Every year in March, while the two sessions (两会) are being held in Beijing, government officials give reports to the public. They hold news conferences (新闻发布会) and answer questions from journalists from both home and abroad. During this time, a lot of people are paying attention to China. For this reason, interpreters (口译员) play a very important role and sometimes share the limelight (瞩目焦点) at these news conferences.
Zhang Lu is a professional interpreter. She usually interprets for top leaders. Zhang is known for her translations of Chinese literary quotes (文学典故) that are sometimes used by state leaders. From the ancient poem Li Sao (《离骚》) to the shi, ci and qu writing of later dynasties, she can interpret them right on the spot.How are interpreters like Zhang able to work so accurately (准确地) and quickly?
The source of their ability is largely hard work. Most of them majored (主修) in English in college and went through a great deal of training. After they become interpreters, they never stop learning. Zhang watches and listens to foreign media such as BBC,VOA and CNN on TV or the radio every day as part of her training. She described it as an "unshakable routine (不可动摇的惯例)" that she doesn't break unless there is urgent (紧急的) work.
According to China Radio International, a month before the two sessions, the interpreters are told who they are going to interpret for. They then make full use of the month to prepare themselves. They try to predict what kinds of questions might be asked. They also look at literary quotes that the spokesperson might plan to use when they answer questions.
There is no "secret" to the success of China's best interpreters. It's all a matter of skill and hard work.
