Prof. YEH Shu-Pai: Comprehension Makes for Better Translation

Brief Introduction:  

Prof. YEH Shu-Pai received his Master of Arts degree from Fu Jen University and his Ph.D. degree from Taiwan Normal University. He joined The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen in August 2016 and is currently an Associate Professor of HSS.

As a member of the HSS translation faculty, he was responsible for the undergraduate translation programme in the 2016-2017 academic year. His courses are rendered in an innovative way with combination of his rich practical experience as an interpreter. He wins great respect from his students as he concerns not only the professional development of his students but also their well-being.

On January 25, 2017, the Annual Award Presentation Ceremony was held at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Prof Yeh was presented “the Presidential Exemplary Teaching Award” to recognize his great contribution to student cultivation.   

When receiving the award from President Xu, Yeh said: "I would like to thank Professor Xu, Professor Gu Yang and Professor Wang Lidi, and most importantly, my students. Without their support and efforts, I was just an ordinary teacher. It is because of them that I can stand here today.”

Q&A

Q: Do you have any unsuccessful experience at the beginning of your simultaneous interpreting career?

A: Early in my career, there was once I received a note when I was interpreting in the booth, saying that they wanted the interpreter to stop. That was disheartening for someone who was trained at a prominent university and passed demanding exams to pursue his career. At that moment, I said to myself this will not happen again. And it never did! Gradually, I care less and less about the outside voice, and stay calm to even good comments. Because only I know about my performance.

Q: What do you think is the best relationship between you and your students?

A: I always think that if I treat my students as adults, they will behave like adults. On the contrary, if I treat them as children, they will be like children. For me, what I expect is an equal status between me and my students with mutual respect. But being commanding is necessary for me so that my students can perform the tasks.

Q: Do you think that artificial intelligence will replace translators in the future?

A: I don’t believe that AI will fully dethrone human intelligence, as human understanding is irreplaceable. Comprehension makes for better translation.

By Feng Fan, Class of 2021, SME