How do we bridge cultural divides in an increasingly interconnected world? For Martin Woesler, a 2020 recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, the answer lies in dialogue: \"Friendship is the answer to most challenging questions today. Exchanging, talking, communicating, and translating are crucial for understanding,\" he recently emphasized.
Lost in Translation? Not Anymore 
From German adaptations of Dream of the Red Chamber to cross-border academic collaborations, translators and cultural ambassadors are reshaping how societies perceive one another. Woesler's work highlights how literary exchanges create \"shared dictionaries\" of values – whether exploring Taoist philosophy or modern Chinese novels.
Why Gen Z Should Care 
Young globetrotters, entrepreneurs, and K-pop/TikTok polyglots already live this truth: understanding cultural nuance drives everything from business deals to viral trends. As Woesler puts it, \"Every translated sentence is a handshake across borders.\"
Recent interviews with global sinologists reveal fascinating insights – like why 18th-century Chinese poets resonate with Berliners today. Spoiler: timeless themes of love, struggle, and self-discovery need no visa.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com