About Us

School of Chinese Book Talk

Charting Translation Reception: Methods, Models, and Myths

Speaker: Prof. HU Bei

(Department of Chinese Studies, National University of Singapore)

Moderator: Prof. YAO Xiaofang

(School of Chinese, HKU)

Date & Time: May 7, 2026 (Thu) 15:00-16:30 (HKT)

Language: English

Venue: CRT-7.30, 7/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU

Delivery Mode: Face-to-face & Online (via Zoom)

Meeting ID: 991 0300 0870

Password: 879883

Registration:

https://hku.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38HsWm4Qs4Gvzoi

Abstract:

This talk investigates translation reception as a process of socio-cognitive negotiation, where cognitive, affective, and sociocultural factors converge to govern high-stakes intercultural communication. Moving past product-centred models in translation studies, it argues for empirical attention to actual readers and users across diverse translational modalities and settings. Drawing on examples from political translation, audiovisual media, and digital social reading, the talk presents a pyramidal model of empirical methodologies for studying translation reception, ranging from surveys and interviews to experimental designs and big data analytics. This methodological pyramid illuminates the variability and situational fluidity of reader expectations and the heterogeneous and often contradictory nature of their responses. Particular emphasis is placed on how trust, risk, and technological mediation might affect translation reception in a post-truth, technocratic world. The talk proposes a socioco-gnitive and trust-based framework for understanding how translations are (de)constructed, evaluated, or problematised in contemporary multilingual societies.

About the Speaker:

Bei Hu is an assistant professor in the Department of Chinese Studies at the National University of Singapore. Her research focuses on the socio-cognitive reception of translation. She has published in leading international journals, including Target, Translation Studies, JoSTrans, The Translator, Interpreter and Translator Trainer, and Interpreting. She co-guest-edited the special issue “(De)constructing Trust in High-Stakes Intercultural Communication: Theoretical, Methodological and Practical Challenges” in Translation Studies (2025). Her recent work includes Charting Translation Reception: Methods and Challenges (Cambridge University Press, 2025). She also serves as associate editor and book review editor for Translation Studies and is a member of the editorial board of the book series Translation, Interpreting, and Mediation, published by Leuven University Press.

Notice:
1) The seminar will be conducted primarily in a face-to-face mode; Those who cannot attend the seminar in-person could apply for online participation (via Zoom);
2) All those who would like to attend the seminar are required to register online (Click HERE) on a first-come, first-served basis;
3) Email of confirmation will be sent to the registered email addresses and participants have to show the screenshot or print-out version of the email for entry of the seminar venue;
4) Walk-in or late-comers will not be allowed for entry of the seminar venue unless situation allows.
 

ALL are welcome*
*Pre-registration (Click HERE) is required.