Professor & Senior editor TanYeshengof Shanghai International Studies University was invited to give a special lecture on “The Relocation and Redefinition of Translation in New Period: A Cognitive Perspective of Translation” in the School of Foreign Languages of South China University of Technology (SCUT) on the afternoon of March 16.

             Professor TanYeshenggiving his lecture

   With the perspective of the interdisciplinary branch of the second-generation cognitive sciences — cognitive translation studies, and based on the intrinsic cognitive dimension of translation, Professor Tan put forward meta-cognitive framework of relocation and redefinition, as well as the recognition of translation studies theories and concepts. In addition, he had a primary criticism on the epistemology、methodology、core theory and concepts of traditional translation studies, and elaborated significantly on his own viewpoints from a calculated perspective.

     This lecture was hosted by Professor ZhuXianlong, Professor LiYingyuanwith many students participating.

      At the beginning, in order to “test” the translation skills of the students in our school, as well as strengthen the sense of participation, Professor Tan introduced the topic by asking questions. Some students answered the questions consciously and methodically, which shows the mien of our students. According to the translation provided by students, Professor Tan led students on gradually demonstrating excellent methods, pointing out traditional translation methods like “word for word” has become even more difficult to solve practical problems in translation. He believes that in the era of globalization, we should do the cognitive study of translator’s subjectivity from the perspective of cognitive translation studies, and pay attention to the unconscious cognition, while focus on the wide application of translation technology in translation practice.

   At the end of the lecture, both students and faculty from our school raised some very germane academic questions according to their interests, such as the cognitive construal in Classics Translation and cultural misreading, -etc., which were responded to quite informatively by Professor Tan in a rather attentive and cordial manner.

   Our staff and students were so absorbed in the whole lecture that they all felt inspired and that their minds had expanded!