On March 2, at the meeting held ahead of the yearly session of the CPPCC National Committee (全国政协大会), interpreter (口译员) Yao Mengyao caught the attention of many with her "quick reaction and correct translation, " Xinhua noted.
Yao began her studies in English in primary school where she would listen to English tapes. She often spoke to her teacher about English-related topics that were not limited to the ones in her text-books, "They were always very professional uncommon topics, " said Yao's senior school teacher Shen Yingzi.
Like Yao, Zhang Lu is a regular interpreter for China's top leaders, including Premier Li Keqiang and former Premier Wen Jiabao. Her effortless but on-point translations of ancient poems mentioned by former Premier Wen won praise.
So how do interpreters reach their top positions?
The reason for their success is largely hard work. Other than when they go out on visits with Chinese leaders, the interpreters follow a very strict schedule. Zhang called this schedule "an unshakable plan", They listen to foreign media such, as BBC, VOA or CNN through TV or radio for their training.
It is reported that a month before the two sessions (两会), the interpreters get notice of the spokesperson they are going to interpret for. They then make full use of this month to prepare themselves. They try to predict the questions that might be asked and consider the sayings the spokesperson might use when they answer the questions.
In truth, there is no secret to their success: It's all a matter of skill and hard work.
