Hard work translates as a rewarding experience for railway interpreter

Wang Zhechun majored in Indonesian at college because of her love for Bali. Her sister told her that being able to speak the language would make traveling to the popular tourist destination easier.

"I imagined having a relaxing vacation in Bali, and quickly decided to study Indonesian at college," Wang, 28, said.

Just a few years later, she had the opportunity to study, work, and live in several cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. However, she still hasn't been able to visit Bali, as she is busy working for the high-profile Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway.

Wang is employed as a translator and interpreter for the railway.

During her college years, she heard about the upcoming opening of the line, and wanted to be part of the project. After graduating in 2020, she received an offer and joined the China Railway Beijing Group. However, she faced a significant challenge, as she had little knowledge of railways, let alone the technical terms associated with them.

Wang immersed herself in textbooks, learning about equipment, including rail tracks, and signals. In January 2021, she joined a group tasked with preparing for the railway to open. Her job involved translating Chinese and Indonesian railway terms, specifically focusing on those related to signals.

Her work had a tight schedule, high standards, and involved numerous railway terminologies.

"At that time, I began to understand the importance of acquiring railway knowledge. As a railway interpreter, technical expertise is essential," Wang said.

Thanks to her diligent studies and other hard work, she translated more than 2,000 terms relating to railway signals within a month.

In October 2021, Wang traveled to Indonesia to start work, and in addition to her desk duties, she served as an interpreter at conferences.

Recalling her first international conference as an interpreter, she said her hands shook, and she struggled to hear herself speak. Afterward, she could barely recall what had taken place.

Determined to overcome such challenges, she devoted herself to becoming familiar with the material in advance. For meetings the following day, she stayed up late the previous night to learn words not commonly used in business discussions.

Now, Wang not only translates railway policies and other material, but also excels as an on-site interpreter at conferences, particularly in relation to transportation, signaling, information, and passenger services.

"As a translator and interpreter, I have witnessed many important moments for the railway," she said.

For her work, Wang frequently travels on the bullet train between Jakarta and Bandung.

"When I hear passengers praising the train and its services, including its cleanliness and tidiness, and the excellent facilities, this brings me great joy," she said.

"I also feel extremely proud and happy when I see many passengers on the high-speed train applauding and cheering its smooth operation when it reaches a speed of 350 kilometers per hour."

Although she still hasn't had the chance to visit Bali, she hopes that day will come soon.