BEIJING: For more than four decades, Li Yao has devoted himself to introducing Australian literature to Chinese readers through his translations, hoping that every page will be an opportunity to foster intercultural understanding that will develop into unbreakable bonds and connect hearts and minds across the ocean.
The 77-year-old is a trailblazer who has translated more than 40 books related to Australian literature, history and culture into Chinese, including the works of Nobel Prize winner Patrick White, aboriginal writer Alexis Wright and Colleen McCullough, who wrote The Thorn Birds, a global best-seller.
Li said his work derives from a passion for literature, especially stories from Australia.
“At the time I started translating, Australian literature was still an untouched area in China. I think it is both a mission and a responsibility for me to bring Australian literature to China, and my writer friends want me to translate their works into Chinese. So I feel obligated to do this,” he said. “Literary translation is a journey full of hardships, which requires unwavering dedication despite the meager rewards and often thankless toil.” Yet with an unyielding heart, Li continues his journey tirelessly. Li graduated from Inner Mongolia Normal University in 1966, where he studied English for four years. He also wrote novels for many years. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
