With one year remaining to the 18th World Congress of International Federation of Translators in Shanghai, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, a two-day forum in Beijing starting on Friday, is focused on the theme of Chinese into Foreign Languages translation.

Mr. Cai Wu, Minister of the State Council's Information Office, receives an interview from CRIENGLISH.com after delivering a keynote speech at the forum in Beijing on Friday April 6, 2007.[CRIENGLISH.com]

The forum will discuss topics about translating Chinese into foreign languages on political documents, news writing, Chinese literature and education.

Minister of China's State Council Information Office Cai Wu delivered a keynote speech about the historic mission for Chinese-foreign languages translators, their major difficulties and problems, and how to improve translation work.

Cai Wu explained why the forum is important, "In the past, Chinese-foreign language translation had not been set as a topic for academic study. Since the cross-cultural communication is a complicated issue, with varying stances in recognition, thinking approaches and cultural backgrounds, how to communicate well and bring China to the world in a way understandable to foreigners has becomes quite an urgent issue for Chinese-foreign languages translation."

Since Chinese into foreign languages translation is relatively weak in China, Cai Wu said the first and foremost work to be done is cultivating more professional translators, who have a full understanding of both Chinese culture and the targeted foreign culture.

Veteran Chinese translators from the Foreign Ministry, news agencies and universities, as well as outstanding translators from International Federation of Translators, will take the opportunity to give speeches and exchange experiences in translation during the two day forum.

Bente Christensen, Vice President of International Federation of Translators (FIT) brought her Norwegian experience to the forum, giving a speech on how Norwegians have built up an infrastructure for translation, and how they are working on it.

She also gave a piece of advice on how to improve Chinese-foreign language translation, "I think it is a good idea to make groups. For example, if you have an English man living in Beijing, knowing very well in Chinese and a Chinese knowing well in English, it will be nice for them to work together if they are going to do translation work into English."

Dr. Peter W. Krawutschke, President of International Federation of Translators summarized that China has played an ever increasing role in the governance and effectiveness of FIT and greatly supported the global family of translators and interpreters.

Held every three years, the 18th World Congress of International Federation of Translators will, for the first time, take place in Shanghai next August.