Chongqing - At 9 a.m., Yu Ran, Director of the Language Service Office at the Chengdu World University Games Executive Committee External Liaison Department, powers on her computer, ready to start her day. Her office is instrumental in translating all FISU World University Games materials, including display boards, signs, documents, and publications. Her initial task is to review comments and alterations on various documents.
Yu Ran, the director of the Language Service Office at the Chengdu World University Games Executive Committee External Liaison Department. (Photo/Luo Shuai)
Yu Ran is no stranger to English literature. She constantly reads English texts to improve her translation efficiency and continually hones her translation abilities. In addition, she devotes time to studying a broad range of sports-related books, soaking up relevant vocabulary and knowledge to enhance her expertise.
Time, Yu Ran says, is their greatest foe. "Chinese materials often reach their final form quite late, leaving us with little time for translation. Our colleagues in other departments can only proceed with publishing and printing once our translations are complete," she explains.
As the final stop in the process, the Language Service Office faces the daunting challenge of working within a tight schedule, all while maintaining translation quality and accuracy.
The Language Service Office. (Photo/Luo Shuai)
Yu Ran approaches her work with an unyielding commitment to quality. To ensure the accuracy of translations, she meticulously consults various reference materials and sustains a free flow of communication with numerous parties.
An example of this commitment can be seen in how Yu Ran and her team handled the translation of singular and plural nouns. They conscientiously referred to pertinent political documents and liaised with relevant departments to establish preferred terminologies, aiding in finalizing their translations.
Yu Ran points out that individuals unfamiliar with the FISU World University Games might overlook the nuances between singular and plural forms of specific words. However, these precise translation details contribute to the overseas audiences' perception of the event's professionalism.
"While the process may be intricate, our attention to such details underscores Chengdu's determination to host the FISU World University Games in a thoroughly professional manner," Yu Ran stated.
Yu Ran began her journey in international sports translation during the Beijing Olympic Games, where she offered her services at a booth situated outside the main Olympic site.
Fast-forward fifteen years, Yu Ran immersed herself in another global sports event—the FISU World University Games.
On July 14, 2019, Chengdu, China, received the flag from Naples, symbolizing its responsibility as the next host of the FISU World University Games. Although she was not physically present during the flag handover, Yu Ran, alongside her colleagues, prepared materials for the flag-receiving team and interpreted speeches. "Despite not witnessing this monumental moment firsthand, the sight of the photos filled me with excitement and a sense of pride for having played a role behind the scenes," Yu Ran remarked.
By June 2020, Yu Ran had joined the Language Service Office. She said, " Volunteering during the Olympic Games was a matter of pride for me. As I prepared for the upcoming Games, I came to fully grasp the enormity and intricacies involved in organizing such a significant international sports event."
By the close of 2020, the External Liaison Department had officially published the "Chinese-English Dictionary of Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Public Signs". As introduced by Yu Ran, this comprehensive dictionary encompasses translations for all types of public signs about the FISU World University Games and associated city construction.
The book "Chinese-English Dictionary of Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Public Signs"(Photo/Luo Shuai)
Following the book's publication, it received positive feedback from multiple departments. Yu Ran shared, "Transportation department workers found this resource incredibly beneficial and have expressed plans to use it as a guide for creating road signs."
This book not only standardizes the translation of public signs but also provides valuable assistance to numerous departments and the general public. Additionally, a digital version of the book is available free of charge on the official website.
Further, Yu Ran and her team have made English learning materials accessible through the website and a public WeChat account. These materials include relevant terms and phrases for everyday communication during the FISU World University Games, thus allowing citizens to improve their English proficiency during the event.
Yu Ran emphasized, "The FISU World University Games should be inclusive. Our goal is to forge a connection between the public and the games through the medium of English learning."
(Yang Yuanchun, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)
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