By Mia Miao, Translation Intern
I really appreciated the opportunity to take part in this Chinese translation internship at CHIN—not only because it allowed me to meet new friends, but also because I could clearly feel myself growing through the process.
Embracing Precision in Translation
First and foremost, I became significantly more confident in my translation abilities during my internship. This change may partly be due to growing familiarity with life in Melbourne, but it was also because of this internship. Where I sometimes lacked confidence in my English skills, I often hesitated when translating, thinking as long as a translation conveyed the basic meaning of the source text (ST), I tended to accept it.
Most of my tasks during the internship involved proofreading, and it was through this that I learned to be more critical and “picky” with words and expressions. At first, I was reluctant to point out others’ translation mistakes because I respected the efforts translators had put into their work. However, my mentor Marcus completely reshaped my mindset. He would revise every expression he believed could be improved, regardless of how minor it seemed. When I saw such a process for the first time, I was shocked, but it made me realise that a proofreader has a vital role to play in helping make the translation as perfect as it can be. And asking questions about the intent of the text is important at every step in a Chinese translation.
In a previous life as a strict teacher of Chinese writing, I was demanding and critical when correcting student compositions. So why not implement the same process when it came to Chinese translation? Inspired by Marcus, I began to imitate his proofreading process. Gradually, my confidence grew; I came to understand that even if a Chinese translation conveys the overall meaning, it still needs to be clear and precise. As a proofreader, I should make every word count in the final translation.
Thanks to Marcus’s approach to proofreading, I learned to trust my judgement, take the initiative, and not be afraid to make suggestions!
Seeing Source Texts as Translation “Prompts”
I gained even more confidence in translation as I changed my working approach. Previously I had translated quite literally, revising my drafts multiple times. However, this process often left me frustrated and dissatisfied with my draft. Meanwhile, during revision, I sometimes got “lost in translation,” in the struggle to find the best expressions.
One day, during a lunch break conversation about my thesis topic, which is about AI translation, Marcus introduced a metaphor that completely reshaped my thinking: “You can think of the Source Text (ST) as a prompt.” This simple sentence had a profound impact on me. I realised that the ST should not be the shackles that bind and stifle, rather the starting point for translation. Translation is not just about finding equivalence and conveying meaning, but about capturing the deeper elements within the ST.
I soon had the chance to practice this idea when helping Kate, our director, translate an article for our official website. With this “prompt-translation” mindset, I suddenly knew how to translate more freely and effectively. My translation felt clearer and more mature, and my efficiency improved significantly.
Bearing such experience in mind, I believe that one day I can be a good translator. Even in my uni assignments now, I no longer rush to produce a literal version. Instead, I ask myself: if I were the writer, how would I express this in the target language? This mindset produces much improved drafts that I can refine just like I used to refine my students’ drafts – undeniable progress in my Chinese translation work. Thanks to Marcus and CHIN, giant strides have been made!
If you are a student pursuing a Diploma or Master’s degree at RMIT, Monash University, or the University of Melbourne and are interested in an internship, feel free to contact info@chincommunications.com.au.
