Translating Hope
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- May 17, 2024
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
Sitting at a desk with a mobile in hand, PETER practises words and phrases in Korean.
PETER (V.O): I'm determined to expand my language skills.
Practising.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm progressing day after day.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Although the Korean sentence structure is different from Chinese, some Korean words sound similar.
Practising.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): There must be some historical interactions and cultural exchanges between Korea and China.
Pondering.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My elder daughter has been studying in Seoul and will make it her home away from home.
Act 2
INT. RESTAURANT - 13:00
PETER (to mobile): Hi Emily!
EMILY (from mobile): Hi Peter! I'm still passionate about legal translation and will run a Workshop...
PETER (V.O.): I was interested in legal translation and had a diploma, but...
EMILY (Cont'd) (from mobile): Could you write and perform a song on legal translation in the Workshop to be held in ICC?
MONTAGE OF PETER'S ENGAGEMENT IN LEGAL TRANSLATION
A. Theatre, OpenU - 2012. Before delivering a lecture on legal translation on IP, Peter plays a Martin's acoustic guitar and sings his song to entertain early-bird STUDENTS.
B. Theatre, OpenU - 2014. On stage, Peter plays a PRS electric guitar and sings a song to celebrate the university's 20 years' anniversary.
C. Lecture room, OpenU - 2016. Playing a Gibson electric guitar, Peter sings a song to entertain MEMBERS of a legal translation Institute.
END MONTAGE
PETER (To mobile): No problem...I just hope that I can deliver another song on legal translation...
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM, OFFICES - 15:45
After a meeting with a CLIENT, BRAR, the interpreter talks to Peter.
BRAR: Do you enjoy your Korean lessons?
.
PETER: It has been tough! But I enjoy learning with my wife...
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): Using the Duolingo App, I'm learning Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French and Japanese by myself.
BRAR: Wow!
PETER: I've turned 70. I hope my learning of multiple languages can delay my cognitive decline.
Noting his client's interest, Peter shows him the Duolingo App on his mobile screen.
PETER: You may wish to learn Chinese during your stay here...
We see his client's eyes appearing bright and lively.
EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK - 19:00
Peter and his WIFE walk KAJI, their pet.
WIFE: The Hong Kong stock market is starting to bounce back, we've lost less money.
PETER: And the prospect of regaining what was lost evoke feelings of hope and happiness.
FLASHBACK
INT. STUDY - 10:45 (Today)
Noticing WhatsApp notifications, Peter stops his language studies to check them.
PETER (V.O.): Oh dear, a friend of mine has got cancer again...
Sighing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's really tough news to digest.
Sighing again.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I just hope that medical advancements and my friend's resilience could make a positive difference.
Peter sends a written response.
END FLASHBACK
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 21:45
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Translating Hope" to a draft.
PETER (V.O): "Translating" implies the act of interpreting or converting, while "hope" represents a positive and uplifting emotion.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Language can serve as a powerful medium to share hope, inspiration, and encouragement.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Through my engagements, I hope to bridge barriers, break down communication obstacles and spread optimism in the face of adversity.
FADE OUT
THE END
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