳朵怀孕了 (ěrduo huáiyùn le) 6. twerk(ing) /twəːkɪŋ/ 7. cancel culture /ˈkans(ə)l ˈkʌltʃə/ 8. fear of missing out /fɪə ɒv