Translating the narrative

The project

In 2018, the Troubles and Beyond gallery opened its door to the public, marking a milestone for the Ulster Museum. Just a few months later, my own journey as a PhD researcher in Translation Studies at Queen’s University Belfast began. Inspired by the profound impact of the Troubles exhibition, I embarked on a unique and challenging PhD project focused on translating the narratives and exhibits of the Troubles gallery into Chinese and designing a Chinese-language website to make this historical narrative accessible to a global audience.

Objective

I wanted to ensure that the translation of the exhibition would preserve the depth and nuances of the original English content. Language, after all, is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to empathy and comprehension. It was important for me to capture the essence of the exhibition, including personal accounts and historical and social contexts, allowing Chinese-speaking visitors to experience the Troubles exhibition as authentically as English-speaking ones.

Accessibility

The rationale behind the project was rooted in accessibility and outreach. While many Chinese visitors might not be very familiar with the Troubles, they may very well have a genuine interest in understanding global history and making cross-cultural connections. My website would offer a virtual portal, welcoming visitors who want to explore the exhibition, learn about Northern Ireland’s past, and reflect on the lessons that could be drawn from it.

Development

Translating the exhibition was a meticulous process. Supported by the museum staff and Senior Curator Dr Karen Logan, I was able to access the museum resources, acquire information about the various exhibits and discuss translation practice. In my thesis, I examined the challenges I faced in the translation process and analysed ways in which difficult histories are presented and curated to a diverse audience.

Image

Designing the website was equally significant. It needed to be user-friendly, visually engaging and immersive. I incorporated images, sound clips, timelines, a glossary, and personal narratives to allow visitors to experience the Troubles from various perspectives – just as visitors can in the Troubles gallery. It was important that visitors could empathize with the people who lived through those challenging times. I acknowledge that my current web design skills are limited, but learning new skills became part of my project. I am dedicated to continuous improvement and hope that the Chinese-language website creates a lasting impression for those who explore it.

Impact

Upon completing the project, I continue to reflect on the exhibition’s impact. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the way the exhibition went beyond the Troubles themselves. The gallery explores the path to reconciliation, highlighting the efforts made by individuals and communities to foster a peaceful future. The theme “Life during the Troubles” within the gallery left me with a sense of hope, showing that even in the face of immense challenges, people can come together to heal and rebuild.

Looking back on my journey from 2018 to the present, I am humbled by the transformation that has taken place. It was not just the Troubles and Beyond gallery that evolved over those years; it was my understanding of the power of history, language, and empathy to bridge divides and bring people together. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Author: Guest story by Rui Sun