Chinese scholar serves the underserved with “Translators for Elders”

By Liu Wei/New Jersey 2021-03-09 02:01

Meng Zhang, founder of “Translators for Elders,” at the online launch event. (screen capture from video)

“Translators for Elders,” founded by Chinese scholar Meng Zhang and Helen Bartlett from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) held an online launch event on March 6 to introduce their service objectives and scope of work, as well as recruit bilingual talents for their team of volunteers. Attendees included those from all over the United States, along with language industry professionals from as far as China. Xinsheng Liu, manager of myDoc Urgent Care in Philadelphia, Mingzhu Huang, president of the Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association, Zhirong Dong, former president of the Greater Philadelphia Chinese Restaurant Association, and representatives from the Asian American Senior Association of Pennsylvania (AASAPA) and Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School were also in attendance.

This project was officially approved by MIIS to gather bilingual volunteers and translate English into languages, such as Chinese and Spanish, via the Crowdin platform to provide high-quality translation services for low-income and elderly populations free of charge.

During the event, some suggested a WeChat group be made for those who are less familiar with the internet. Others encouraged bilinguals of Chinese descent to enroll in MIIS to build the talent force of future Chinese-English translation experts.

Liu, who is also the founder of AASAPA, mentioned that during Zhang’s time as the former president of the organization and the principal of Cherry Hill Huaxia Chinese School, she gained profound insights into the obstacles that stemmed from language barriers faced by minority groups, especially the elderly population. While most MIIS graduates pursue high-paying jobs, Zhang made commendable efforts in choosing to serve the underserved.

Zhang stated that this project will remain an ongoing program at MIIS. She anticipates more scholars to relay the efforts and continue to serve the public regardless of location. Please tune in to the official website for announcements. The next major event will be the translate-a-thon on March 20. Those who are interested are welcome to sign up as volunteer translators or upload files needing translation via the website. URL: www.translatorsforelders.org

Founder of “Translators for Elders,” Helen Bartlett. (screen capture from video)

Link to article: https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/122104/5305155