Doha: Founder and CEO of Bayt Alhekma, Dr. Ahmed Al Saeed, highlighted the significant role of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding in fostering translation between Arabic and Chinese languages.
According to Qatar News Agency, in exclusive statements on International Translation Day, Dr. Al Saeed emphasized that the award rewards significant translation projects globally, promoting communication between Arabic and other languages. He praised the award for encouraging competition, raising translation standards, and inspiring translators to maintain a high level of professionalism.
Dr. Al Saeed, who won the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation in 2021, explained that translation has helped the Chinese academic and popular community better understand Arabic culture. He noted that 52 universities in China now have Arabic language departments and research centers, with over 20,000 Chinese-speaking Arabs residing in China, contributing to a new image of Arabs and Muslims.
He emphasized that translation reduces misunderstandings and builds a strong bridge for mutual understanding between peoples. Arabic texts, including works by Mahmoud Darwish, Adonis, Naguib Mahfouz, and Gibran Khalil Gibran, are now taught in Chinese schools, indicating the influence of Arabic literature on Chinese culture.
Dr. Al Saeed discussed the larger mission of Arab-Chinese exchanges through various cultural mediums. He mentioned that artificial intelligence in translation is a helpful tool if used effectively by skilled translators.
He also shared his journey in establishing Bayt Alhekma in 2011 to enhance Arab-Chinese cultural engagement, translating over 1,000 books from Chinese into Arabic and around 100 titles from Arabic into Chinese. The publishing house has sought to present Arab culture as a unified entity to Chinese society.
Bayt Alhekma's work includes translating important Islamic philosophy texts, popularizing them in China. The house has expanded since 2019, gaining attention among Arab readers and introducing Chinese writers to the Arab region.
Dr. Al Saeed called for Arab public libraries to focus on Chinese culture and urged Arab publishers to collaborate with Chinese counterparts in selecting culturally resonant works.
International Translation Day, established by the United Nations in 2017, celebrates the role of translation in fostering communication and cultural understanding. This year, it is observed under the theme "Translation, Shaping a Future You Can Trust."