The Department of Translation Builds on Earlier Success with Landmark Tourism Translation Competition, Amplifying Regional and Cultural Dialogue
Following its successful observance of International Translation Day 2023, King Khalid University’s Department of Translation has once again made headlines by concluding its innovative Tourism Translator Competition. The closing ceremony was conducted on Monday, October 9th, at the University City Conference Center in Al-Fara'a. His Excellency, Prof. Faleh Al-Solami, President of King Khalid University, honored the event with his presence. Organized by the Faculty of Languages and Translation, the competition was part of a larger effort to highlight the region’s touristic potential and historical richness, aligning these aspirations with the tourism objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ahmad Ismail Assiri, the Dean of the College of Languages and Translation and the lead organizer of the competition, spoke about the importance of translation. "Translation is crucial for encouraging conversations between people from different languages, cultures, and countries," he said. "This competition aimed to open new doors in the field of tourism translation. It aligns with the broader goals of both the university and the Asir Development Strategy known as 'Qimam and Shem'."
Dr. Eisa Asiri, who heads the Translation Department, shared that more than 100 students specializing in language and translation participated. They came from various universities around the kingdom. The students were given the challenge of translating texts about Asir's tourism attractions. They could choose from three different types of translation: written, interpretation, and audio-visual. The translations were done in three languages: English, Chinese, and French.
The ceremony was enhanced by a multimedia presentation that shed light on various facets of the competition, including the different translation methods, languages involved, and statistical data. An interactive segment further underscored the vital role modern translation studies play in the realm of cultural exchange and communication.
His Excellency, Prof. Faleh Al-Solami, President of King Khalid University, paid tribute to the committee members responsible for the event's success before unveiling the list of awardees.
List of Winners
Audio-Visual Translation Path
- First Place: Ibrahim Salim Al-Malki and master's student Mishari Ouad Al-Harbi from King Khalid University; Language: English.
- Second Place: Ghaida' Ali Al-Theeb, Wa'd Abdullah Al-Humaidan, and Wafa' Abulaziz Al-Hamad from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University; Language: English.
- Third Place: Zyad Ahmed Al-Qahtani, Mohammad Abdullah Al-Jared, and Faisal Abdullah Al-Mughairah from King Saud University; Language: French.
Written-Translation Path
- First Place: Manar Ammar Al-Ammar from Qassim University; Language: English.
- Second Place: Sahar Talal Al-Jehani from Umm Al-Qura University; Language: English.
- Third Place: Alia' Fouzan Al-Madi from King Saud University; Language: French.
Interpretation Path
- First Place: Salma Al-Subaie from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University; Language: French.
- Second Place: Saleh Sulaiman Al-Barak from Qassim University; Language: English.
- Third Place: Juwan Mohammad Al-Fahad from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University; Language: English.
The competition not only highlighted the potential of Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism sector but also served as a stepping stone for aspiring translators, underscoring the instrumental role they play in bridging cultural gaps and enhancing international understanding.
