On April 1, at the invitation of the School of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Professor Huang Zhonglian, Level？II Professor from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies presentedat the Academic Forum of the SFLL and delivered a lecture titledExploring the Essence of Translation: Tracing the Foundations of the Way of Translatingat Qinling Builidng, Yuzhong Campus. The lecture was moderated by Associate Professor He Min and was attended by faculty members and students of the School.

Professor Huang focused on the question of “how to truly grasp the essence of translation”. He offered a thought-provoking and practically insightful academic presentation covering multiple dimensions, including comprehension of the source text, linguistic transfer, interdisciplinary perspectives, and responses to the era of artificial intelligence. He pointed out that the essence of translation is to pursue the original meaning of the source text. Translators should approach the text from within the source language, grasping its semantic logic and rhetorical features, and also from within the target language, taking into account the differences between written and spoken language especially the flow of sound and pausing, so that the translation flows naturally in the target language. Discussing translators’ linguistic competence, Professor Huang particularly emphasized the importance of a strong command of one’ s mother tongue. He argued that only a solid foundation in the native language can support high-quality translation. In the face of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, he urged translators to cultivate core capabilities that surpass AI: thinking deeply, reflecting broadly, and integrating translation with thought. He recommended that translators keep post-translation diaries, using continuous reflection and recording to gradually enhance their translation judgment and aesthetic sensitivity. Professor Huang further explored the broader vision of translation studies. He advocated that translators develop a wide academic perspective, pay attention to developments in other relevant disciplines, actively adopt interdisciplinary approaches, “provide ideas for other disciplines”, and serve as bridges for knowledge production and intellectual exchange. He systematically outlined the methodological system of translation, distinguishing between full translation and varietal translation, and elaborated on specific techniques such as amplification, reduction, division, and combination. He noted that varietal translation is not a deviation from the source text but a precise response to readers’ needs in specific contexts, embodying the translator’s initiative and creativity.

The lecture was followed by an in-depth discussion with Professor Huang on topics such as how to improve their bilingual proficiency, especially their Chinese language skills and how to respond to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.