I decided to be a freelance translator on literature 6 years ago. Since then, it felt like walking through a door which I have spent years trotting down a long path to look for. Behind that door, I will find a dream, a future and a direction for me. So there won’t be frustration or disappointment. I will only move forward persistently with no turning back or hesitation. 

Literature is a mirror. It reflects thethoughts of the people and its society.My translation of the modern literaturewas published on many Arabian newspapersand magazines, providing theArabian readers an access to Chinese literatureand its development and changethrough different literature works.

 I love writing myself. That’s why Istarted experiencing China’s change intentionallywhen I came to China. I tookphotos and wrote about China for theArabian readers.

Translation is not merely aboutthe languages, but about convertingthe language into culture. Translatorsshould convey the thoughts to its readers.During my daily translation, I wouldsometimes run into the situation whereit concerns the Chinese culture. My translation cannot deliver precisenessand perfection if the language is onlyunderstood literally. To have an accurateunderstanding of words, it is primary togo deep into the Chinese culture, philosophy,history, society, thoughts and customs.Personally speaking, the best wayto pick up Chinese culture is to makemore Chinese friends. You talk to themand try to understand their daily life andtraditional thoughts. Thus, observingthe development and change of Chinesesociety. In addition, traveling among citiesand trying Chinese food also help. Afterencountering some barriers duringtranslation, I came to understand that the truth to surpass the language itselflies in its cultural background.

I don’t think there will be anyproblems. The Arabian nations aredeveloping a big interest in Chineseliterature. I published many translationworks that are well-received among theArabians like Selected Poems of WangGuozhen.I think it’s important for a translatorto decide the works he wants to translate.For I believe that translation is nota tool. A translator should be a person,a person with itsown thinking and influence.Translators contribute to theircountry no less than writers, artists,poets or philosophers. So I made my decisionto focus mostly on the content ofthe works. I translate those that attractedme and brought me closer to Chinesethinking and culture.

Egypt and China are both nationswith splendid culture and greatcivilization. They have a long history offriendship and a profound and extensiveexchange in many aspects. I believe theculture exchange bears more variety forthat the thoughts shared between nationsare always more profound. Egyptand China will remain their exchange,cooperation and friendship under “TheBelt and Road” initiative.