The 5th cross-Straits translation contest (southern China district) was held at Fujian Normal University on May 11, and Liu Yue from Xiamen University won the competition.

Themed “Technology Changes Lives”, the contest was divided into GIST interpreting and conference interpreting. Contestants from 18 universities in southern China took part in the contest. After two rounds of competition, contestant Liu Yue from Xiamen University won the title, and contestants Chen Jing from Xiamen University and Chen Lihui from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies made it to the next contest on the mainland, which will be held in Beijing in June.

For champion Liu Yue from Xiamen University, it was the first time she took part in the contest. She felt a little bit nervous, but she gave her all. She said after the win, “Acquaintances with many people who love interpreting spurred me to go further in the path of interpreting, and the contest gave me a fantastic platform to develop my interpreting skills.”

Liu Caizi from Fujian Normal University won third prize. She emphasized the importance of teachers and partners. She said, “Partners can point out your weaknesses and provide feedback and suggestions. Experienced teachers can give you constructive suggestions, from the contest process to tips on eye contact, posture, dress code, tones and paces in speech.”

Lead judge Lin Benchun, who is a former president of Hwanan Women’s College, said, “Interpreting itself is a progress of lifelong study. To be an excellent interpreter, both strong language background and field training are indispensable. Holding interpreting contests provides opportunities for students who love interpreting. Through the contest, they will give full play to their professional skills on a larger stage.”

Another judge, Lin Shisong from YGYM Translation Service Co. Ltd, pointed out that holding interpreting contests gives students a platform to show their skills. “During the preparation for competition, students’ interpreting competence can improve dramatically. Some students may change their career plans after the competition.”

Fujian Normal University was the organizer of the contest. According to the officer in charge, 10 groups of staffers and volunteers were working together to make the contest successful.

Ma Yuanzhen, a contest volunteer, said, “As a volunteer, I feel honored to make a contribution to the contest. Our work will have an indispensable influence on the contest. All in all, the success of the contest can be attributed to all staffers’ collaboration and efforts.”

Initiated in 2009, the cross-Straits interpreting contest, which was held annually, has attracted innumerable talent from universities in China and has been recognized around the country. And organizers had very high expectations for this year’s contestants.