Dr. Qi Yue's journey through literature and cultures
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Embarking on an academic odyssey from English translation to the nuanced realms of premodern Chinese literature, Dr. Qi Yue's story unfolds with a blend of tenacity and scholarship. Returning to Tsinghua University with a Harvard-honed intellect, she steps onto campus not just as an alumna but as a postdoctoral researcher and a "Shuimu" scholar. Her unexpected academic pivot raises curiosity: What catalyzed her shift from mastering English to delving into classical Chinese literature?
Join us in exploring Dr. Qi's transformative journey through the corridors of language and culture.
Qi Yue at Harvard Library
Dr. Qi's path to linguistic expertise began in the bustling classrooms of Zhejiang University's Experimental Class of Humanities. There, amidst a tapestry of literature, history, and philosophy, she discovered her calling in the nuances of English, a decision sparked by a desire to experience Western literature in its original tongue.
"The moment you encounter a piece of European or American literature that truly captivates you, that flips your world upside down, there's this irresistible urge to read it in its original language—to see the words as they were first crafted and conceived. That was one of the driving forces behind my decision to major in English," said Dr. Qi.
Qi at Walden Lake
Her fascination with translation took root in her youth, nurtured by an early attempt to render the world of Harry Potter from English to Chinese, driven not by deadlines but by a fervent fandom and the impatience of the official translated version. That first edition of 'The Half-Blood Prince,' translated by her hand over weekends, remains a cherished artifact of her initial foray into translation.
With a chuckle, Dr. Qi recounts the little idiosyncrasies shaped by her extensive translation work — a staggering 2 million words — from a peculiar insistence on neatly aligned Chinese characters to a compulsion for conciseness. Yet, despite her profound engagement with translation, Qi's academic curiosity veered towards the rich tapestry of premodern Chinese literature, leading her to Tsinghua University, where she continues to weave her narrative in the realm of academia.
In the hallowed halls of Tsinghua University, Qi stood at a crossroads in time, tasked with the selection of a historical period that would anchor her journey in Chinese literature. The allure of early medieval China seized her, its enigmatic weave of the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties brought to life by Lu Xun's portrayal of the era's intriguing eccentricities.
The spark of Qi's intellectual fervor was fanned by Tian Xiaofei's "Beacon Fire and Shooting Star," an exploration of the Liang dynasty's literary culture that she held dear in its many forms. In an intriguing twist of fate, Qi would later traverse the halls of Harvard under the mentorship of Professor Tian herself.
Her academic focus sharpened on yuefu poetry, whose melodic essence unlocked the spirit of classical Chinese verse, revealing a tapestry of intertextuality and cultural resonance. Qi's keen insights into these premodern texts blurred the lines between literature and history, often earning her the playful misidentification of a historian.
Qi on graduation day, Tsinghua
"Music is the key," Qi stated with conviction, "it embodies the very soul and essence of classical Chinese poetry."
As Qi delved into the scholarly legacy of Tsinghua luminaries like Wang Guowei and Qian Zhongshu, her intellectual journey came full circle. A Tsinghua-Harvard collaboration beckoned, offering her the chance to study under her admired Professor Tian. This invaluable experience was still fresh when Tsinghua called her back, not just as an alumna, but as a valued contributor to its academic future—a new chapter awaited.
Bridging Cultures: Qi's Pedagogical Pursuits
In the landscape of premodern Chinese literature, Dr. Qi stands out with a unique intercultural perspective, sharpened by her bilingual mastery and global experience. Her deep dives into classical Chinese poetry, like her nuanced translation of Chun jiang hua yue ye, reveal layers of meaning that transcend seasons and borders.
Qi at the Institute for World Literatures and Cultures, Tsinghua
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TsinghuaRen | Dr. Qi Yue's journey through literature and cultures
Writer: Wang Xinyi
Editors: Liu Shutian, JP, Gillian
Designer: Wang Zekun