We are delighted to announce the results of the 2016 Bai Meigui translation competition, a collaboration between Paper Republic and the Writing Chinese project at Leeds University. Over 80 entrants submitted translations of the competition text by 李静睿 Li Jingrui, and it was only after lengthy deliberation (and the occasional threat of violence) that the judges were able to narrow the shortlist down to just one winner and runner-up:

Winner:
Luisetta Mudie

Runner-up:
Petula Parris

Here are the judges' comments:

The judges were very impressed by the overall standard and had a hard time deciding the winner. This was not an easy piece to translate: it required a range of formal and informal vocabulary, and considerable knowledge and experience – from legal and political terminology to heating equipment on balconies that have been glassed in. Translators also needed to know when and how to do background research and how much of that to reveal to the reader. Then, having worked all that out, they needed to find a strong voice for the piece and an appropriate register. The metaphor of the screw was particularly tricky. Congratulations to all those who entered, and especially to our winner and runner-up.
—Nicky, Helen & Dave.

Luisetta's winning translation will be published soon on Read Paper Republic, and in a special 2017 issue of Stand magazine; Petula's translation will be appearing on the Writing Chinese site. Luisetta has also received a bursary for this year's "Translate in the City" summer school.

Congratulations again to the winners, and thanks to everyone who entered. Watch this space for news of the next competition, which will be all about poetry...