Saturday, 31 May 2008 - Met up with two high school pals & families for dinner. Found out that the Chinese book fair is on @ Suntec. That reminded me that my translation was supposed to debut at the fair.
Sunday, 1 June 2008 - Visited the fair just to confirm it. Sure enough, it was.
http://www.asiapacbooks.com/product.asp?pid=783
I also drafted the blurb on the website which was found at the backcover.
The final decision on the title to be translated from Di Zi Gui to "The Student's Code of Conduct" though was not my idea, nor was I part of the decision making.
Snowylady asked me if I felt proud of the book.
Well, proud isn't the word. After all, I'm not the original author, nor illustrator nor extrapolator.
But it does feel good that I felt I contributed something towards setting a standard towards translating ancient Chinese teachings that might be difficult to understand or appreciate in English in today's society. And also towards putting in references in such publications, something which was not a strong point in many Chinese publications, not just Asiapac's.
I do hope they will offer me another assignment, though Snowylady does not.
I also hope to be able to come up with my own work for publication, starting with something similar along the lines of their current product range (mainly introducing Chinese culture and history to the general public).
Anyway, I was given a few complimentary copies, so Moon, I'll keep one for you in you're still interested. I really won't want you to buy it just because of my involvement in it, and after you're done with it, feel free to pass it off to someone else or donate it.
I do of course, welcome any feedback, comments and criticism if anyone has any to make. It's the only way to help me improve.
I'll buy a copy for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance, Snowy. :-) I intend to drop by Suntec this weekend if the book fair is still on..
ReplyDeleteI just don't anybody go out to buy the book on my account. I won't claim that it is a collectible item, and the 6 complimentary copies I was given is probably enough to circulate among those interested and living in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteSorry Snowy, this book does not interest me .
ReplyDeleteI hope the publisher can offer you another assignment.
All the best !
No worries, the subject doesn't even interest me either.
ReplyDeleteBut that's precisely what made it challenging for me as a translation assignment :-)
not to mention the blurb I had to write for it ...
This response just strikes me as being very chinese :)
ReplyDeleteI've checked out the link and it's interesting to note that the fact that the book was written indicated a difference in the emphasis of values and perception on education between the past and present. I don't recall any books similar to this written for students. (even terminology, "disciple" vs "student", also indicates that)
The past placed an emphasis on intangibles like conduct and character in the process as an indication of growth whereas the emphasis today is on facts, knowledge and application. It's interesting because these "intangibles" seem to be a part of a structured learning process (ref learning Confucianism as compulsory text)
Today, the implication being that these intangibles should be taught at home - as well, it should be except for the fact that most parents get themselves too caught up in their child's schoolwork today.
So yes, I think this book would be useful in bringing perspective. It's a book that has to be explained though. Few schoolboy or girl would voluntarily pick this up and if they did, I'm not sure whether they would understand it (not only mentally understand)
Perhaps it does seems so, but that's not why I said it. ;-D
ReplyDeleteI think first and foremost was due to having been a volunteer interpreter for years, during meetings, courses, camps, lectures and other functions, I've adopted certain expectations in terms of professional conduct for an interpreter, and in that vein, a translator.
To me, being a translator or an interpreter is like being the priest officiating a wedding, or in the traditional Chinese context, a matchmaker 媒人 - we are the catalyst, the essential facilitator in bringing together two parties in a relationship which we ourselves are not actually a part of.
Thus, we never call attention to ourselves, nor claim that prominence in the event. It's a far cry from Liang Jieming's book which he could proudly show off as his own.
That said, my only interest is highlighting this book is only to garner feedback on my translation efforts.
Good work, SB..I didn't know you work as a translator or interpretor?
ReplyDeleteThe freelance translation assignment was a sideline.
ReplyDeleteBeing an interpretor was as a volunteer.
So it's not quite accurate to say I work or worked as a translator or interpretor.