Research Centre for Translation @ CUHK

Established in 1971, the Research Centre for Translation of the Institute of Chinese Studies, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, is now celebrating its 40th Anniversary. With the aim of promoting translation as the key to cultural interchange, the RCT has successfully established itself as a quality publishing base for Chinese literature in English as well as a research base for translation studies, with a particular, but not exclusive research focus on the historical and cultural contexts of translation studies in recent years.

Promoting Literary Translation

With the support of academics, translators, writers and other friends from the community, and under the guidance of a succession of distinguished directors along with the efforts of the entire staff at the RCT, the Centre has enjoyed 40 years of excellence. The launch of Renditions in 1973, as a leading international journal of Chinese literature in English, marked the beginning of the Centre's efforts to promote Chinese literature and culture to the English speaking community. The success of the journal was soon followed by Renditions Books, Renditions Paperbacks, a CD-ROM and PDA Series, each with a distinct focus and target group.

Promoting Translation Studies

Achievements in translation research at the RCT have also been outstanding, with the Stephen C. Soong Translation Studies Memorial Awards, established in 1997, giving recognition to distinguished researchers. The Centre regularly holds academic conferences, including high profile international conferences, such as the Fourth Asian Translation Traditions Conference in 2010 and Sinologists as Translators in the 17–19th Century Conference in 2011, which enable academics from around the world to meet and discuss the latest findings in translation research. The RCT also nurtures the finest young talents in the field, by giving them a chance to meet and learn from their peers as well as from renowned scholars, organizing activities such as the Young Researchers' Conference on Chinese Translation Studies and the Summer School on Chinese Translation History on a regular basis. The Centre also publishes the Translation Studies Research Series, Asian Translation Traditions Series and the journal Fanyishi yanjiu [Studies in Translation History], currently the only journal dedicated to the publication of papers on Chinese translation history.

Happy 40th Anniversary!

In celebration of the Centre's 40th birthday, the Sinologists as Translators in the 17–19th Century Conference was held on 27–28 Oct 2011. Ten distinguished scholars from around the world presented papers at the conference, which marked new research grounds in both Sinology and Translation Studies. The publication of two edited volumes in celebration of the Centre's 40th anniversary is underway, containing articles on translation, Chinese literature, culture and history from renowned academics from around the world, and also selected essays published before in Renditions, a sample of some of RCT's best work. The two volumes are scheduled for release this year.

Looking toward a Bright Future

With such a firm foundation, the Centre looks forward to a bright future. With numerous conferences, publications and research projects are already in progress, the RCT is confident of maintaining and enhancing its role as a bridge of cultural interchange between China and the rest of the world. The Centre has just released the full content of a number of issues of Renditions for free access on its website, making these resources available to researchers, students and lovers of Chinese literature. The Centre is also actively planning the release of the electronic version of Renditions. Researcher can also look forward to the launch of two new series, one in Chinese, the Fanyishi yanjiu luncong [Studies in Translation History] book series, and one in English, the Asian Translation Traditions Series.

Your Support!

With 40 years of history and achievement, the RCT is one of the oldest translation research centres in the world, and we are grateful for the support we have received. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who have helped the RCT over the past 40 years, and who we hope will continue to support and encourage us in the years to come. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

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