TEN out of 48 French-to-Chinese translation works made it to the final list of the Prix Fu Lei 2020 (Fu Lei Prize). The final result of the 10 works — five books on social sciences and five literary titles — will be announced at the French embassy in Beijing on Nov. 21.

The prize, founded 12 years ago and named after the prominent Chinese translator Fu Lei, promotes the cause of translation, Dong Qiang, president of the prize’s organizing committee, said at the news conference in Beijing.

In 1928, Fu went to France to study theories of literature and art at the University of Paris for three years. He later translated several French works of literature and philosophy, such as those by Honore de Balzac, Roman Rolland and Francois Voltaire, into Chinese, exerting great influence on generations of Chinese readers and writers.

“A lot of teachers at the university complain how translation is underappreciated in China. But Prix Fu Lei is an encouragement. That’s why we decided to continue this prize, despite the difficulties this year as many cultural events have been canceled,” Dong said. He is also the director of French language and literature department at Peking University.

Since 2013, China has become the biggest partner of France in global publishing industry.

“It’s not only because Chinese readers and publishers are interested in French literature and culture, but due to the hard work of translators and publishing houses, to whom we pay our tribute with this prize,” Mikael Hautchamp, counsellor of culture, education and science of French embassy, said.

Unlike in previous years, there will be no French authors of the winning titles attending the offline events opened to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have moved the prize ceremony and related events to our embassy in Beijing as well as Institut Francais,” Hautchamp said. “Besides, this is our 12th year, so we are organizing an exhibition on Fu Lei’s early years in France,” he said.

In addition to the exhibition, the Institut Francais will also host a series of related lectures. (China Daily)