Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and the Beijing Translators Association co-hosted the first "International Academic Symposium on Translation and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations" on May 25.

With scholars and experts from nine countries attending as guest speakers, the forum attracted nearly 300 people from various universities, research institutions, translation industries, media outlets and government agencies.

Chang Yu, secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, welcomed the scholars coming from afar. He emphasized in his speech the importance of translation in civilizational exchange and international communication, adding that translation is fundamental to understanding contemporary China and Chinese modernization. He also stressed BISU's commitment to cultivating talents and promoting international communication since its establishment in 1964.

Chang emphasizes the importance of translation in international communication.

Chen Mingming, former executive vice-president of the Translators Association of China, discussed the translation of "Chinese-style concepts" in his keynote speech, focusing on the term "civilization". He also highlighted the importance of accuracy in translating these concepts.

Chen discusses translation of "Chinese-style concepts".

Japanese expert Kimihiko Baba of Beijing Foreign Studies University reviewed the history and characteristics of modern Japanese translations of Chinese books, discussing new challenges and opportunities for knowledge exchange between China and Japan.

Kimihiko Baba discusses Chinese-Japanese translation.  

Professor Zhang Ailing from Shanghai International Studies University emphasized the need to enhance students' well-rounded aptitude and core skills. She also highlighted the importance of improving digital literacy among translators.

Zhang emphasizes enhancing students' translation capabilities.

Professor Peng Tianyang from BISU discussed the uniqueness and translation challenges of Chinese discourse in international communication, emphasizing the need to focus on specific cases to enhance the effectiveness of international communication.

Peng stresses the importance of the effectiveness of international communication.  

Sinologist Wolfgang Kubin, a tenured professor at the University of Bonn in Germany, examined the cultural connotations of the term "civilization" in different countries, emphasizing that the translators must understand the cultural background of the original text. He highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the translation process through contrasting various languages and cultures. 

Kubin examines the cultural connotations of the term "civilization".

The symposium had three parallel forums: "Chinese Classics and the World", "Translation and the International Communication of China's Discourse" and "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Translation". Scholars discussed the translation and dissemination of Chinese classics and China's discourse, as well as the integration of modern technology with the translation industry.

A group photo of the participants of the symposium