Prof Zhang Meifang, coordinator of the Master of Arts in Translation Studies in the English Department of the University of Macau, lectured on a functional approach to translation studies and teaching at UIC on 29 November.

“A functional approach is different from the traditional way; it requires interpreters to pay attention to the purpose of translation and the target audience,” Prof Zhang said.

“Functional translation includes three types of documents: informative, expressive and operative texts.”

“Knowing the target audience is one of the key factors of functional translation.” She demonstrated this by providing translations of funny texts into different dialects such as Cantonese and Northwest Mandarin.

How can we translate literature? She highlighted that broad reading is very important. “Hard work and a good memory are necessary, too,” she added.

Programme Director of Applied Translation Studies Programme Dr Dawn Tsang presents a souvenir to Prof Zhang Meifang

Reporter: Liu Yiyu

Photographer: Du Shasha

Editor: Deen He

(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)