National Translation Competition 2008: A Reflection

The National Translation Competition for Secondary Schools was held at Nanyang Junior College on the 26th of April. Even though it was frighteningly early for a weekend, students from various secondary schools came to participate in this competition, vying for the top prize. The competition started in the wee hours of the morning but I was only present for the finals as the top four schools battled it out to clinch a place in the finals. Interesting posters of last year’s event were also placed outside the competition venue:

As the translation competition started, I began to realize that it was no easy task. It didn't help that the sheer size of audience was enough to make competitors nervous.

The first round was all about speedy translations. Teams were given four options for each of the twenty questions. The first team to answer correctly would be awarded two points. However, if they gave an incorrect answer, 2 points would be deducted. It was risky, but a winner emerged all the same. I have got to say that the questions posted on the screen were not easy at all. It was amazing how well these students had mastered both the English and Mandarin languages.

In the second round, nine topics were posted on the screen. Each team got to choose two. Topics included Science & Technology, Economics and Arts among many others. In this round, each team had ten questions to answer within a time limit. They would have to translate five Chinese words related to the topic they have chosen into English and vice versa for he next five. Each correct answer was worth three points. The competition was getting increasingly demanding.

The third round was the harshest. This time round they had to apply their skills to a situation. It was a play was about an English-speaking reporter interviewing a Chinese migrant who wanted to apply for a show-host job. Each of these students would listen through the conversation once before attempting to translate each verse using their own words. The criterion was based on creativity, presentation and accuracy in translation. After a painstaking performance by participants, it was decided that River Valley High School would be the champions.

As I walked out of the theatre, I realized the importance of being bilingual. This competition was indeed a pleasant and meaningful experience. I would like to encourage all to attend the next annual competition in 2009!

By Cheryl Tan