Wang Xiaoyue: interviewed by Ana Maria Haddad Baptista and Marcia Fusaro

EccoS Journal: Could you summarize your personal and professional trajectory? My professional trajectory is relatively straightforward. I majored in Portuguese in the university, which was a very niche field at the time. Only a few universities in China offered Portuguese programs, and each year they produced just one to two hundred Portuguese graduates nationwide. Meanwhile, the market demand for Portuguese speakers was particularly strong, so studying Portuguese back then essentially meant that you could expect a well‑paid job after graduation. After graduating from university, I was fortunate to join an automotive company as a portuguese translator and was assigned to work in Brazil. During this period, I fell deeply in love with the feeling of understanding and being understood as a translator. At the same time, I increasingly felt that, in the process of communication, I needed to learn many “things beyond language” in order to use the language more effectively. So, after working for two years, I left that job and went to Portugal to pursue a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication, and this experience gave me a much deeper understanding of translation and language learning. After that, I returned to China and successfully applied for a position as a portuguese teacher. Time has flown by, and I have now been a portuguese teacher for nearly ten years. In addition to teaching portuguese at the university, I also teach Chinese language and culture online to students at our partner institution, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. At the same time, I have continued working as a translator. In 2025, I had the honor of translating the novel Maria by Marcos Lucchesi, and I look forward to having more opportunities to translate literary works in the future to promote cultural exchange between China and Brazil. In addition, I have continuously been engaged in chinese–portuguese interpreting, including various forms of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. EccoS Journal: Have you ever been to Brazil? For how long? What aspects of China impressed you most? During my third year of university, I had the opportunity to study abroad as an exchange student at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro for a full academic year, from September 2010 to June 2011. Following that, I returned to Brazil for work from 2012 to 2014. Brazil left an indelible mark on me in countless ways. At its core, I believe this stems from the innate optimism and warmth of the Brazilian people. While I was there, I woke up feeling happy every single day. Smiles were ubiquitous, and laughter flowed freely through conversations, creating an atmosphere of effortless relaxation. In Brazil, life has a way of slowing down - much of the anxiety and unease we carry elsewhere simply isn't necessary. What truly matters is embracing the present moment and basking in the sunshine. EccoS Journal: What is it like to be a teacher in China? First and foremost, teaching is an immensely joyful profession because it allows you to spend your days surrounded by students. It's as if you're constantly walking alongside them on their journey of growth, which keeps you feeling eternally youthful. Moreover, witnessing your students' progress and development instills a profound sense of accomplishment and pride - you truly rejoice in their successes from the depths of your heart. At the same time, teaching carries significant responsibilities. In China, educators often extend far beyond the classroom; they play a vital role in every facet of students' daily lives, demanding constant involvement and attentiveness. As a result, there is no true "off-duty" time - you're always on call, ready to step in whenever needed. Furthermore, China has a deep-rooted tradition of revering teachers and prioritizing education, which elevates the profession to one of great respect and esteem. However, this also places high moral expectations on educators in society. Consequently, becoming a teacher means you must always be vigilant about your words and deeds, leading by example—not only in delivering knowledge with rigor and dedication, but also in embodying strong moral character as a role model for your students. EccoS Journal: The Chinese education system is recognized as very unique and exemplary. What would you say about that? First of all, I consider myself a direct beneficiary of China's education system. As I mentioned earlier, I hail from a profoundly remote rural area in the country. It was education that opened the door for me to transition from the countryside to the city, and ultimately to pursue a career as a university teacher. I've seen countless similar stories among those around me. China's National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) strives to uphold fairness to the utmost degree. Through diligence and dedicated study, individuals can secure university admission and, in doing so, reshape their destinies. There's a timeless Chinese proverb that captures this essence: "Knowledge changes destiny." It resonates deeply with the lived experiences of so many. Furthermore, I firmly believe that China's foundational education system has elevated the overall knowledge base of its population to a remarkably high level. It establishes a stable bedrock for national education, fosters widespread enhancement of core competencies, and thereby lays a robust foundation of human capital to propel the country's development forward. EccoS Journal: In general, according to worldwide research, the Chinese read a lot. What could you say about that? First of all, on a personal note, I have a profound love for reading. My home is filled with books, and now that I'm a mother, I've made it a point to build an extensive collection for my child, in the hope that he'll cultivate a lifelong reading habit. This reflects a widely shared belief in China: reading is universally regarded as one of the most worthwhile and "right" pursuits in life. In recent years, libraries of all scales have proliferated across urban landscapes—from grand, iconic city libraries to cozy neighborhood reading nooks. These spaces boast extensive collections, drawing a steady stream of visitors eager to borrow and immerse themselves in books. Seats are often at a premium, underscoring the enduring appeal. Complementing this, book return kiosks have been thoughtfully placed in public venues like subway stations, making reading even more accessible and convenient for everyday citizens. At the same time, it should be noted that the rise of short‑form videos in recent years has had a certain impact on reading habits. Many people become absorbed in the instant gratification provided by short videos and social media, making it difficult for them to sit down and engage in long‑form, systematic, and in‑depth reading. EccoS Journal: To what extent could Brazil and China have a closer cultural relationship? This year designates the China-Brazil Year of Culture, and across China, a vibrant array of bilateral exchange activities—from concerts and cultural lectures to exhibitions and beyond—has been unfolding with great enthusiasm. These initiatives have vividly demonstrated the immense potential for deeper cultural ties between our two nations. Through my interactions with brazilian students in the class, I've sensed their genuine eagerness to learn about and understand China. Likewise, my chinese students brim with curiosity and admiration for Brazil. I firmly believe that fostering greater people-to-people exchanges will be essential moving forward. In the realm of education, short-term or long-term exchange programs could serve as invaluable platforms to build mutual understanding and encourage cross-cultural dialogue. Complementing these, remote courses and similar online initiatives offer accessible ways to nurture connections and shared insights. On another front, I see literary exchange as equally vital. Both China and Brazil boast rich legacies of exceptional literary works. By mutually translating and introducing these treasures, Brazilians can glimpse the essence of China through its stories, while Chinese readers gain entry into Brazil's profound spiritual world. In this way, we construct a bridge of hearts that spans geographical divides, forging enduring bonds between our civilizations. Such endeavors hold profound significance for advancing China-Brazil cultural relations.