On the afternoon of October 10, the Department of German hosted its inaugural Master’s and Doctoral Students’ Forum in the Werner Keller-Leseraum. The event was attended by most of the department’s graduate students, along with Professor Mo Guanghua and Associate Professors Tang Qingyun and He Jun.

Zhao Xuan, a PhD candidate in Medio-Translatology from the Class of 2023, delivered a presentation titled “Image Translation and Overseas Dissemination of Chinese Classical Novels: Focusing on the Four Masterworks of the Ming Novel.” Zhao explored the dissemination and transformation of the literary images of the Four Great Classical Novels of China in English-speaking regions.

His presentation began with an analysis of the English translations of San-kuo chih yen-i (Romance of the Three Kingdoms), discussing the multifaceted cultural roles played by literary imagery in cross-cultural communication. Zhao then examined the English reception of Shui-hu chuan (Water Margin), outlining the dual pathways through which its literary images were developed abroad. The presentation further delved into the translation and interpretation of Hsi-yu chi (Journey to the West), highlighting the diverse forms of its overseas adaptations in the international book market. Finally, Zhao analyzed the unique and varied interpretations of Chin P’ing Mei (The Plum in the Golden Vase) in English, focusing on the distinctive styles and cultural nuances present in its dissemination.

Combining theories from medio-translatology and iconography, Zhao’s research addressed four key dimensions: production mechanisms, graphic-text interaction, image functions, and cultural misinterpretation. His study provides a cross-cultural perspective on the overseas dissemination of these literary images, enriching the research landscape of medio-translatology and iconography.

      Following the presentation, students actively engaged in discussions and posed thoughtful questions, creating a lively academic exchange. The department’s three postgraduate supervisors commended Zhao’s research for its depth and rigor, offering constructive feedback on academic writing, publishing in domestic and international journals, and pursuing small research projects. The forum left the attendees inspired and motivated for their academic journeys.

      The Department of German has long been recognized for its strong tradition in translation and academic research. With a team of faculty members experienced in leading high-level research projects, publishing academic monographs, and contributing to top-tier journals, the department continues to integrate teaching and research to cultivate talent. The forum exemplifies the department’s commitment to enhancing its comprehensive talent cultivation system, spanning undergraduate to doctoral education.

(Contributed by the Department of German)