Renowned Chinese Translator, Former Professor Howard Goldblatt Shares Insights

GOLDEN GATE XPRESS -- The reading session last Saturday was organized by SF State’s Chinese program and presented by Chris Wen-Chao Li and Frederik H. Green, who are both professors of the program. Goldblatt introduced himself to the audience by saying he had taught Chinese at SF State from 1974 to 1988. “These were the best years of my career,” Goldblatt said, regarding his tenure as professor. Wearing a mahogany-colored tweed jacket, charcoal pants and a gold-spotted tie, Goldblatt appeared relaxed during the event. “When a Chinese writer is translated by Goldblatt, it’s like a stamp of approval. People want to read it,” Green said. Goldblatt first started studying Chinese after completing his tour of duty at a naval base in Taiwan. He said he fell in love with the environment and immersed himself in the country’s culture and people. “I go through a day and don’t even think in English,” he said. “There’s nothing better than that!”