How should the phrase "bu zheteng" be translated into English? Regarding this global puzzle facing the world, Ren Xiaoping, ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Namibia, gave her own answer.
She published an article on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website providing an answer to this difficult question that has baffled the translation elite.
During a recent conference held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of reform and opening-up, General Secretary Hu Jintao said in his speech, "As long as we don't waiver, don't slack off and don't 'zheteng,' and as long as we firmly push forward reform and opening-up and walk the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics, we are certain to be able to successfully realize this grand blueprint and achieve the goals of our struggle."
Ren collected different translations of the phrase "bu zheteng" on the Internet, including "don't flip flop," "don't get sidetracked," "don't sway back and forth," "no dithering," "no major changes," "avoid futile actions," "stop making trouble and wasting time" and "no self-consuming political movements."
She didn’t think that any of these translations were precise or remarkable enough, and thought none fully conveyed the idea of "zheteng." She suggested instead a translation which she believes is more appropriate: avoid self-inflicted setbacks.
By People's Daily Online
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