week 16--Reflections on Translating Wikipedia Articles- LI ZIKANG

 “Jian Ye Building” and “Soviet atrocities committed against prisoners of war during World War II”


Recently, I participated in translating two Wikipedia articles: Kian Yap Building and Soviet War Crimes Against Prisoners of War During World War II. This experience not only improved my language skills, but also deepened my understanding of architecture, history, and the complexities of cross-cultural communication.



1. 

Kian Yap Building

: A City’s Memory Encapsulated in Architecture



While translating the Kian Yap Building article, I gained insight into the story behind this historical structure located in Guangzhou, China. The article included many architectural terms and references to local history, such as the development of the city during the Republic of China era and the building’s stylistic features. This made me realize that translation is not just about converting words from one language to another—it’s about conveying culture and context.


The building represents more than just a piece of architecture; it’s a symbol of an era and a vessel of urban memory. Through this translation, I came to better understand the evolution of Chinese cities in the modern era, not just from a historical but also from an emotional perspective.



2. 

Soviet War Crimes Against POWs During WWII

: The Weight of History and Multiple Perspectives



Compared to the first article, translating Soviet War Crimes Against POWs During WWII was more challenging and sensitive. The topic involves war crimes, international law, and humanitarian issues. It also reflects how history can be interpreted differently depending on national narratives and political stances.


I was very careful with the wording, aiming to maintain neutrality and avoid emotionally charged language. I made sure to preserve the references and source materials from the original article, ensuring factual accuracy and objectivity. This process reminded me that history is not only about facts from the past—it’s also about how we choose to understand and talk about those facts today.


As a translator, I felt the responsibility of not only conveying information but also preserving the historical integrity of the topic. This task highlighted the importance of presenting multiple viewpoints when dealing with complex and potentially controversial topics.



3. Overall Reflections



Translating Wikipedia articles is far more than just a language exercise—it’s a journey through knowledge and culture. Every sentence is embedded with historical significance or cultural meaning. A translator’s job is to ensure that this richness is not lost in translation.


Through this experience, I improved my research skills, vocabulary usage, and contextual awareness. More importantly, I realized the value of contributing to public knowledge. With each translated article, information becomes more accessible to a broader audience, breaking down barriers of language, geography, and culture.

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