scientific research work

To enhance the approval rate for faculty applying for the National Social Science Fund Chinese Academic Translation Project, the School of Foreign Languages held the 5th Academic Workshop Experience Sharing on the National Social Science Fund Chinese Academic Translation Project on July 9, 2024, in the school conference room. Experts invited included Professor Meng Xia from Shaanxi Normal University, Associate Professor Liu Xiaofeng from Xi’an International Studies University, and Associate Professor He Hua from our school, each sharing insights from different perspectives on the application process and techniques. The session was moderated by Su Rui, the Associate Dean for Research, and attended by faculty interested in applying for the national translation project.

Dean Cao Ruonan welcomed the experts and expressed the hope that they would share their insights through face-to-face exchanges, and provide valuable guidance for the attendees. She encouraged faculty to use this opportunity as a starting point for dedicated learning and effort, aiming for successful project approvals in the coming years.

Cao Ruonan

In her talk titled “Reflections on the Application for the Chinese Academic Translation Project, Discussing the Translator's Mission and Joy”, Professor Meng Xia shared her experiences from three application attempts, covering topics such as selecting original texts, collaborating with domestic and international publishers, writing application proposals, refining translation samples, and the attitudes and competencies of translators. Professor Meng discussed the historical mission of translators as cross-cultural interpreters and communicators in the context of mutual cultural exchange. Furthermore, Professor Meng emphasized that, as intricate creative beings, translators must endeavor to continually explore and strive for perfection in the arduous journey of translation, and learn to confront the challenges and savor the joys inherent in this endeavor.

Professor Meng Xia shares application experience 

Associate Professor Liu Xiaofeng presented a lecture titled Leveraging Personal Strengths and External Resources Insights on Applying for the National Social Science Fund Chinese Academic Translation Project. Professor Liu highlighted the growing interest in the going out strategy of Chinese culture, and noted that the project has expanded from a handful of initiatives in 2010 to 260 by 2024. Professor Liu emphasized that applying for the Chinese Academic Translation Project is a systematic endeavor requiring collaboration across various fields and departments, alongside careful planning and expertise. From the initial establishment of the application direction and topic selection to the final completion of the application form, sample selection, and translation finalization, this process reflects collective wisdom and collaboration, as well as individual academic accumulation and specialized application skills. However, there are fundamental operational rules in everything. Drawing from personal experience, Professor Liu presents his insights on the 2024 Chinese Academic Translation Project application.

Associate Professor Liu Xiaofeng shares the team collaboration process 

Associate Professor He Hua engaged the audience in a discussion about experiences and considerations related to applying for the project titled “Research on the Ecological Environment during the Qin and Han Dynasties”, covering preliminary preparations, communication with publishers, and quality control of translations.

Associate Professor He Hua shares insights on

communication and liaison with publishers

Vice Dean Su Rui expressed gratitude to the three experts for their detailed and in-depth sharing of application experiences. Vice Dean Su encouraged teachers to leverage the organized research support from the college, drawing on the successful experiences of their predecessors. She emphasized on the importance of focused dedication while standing firm in their own strengths and utilizing external resources wisely, as the saying goes: if you keep your goals in mind, success will surely follow.

Workshop Venue 

The National Social Science Fund Chinese Academic Translation Project is a national-level initiative aimed at enhancing contemporary Chinese scholarship and cultural translation, improving the ability to disseminate Chinese culture in foreign languages, and deepening academic exchanges and dialogues between China and other countries. The insights shared by project leaders from various institutions provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the project’s original intent, application processes and techniques, laying a solid foundation for future applications.