Yu Zemin, a distinguished scholar and translator, has spent over three decades building a profound bridge between the Chinese and Hungarian languages.

At Beijing International Studies University (BISU), students affectionately know him as "Professor Yu," a knowledgeable and approachable figure on campus. In the realm of Hungarian literature translation, he is recognized as a prominent advocate for Eastern European literature in China.

His dedication to cultural exchange has earned him accolades such as the "Pro Cultura Hungarica" from the Hungarian government.

Yu's unexpected foray into literary translation began in 1991 when he arrived in Hungary with little knowledge of the language. Immersing himself in the local culture, he learned Hungarian through daily interactions, a process he describes as attending the "university of life."

Yu's translation journey began with a bold attempt to translate a short story by László Krasznahorkai, a 2025 Nobel laureate. This experience was both a linguistic challenge and an aesthetic revelation for Yu, marking the start of his passion for literary translation.

A photo of Professor Yu (R) and László Krasznahorkai in 1993

Over the years, he has translated works from several world-renowned authors, solidifying his status as a key figure in introducing Hungarian literature to Chinese readers.

As a distinguished professor at BISU, Yu integrates literature into language education, emphasizing that language learning is incomplete without literary exploration. His courses often involve translating and analyzing Hungarian literary works, providing students with a deep cultural understanding. Yu believes that literary translation is a creative endeavor requiring linguistic proficiency and cultural insight, a philosophy he instills in his students.

Yu's commitment to bridging cultures through literature has not only enriched Chinese-Hungarian cultural exchange but also inspired a new generation to engage in meaningful dialogue with the world. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to connect diverse cultures across linguistic boundaries.