Associate Professor
Professor Xiaoyan Shen teaches both interpretation and translation courses in the Chinese Translation and Interpretation Program. Prior to joining MIIS, she taught at Beijing International Studies University for ten years during which time she became Chair of the Interpretation Department. Between 2001 and 2007, Professor Shen taught at Xi’an International Studies University.
Over the years, Professor Shen has worked extensively as a conference interpreter for government agencies, MNCs, NGOs and major events. She has also been invited to lecture at numerous T&I training programs both in China and overseas.
Professor Shen sees translation and interpretation as the ultimate demonstration of the craftsmanship and art of languages, though in fact the outcome of translation and interpretation is also the result of an often agonizing decision-making process. She has been, therefore, dedicated to helping students develop a wholistic and critical view of translation and interpretation that emphasizes more discourse than words. Principles and coping strategies of translation and interpretation are weaved into discussions of specific texts and various heuristic tasks in her class.
MA in Conference Interpretation, Monterey Institute of International Studies
MA in English Language and Culture, Xi’an International Studies University
Professor Shen joined MIIS in 2019.
| by Sierra Abukins
The Monterey County Weekly did a cover feature on how one family’s commitment to the Chinese people born out of a war-time assignment has led to decades of supporting students at the Institute, a museum in China and, most recently, a rare letter from the Chinese president.
| by Jason Warburg
The Middlebury Institute campus community gathered on Saturday to celebrate the accomplishments of 83 graduating students from 10 countries at Winter Commencement.
| by Jason Warburg
The Middlebury Institute’s Faculty Excellence Award for 2021–22 has been awarded to Professor Xiaoyan Shen of the Translation and Interpretation program, whose teaching philosophy centers on creating an empowering and collaborative learning community.
