Forums > Living in Kunming > What do you think about this video?

Well, from my perspective, the issue is not about whether Kunming has

pollution or not(every city in the world has certain degrees of pollution), but she's presenting her hometown and China in the wrong way, which would only intensify the pre-existing stereotypes of listeners about China, especially her shabby analogy between poor air quality

and terrible human rights conditions in China...What's even more disturbing to me is the fact that the authority of the university chose her as the speechmaker, so her words in certain degrees reprent the attitudes of University of Marryland.

Forums > Living in Kunming > What do you think about this video?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZyU4FzJRKE&feature=youtu.be

Just saw the news on Zhihu, the original link needs a VPN

For those who can't get access to the original link, here is the text of the graduation speech made by a Kunminese at the 2017 commencement, University of Maryland:
Good afternoon faculty students parents and friends.

I am truly honored and grateful to speak at the commencement for the University of Maryland, Class of 2017. 

People often ask me: Why did you come to the University of Maryland?

I always answer: Fresh air.

Five years ago, as I step off the plane from China, and left the terminal at Dallas Airport. I was ready to put on one of my five face masks, but when I took my first breath of American air. I put my mask away. 

The air was so sweet and fresh, and oddly luxurious.

I was surprised by this. I grew up in a city in China, where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside, otherwise, I might get sick.

However, the moment I inhaled and exhaled outside the airport.

I felt free.

No more fog on my glasses, no more difficult breathing, no more suppression.

Every breath was a delight. As I stand here today, I cannot help, but recall that feeling of freedom. 

At the University of Maryland, I assume feel another kind of fresh air for which I will be forever grateful — the fresh air of free speech.

Before I came to United States, I learned in history class about the Declaration of Independence, but these words had no meaning to me— Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.

I was merely memorizing the words to get good grades.

These words sounded so strange, so abstract and so foreign to me, until I came to University of Maryland.

I have leaned the right to freely express oneself is sacred in American.

Each day in Maryland, I was encouraged to express my opinions on controversial issues. 

I could challenge a statement made by my instructor. I could even rate my professors online.

But nothing prepared me for the culture shock I experienced when I watched a university production of the play— Twilight: Los Angeles.

Twilight is a play by Anna Deavere Smith about the 1992 Los Angeles Riots 

The riots followed acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers in the videotaped arrest and beating of Rodney King.

For six days, the city was in chaos as citizens took to the streets.

In Twilight, the student actors were openly talking about racism, sexism and politics.

I was shocked, I never saw such topic could be discussed openly.

The play was my first taste of political storytelling, one that makes the audience think critically. 

I have always had a burning desire to tell these kinds of stories, but I was convinced that only authorities on the narrative, only authorities could define the truth. 

However, the opportunity to immerse myself in the diverse community at the University of Maryland exposed me to various, many different perspectives on truth.

I soon realized that here I have the opportunity to speak freely. 

My voice matters. 

Your voice matters.

Our voices matter.

Civil engagement is not a task just for politicians. I have witnessed this when I saw my fellow students marching in Washington DC, voting in the presidential election and raising money for support various causes.

I have seen that everyone has a right to participate and advocate for change.

I used to believe that one individual participation could not make a difference, but here we are, United Terps.

Together, we can push our society to be more just open and peaceful.

Class of 2017, we are graduating from a university that embraces a liberal arts education that nurtures us to think critically, and also to care and feel for humanity. 
We are equipped with the knowledge of various disciplines and we are ready to face to the challenges of our society.

Some of us may go to graduate school, some us may step into professions and some of us may begin a journey of exploration.

But no matter what we do, remember, democracy and free speech should not be taken for granted.

Democracy and freedom are the fresh air that is worth fighting for.

Freedom is oxygen. Freedom is passion. Freedom is love.

And as a French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre once said: freedom is a choice, our future is dependent on the choices we make today and tomorrow.

We are all playwrights of the next chapters of our lives. Together, we right the human history.

My friends, enjoy the fresh air and never let it go.

Thank you.

Forums > Study > Translation Report, Part II

Good point! Thanks a lot. This is the kind of comment I'm looking for. Unfortunately I have sent the report to my teacher...

Forums > Study > Translation Report, Part II

How so? Please enlighten me.

Forums > Study > Translation Report, Part II

This is the second part of my midterm translation report. Pls kindly leave your comments. Note: the description of translators' status in my report only applies to China. I have no intension of complaining, because I am well aware of the declining condition of publishing industry.
Part Two: the Challenges of Today’s Translator

In the past, great translators were more like naturalists and they knew a lot about a lot of different things. They could translate many genres ranging from literature to laws, and one thing they had in common was that they were well versed in classical style of writing and traditional Chinese culture, which made them good writers in the first place. We are living in an information explosion age when new terms, concepts, ideas are created every day within different branches of industries and professions. The sheer impossibility of being a versatile translator compels us to focus on one or two specific areas. If you know nothing about translation theories and have a deep understanding of, let’s say, finance, you are still a good translator who can yield fruitful translation works using your expertise and make a good living. In fact, chances are that those who can translate are experts of their own field, and translation is only the by-product of it. However, if you are a MTI student full of Peter Newmark and stuff like that, then very likely you are not a qualified translator and have a very limited career prospect. With all due respect, I find most courses concerning theories are either dull or of no use in translation practice. Fortunately, this course is not one of them. Comparing various versions of translation is always interesting and inspiring, especially with my own version, from which I can see how other people perceive and interpret things and concepts differently. Many people have been arguing about whether translation belongs to art or science, but I’d say translation is more of a practical work based on one’s experience. If theories really work, then machines should have wiped us out of translation already. If translation is an art, then why bother horning one’s translation skills since there is only individual preference without universal standard to assess the quality of translation?

Translators are deemed as loners. They would lock themselves at home for months to translate a book. No parties, no cheers. Even if they are mentally exhausted, there is simply no chance to talk about the brain-draining process, or his depression. What’s even worse is that today’s translators are seldom decently paid, because their work are always devalued compared to the original. After submitting a translation work to his client (publisher), it usually takes months or sometimes more than a year before he can get paid. That is probably why most translators have formal jobs, and translation to them is more of a pleasure or a hobby than a way to make a living. It’s almost unbelievable that someone totally relies on translation to afford his livelihood. People often take it for granted that translation is an easy work that anyone with bilingual capacity can handle. It’s really hard for them to understand the challenges facing translators unless they actually start doing it, which is not likely to happen. Perhaps this is the pathetic fate that translators have to endure with.