Dr. CHAN Kar Yan, Shelby 陳嘉恩博士
Dr CHAN Kar Yan, Shelby (陳嘉恩博士)
BA (CUHK)
MA (CUHK)
PhD (London)

Associate Dean and Associate Professor
School of Translation and Foreign Languages
Programme Director of Master of Arts in Translation (Business and Legal) Programme

Tel : (852) 3963 5442
Email :
shelbychan@hsu.edu.hk


Dr Chan holds a BA (Translation, First Class Honours) and MA (Intercultural Studies) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She obtained her doctoral degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She has taught at SOAS (MA in Theory and Practice of Translation) and the School of Professional and Continuing Education, University of Hong Kong. Her doctoral thesis is on translated theatre in Hong Kong and its relationship with identity construction in the postcolonial era. Her research interests include financial translation, interpreting, drama translation, Chinese theatre, cinematic adaptation, interculturalism, postcolonial studies, and popular culture. She has attended conferences and presented papers in Europe, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. She has also translated four plays from English to Cantonese for stage performances in Hong Kong. She is a professional translator, interpreter, copywriter, and editor. Before joining The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, she worked for the HKSAR Government and at a Swiss investment bank as Senior Translator. She was also Project Editor with The Chinese University Press, mainly in charge of titles on Sinology, cultural studies, and the bilingual series of modern Chinese literature. She enjoys reading, cinema, and all kinds of live performance. She is learning to cook.

Conference PresentationsPublic ServiceSelected PublicationsTranslations of PlaysBooks EditedNewspaper ArticlesSelected Interpretation and MC Performances
TopConference Presentations
  • 藝術翻譯教學初探〉,「第十五屆全國翻譯院系負責人聯席會議」。深圳:香港中文大學(深圳),11/05/2019。
  • 〈商務翻譯教育的主導方向 〉(with Gilbert C. F. Fong and S. C. Siu) ,「第十五屆全國翻譯院系負責人聯席會議」。深圳:香港中文大學(深圳),11/05/2019。
  • “Translation without Originals: The Case of Hong Kong Theatre”. Presented at the Adaptation, Translation and Acculturation in Asian Theatre and Dance Symposium, hosted by University of Royal Holloway and University of London, London, UK. 18–24 May 2018.
  • “Speak In Translation, Speak Over Translation: The Case of Hong Kong Theatre”. Presented at the World Humanities Conference 2017, hosted by UNESCO and the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences, Belgium. 6–12 August 2017.
  • 〈再墮塵網中:《叩問死亡》與現代人的困境〉,「追尋自由的靈魂:高行健創作論壇」。台北:臺灣師範大學文學院,22/05/2017。
  • “Hong Kong's Youth Culture and Local Identity Formation in the Context of Fast-changing HK-Mainland Relationships” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at the 25th Annual ASIAN Network Conference - Digital and Beyond: Ways of Knowing Asia, Chicago, USA. 7–9 April 2017.
  • “Non-Attachment: Gao Xingjian's Idea of the Theatre” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at the Asian Performance Conference UK 2016, hosted by the University of Lincoln, UK. 10–11 June 2016.
  • Gangshi Yueyu juchang fanyi yu shengfen rentong” 港式粵語劇場翻譯與身份認同 [Theatre translation in Hongkong-styled Cantonese and Identity]. Presented at the 10th Chinese Drama Festival, hosted by The Baptist University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Drama Association, Hong Kong. 10–15 April 2016.
  • “Orality and Marginality: Subtitling and Hong Kong Identity” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at the 6th International Media For All Conference, hosted by University of Western Sydney, Australia. 15–17 September 2015.
  • “Play It Again: A Contextual and Statistical Analysis of Theatre Translation in Hong Kong”. Presented at The East Asian Translation Studies Conference, hosted by University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. 18–19 June 2014.
  • “Otherness Within: Pygmalionas a Story of Translation and Identity Construction”. Presented at the 2014 International Symposium on Cross-Cultural Studies, hosted by Fu Jen Catholic University. Taipei, Republic of China. 3–4 May 2014.
  • Fu shenme chou: Hamuleitezai Hong Kong” 復甚麼仇:《哈姆雷特》在香港 [Revenge without a cause: Hamlet in Hong Kong]. Presented at The 9th Chinese Drama Festival, hosted by Zhejiang University and Chinese Drama Research Institute. Hangzhou, PRC. 18–23 April 2014.
  • “Modernisation of Hong Kong Theatre” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at the International Colloquium: Modernisation of Asian Theatre, hosted by Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. 14–17 March 2014.
  • “Cong huwenxing kan Leiyuyu Mancheng jin dai huangjinjia” 從亙文性看《雷雨》與《滿城盡帶黃金甲》 [Intextuality in Thunderstorm and The Curse of Golden Flower] (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at the International Academic Conference in Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Thunderstorm. Tianjin, PRC. 20–23 September 2013.
  • “Investigating the Routes to Professional Translators/Interpreters: The Construction and Development of the HK-CL(CE/EC)TIC” (with Janice Pan). Presented at the 2nd Business Translation Conference, hosted by University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, PRC. 25–26 May 2013.
  • “Romancing Hong Kong: The Revelation of Sweet and Sour Hong Kong” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at “Performing China on the Global Stage” International Conference, hosted by Leeds University, Leeds, UK. 26–27 March 2013.
  • “Avenger without a Cause: Hamletin Hong Kong”. Presented at the Association for Asian Performance 2012 Conference, hosted by the Association for Asian Performance, Washington, DC, USA. 1–2 August 2012.
  • “Equivocating about Home: Self-writing of Original Plays and Translated Plays in Hong Kong”. Presented at The 8th Chinese Drama Festival, Macau. 13–21 December 2011.
  • “Trap Revisited: The Man Who Questions Deathand the Tragedy of Modern Man”. Presented at “Gao Xingjian: Freedom, Fate, and Prognostic​ation”, hosted by International Consortium for Research in the Humanities, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. 24–27 October 2011.
  • “Name of the Rose: Brand Names and Identity”. Presented at CIUTI Forum 2011, hosted by CIUTI (International Permanent Conference of University Institutes of Translators and Interpreters)and Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China. 25–26 April 2011.
  • Ta laizi Yuanye: Jiegou kongjian yu renxing” 他來自《原野》:解構空間與人性 [He’s from the wild: Deconstructing space and human nature] (with Gilbert C. F. Fong.). Presented at the Cao Yu Memorial Conference, hosted by Cao Yu Museum and Qianjiang Municipal Cultural Bureau, Qianjiang, China. 25–28 October 2010.
  • “Yuanye de kongjian”《原野》的空間 [The space of The Wilderness] (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). Presented at “the International Academic Conference in celebration of the Cao Yu’s Centenary Birthday”, hosted by Nankai University and the Beijing People’s Art Theatre, Tianjin and Beijing, China. 22–24 September 2010.
  • “Confession of a Mask: On the Re-runs of Translated Drama in Hong Kong”. Presented at The 5th Chinese Drama Festival, Taipei, February 2009.
  • “Otherness Within: Pygmalionas a Story of Translation and Identity Construction”. Paper presented at The 4th Cross-Strait Translation Studies Forum, Hong Kong. November 2008.
  • “Into the Dusty Net: Gao Xingjian and Trap Drama”. Presented at “Gao Xingjian—A Writer For His Culture, A Writer Against His Culture: International Symposium”, Hong Kong. May 2008.
  • “Presence through Absence: Subjectivity Writing in Gao Xingjian’s Play Between Life and Death” [In Chinese]. Presented at The 4th Chinese Drama Festival: Academic Conference, Hong Kong. January 2007.
  • “Otherizing of Self: Translation Theatre and Postcoloniality in Hong Kong” [In Chinese]. Presented at “‘Rock on Another Mountain’: Western Influence on Hong Kong Drama Conference”, Hong Kong. August 2006.
  • “A Tale of Shanghai and Hong Kong: Notions of Space and Time in Love in a Fallen City and New Love in a Fallen City” [In Chinese].  Presented at “From Tradition to Modern: International Academic Conference on Chinese Drama”, Nanjing, Shanghai. July 2005.
  • “Mask-Costume and Theatre: The Game” [In Chinese]. Presented at “A Decade’s Achievement: Chinese Drama Conference”, Hong Kong. June 2004.
  • “Hodge-podge, Hybrid, Sweet & Sour Hong Kong” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong) [In Chinese]. Presented on “A Decade’s Achievement: Chinese Drama Conference”, Hong Kong. June 2004.
TopPublic Service
  • Member. Organising Committee. International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong 2011, 2013.
TopSelected Publications
  • “Modern theatre in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and North Korea” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). In Siyuan Liu (ed.), Routledge Handbook of Asian Performance (Pp. 328–333). London: Routledge, 2016.
  • “Modern musicals in Hong Kong” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). In Siyuan Liu (ed.), Routledge Handbook of Asian Performance (Pp. 535–538). London: Routledge, 2016.
  • “Romancing Home: Sweet and Sour Hong Kong” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). In Ruru Li (ed.), Staging China: New Theatres in the Twenty-First Century (Pp. 97–114). New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016.
  • “Hong Kong Speak: Cantonese and Rupert Chan’s Translated Theatre” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). In Carlos Rojas and Andrea Bachner, eds. The Oxford Handbook of Modern Chinese Literatures. London: Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • “Nonattachment and Gao Xingjian's Neutral Actor” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). In Mabel Lee and Jianmei Liu (eds.), Gao Xingjian and Transmedia Aesthetics (Pp. 99–114). Amherst, NY: Cambria Press, 2018.
  • “Suspension of Identities: The Case of Hong Kong” (with Gilbert C. F. Fong). In Kirk A. Denton (ed.), Crossing between Tradition and Modernity: Essays in Commemoration and Milena Doleželová-Velingerová (19322012) (Pp. 234–59). Prague: Karolinum Press, 2017.
  • Poppies by the Motorway 《公路旁的紅罌粟》 (by Agnes S. L. Lam). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song, eds. Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Twenty-Four Volume Set). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2017.
  • Heritage《 祖傳 》(by Major Jackson). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan and Gilbert C. F. Fong. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song, eds. Ancient Enmity 《古老的敵意》(Twenty-four Volume Set). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press. 2017.
  • “White Orchids on Concrete 混凝土上的白蘭花” (by Agnes S. L. Lam). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song (eds.), Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Single-Volume Anthology) (Pp. 74–75). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2017.
  • “Time to Go 是時候走了” (by Agnes S. L.). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song (eds.), Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Single-Volume Anthology) (Pp. 76–77). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2017.
  • “Poppies by the Motorway 公路旁的紅罌粟” (by Agnes S.   Lam). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan.  In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song (eds.), Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Single-Volume Anthology) (Pp. 78–79). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2017.
  • “The View from Up Here 在這裏高處俯瞰” (by Major Jackson). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan and Gilbert C. F. Fong. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song (eds.), Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Single-Volume Anthology) (Pp. 230). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2017.
  • “On Disappearing 消失” (by Major Jackson). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan and Gilbert C. F. Fong. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song (eds.), Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Single-Volume Anthology) (Pp. 231–232). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press. 2017.
  • “Picket Monsters 糾察隊猛獸” (by Major Jackson). Trans. by Shelby K. Y. Chan and Gilbert C. F. Fong. In Bei Dao, Lucas Klein and Chris Song (eds.), Ancient Enmity《古老的敵意》(Single-Volume Anthology) (Pp. 233–234). International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press. 2017.
  • Poetry and Conflict 《詩歌與衝突》(with Bei Dao, Gilbert C. F. Fong, Lucas Klein, Christopher Mattison and Chris Song). Edited volume. International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2015.
  • Poetry and Conflict 《詩歌與衝突》(with Bei Dao, Gilbert C. F. Fong, Lucas Klein, Christopher Mattison and Chris Song). Twenty-Two Volume Set. International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2015.
TopTranslations of Plays
  • Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. (With Gilbert C. F. Fong and Hardy Tsoi.) Performed by TNT Theatre. Hong Kong City Hall, September 2006.
  • Burning Patience by Antonio Skameta. (With Gilbert C. F. Fong.) Performed by Chung Ying Theatre. Hong Kong Cultural Theatre, October 2005.
  • Man of La Mancha by Dale Wasserman. (With Gilbert C. F. Fong.) Performed by TNT Theatre. Hong Kong City Hall, December 2004.
  • Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. (With Gilbert C. F. Fong.) Performed by TNT Theatre. Hong Kong City Hall, July 2002.
TopBooks Edited
  • Gao Xingjian and Gilbert C. F. Fong. Lun xiju論戲劇 (On drama). Taipei: Linking Publishing Co., 2010.
  • Gao Xingjian. Of Mountains and Seas: A Tragicomedy of Gods in Three Acts, trans. Gilbert C. F. Fong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2008.
  • Gao Xingjian. Escape andThe Man Who Questions Death, trans. Gilbert C. F. Fong. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2007.
  • Thomas Y. T. Luk. Translation and Adaptation of Western Drama in Hong Kong: From Script to Stage [In Chinese]. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2007.
  • Daniel F. K. Wong. Clinical Case Management for People with Mental Illness: A Biopsychosocial Vulnerability-Stress Model[In Chinese]. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Mun Kin Chok. Chinese Leadership Wisdom from theBook of Change. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • William Wong and Carol Lam (eds.) Men’s Health in Hong Kong [In Chinese.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Chun-chieh Huang and John B. Henderson (eds.) Notions of Time in Chinese Historical Thinking. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Zhou Zuoren. Zhou Zuoren: Selected Essays, trans. David E. Pollard [Chinese–English bilingual version.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Kara Chan (ed.) Advertising and Hong Kong Society. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Arthur van Langenberg. Urban GardeningA Hong Kong Gardener’s Journal. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Liang Shih-chiu. From A Cottager’s Sketchbook, vol. 2, trans. Ta-tsun Chen [Chinese–English bilingual version.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2006.
  • Gao Xingjian. Cold Literature: Selected Works by Gao Xingjian, trans. Gilbert C. F. Fong and Mabel Lee [Chinese–English bilingual version.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2005.
  • Asian Journal of English Language Teaching15 (2005).
  • A Cheng. The Chess Master, trans. W.J.F. Jenner [Chinese–English bilingual version.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2005.
  • Liang Shih-chiu. From A Cottager’s Sketchbook, vol. 1, trans. Ta-tsun Chen [Chinese–English bilingual version.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2005.
  • Xiao Hong. The Dyer’s Daughter: Selected Stories of Xiao Hong, trans. Howard Goldblatt [Chinese–English bilingual version.] Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2005.
  • Kypros H. Nicolaides. The 11–13+6 Weeks Scan, trans. T. L. Leung and T. K. Lau. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2005
  • Maurice Meisner. Mao’s China and After: A History of the People’s Republic, trans. Du Pu. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2005.
TopNewspaper Articles
  • 〈想找翻譯服務 有錢還要門路〉(2019)。載於文匯報(2019 年 11 月 19 日)。
  • 〈你的口音如何 你的人生也必如何〉(2019)。載於文匯報(2019 年 3月25日)。
  • 〈全球逾75%人可經「巴別塔二十」溝通〉(2018)。載於文匯報(2018年 12月17日)。
  • 〈因材施譯 風姿各異〉(2018)。載於文匯報(2018 年 6 月 27 日)。
  • 〈不「抄」不「譯」 何以創作?〉(2018)。載於文匯報(2018 年 1 月 10 日)。
  • 〈漫畫翻譯 不拘一格〉(2017)。載於文匯報(2017 年 5 月 10 日)。
  • 〈譯髒話「比猴子腋窩還要醜」〉(2016)。載於文匯報(2016 年 12 月 14 日)。
  • 〈翻譯、隱士與獅子〉(2016)。載於文匯報(2016 年 5 月 18 日)。
  • 〈表情符號表錯情﹖〉(2015)。載於文匯報(2015 年 12 月 16 日)。
TopSelected Interpretation and MC Performances
  • Press Conference. International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong 2011 [Consecutive interpreting; Putonghua and English] The China Club. Central, Hong Kong. 9 November 2011.
  • Chinese Traits, Francophone Links: Writing, Art, Cinema—International Colloquium [Conference interpreting; Putonghua and English] Queen’s University, Belfast 19–20 February 2010
  • Realms of the Spirit in Gao Xingjian’s Literature and Art: A Symposium and Film Showcase of a Nobel Laureate [Conference interpreting; Putonghua, Cantonese and English] SOAS, University of London 4–5 January 2010
  • The 1st International Poetry Nights (Hong Kong) [Simultaneous interpreting; Putonghua, Cantonese and English] 28–30 November 2009
  • Opening Ceremony: The 1st International Poetry Nights (Hong Kong) [MC; Putonghua and English] 28 November 2009
  • Meetings between Polo Ralph Lauren Resources Ltd. and PRC contractors [Conference interpreting; Putonghua and English] June to August 2009
  • Opening Ceremony of ‘Gao Xingjian—A Writer For His Culture, A Writer Against His Culture: International Symposium [MC; Putonghua, English, French] 24 May 2008
  • Meeting between China Molybdenum Co. Ltd. 洛陽欒川鉬業and Fidelity International [Conference interpreting; Putonghua and English] 16 May 2008
  • Meeting between Zhaojin Mining Industry招金礦業股份有限公司and Fidelity International [Conference interpreting; Putonghua and English] 2 May 2008
  • Meeting between China Construction Bank 中國建設銀行and Fidelity International. [Conference interpreting; Putonghua and English] 18 April 2008
  • Public seminar by Jim Rogers, world-renowned financier. Hosted by ABN AMRO (Hong Kong). [Simultaneous interpreting; Putonghua, Cantonese and English] 7 April 2008
  • Opening Ceremony of ‘The 6th Global Chinese Drama Festival [MC; Putonghua] Hong Kong Drama Association and The Chinese University of Hong Kong 15 January 2007
  • Opening Ceremony of ‘Rock on Another Mountain’: Western Influence on Hong Kong Drama Conference [MC; Putonghua] Nanjing University, Department of Translation and Sir Run Run Shaw Hall of The    Chinese University of Hong Kong 15 August 2006
  • Opening Ceremony of The Chinese University Press Book Exhibition [MC; English and Cantonese] The Commercial Press and The Chinese University Press 10 December 2005
  • Solo / Double / Male / Female—Seminar on One-man Theatre [Simultaneous Interpretation; English and Cantonese] Leisure and Cultural Services Department, HKSAR Government 25 June 2005
  • Opening Ceremony of Exhibition of Select Chinese Rare Books of Peking University Library [MC; English andPutonghua] The Chinese University of Hong Kong 20 April 2005
  • Opening Ceremony of Gao Xingjian Collection [MC; English and Putonghua] The Chinese University of Hong Kong 11 December 2004
  • Book-launch Ceremony of C. Y. Tung’s Biography [MC; English and Cantonese] The Tung Foundation and The Chinese University Press 30 November 2004
  • Physics, Aesthetics and Life—General Education Seminar Series [MC, English and Cantonese] The Central Library of Hong Kong and The Chinese University Press 20 November 2004
  • Opening Ceremony of The Chinese University Press Book Exhibition [MC; English and Cantonese] The Commercial Press and The Chinese University Press 14 November 2004
  • Joint Youth Recruitment Seminar [MC;Putonghua and English] Labour Department, HKSAR Government 24 March 2004
  • Tender-invitation Seminar of the Youth Self-employment Support Scheme [MC; English and Cantonese] Labour Department, HKSAR Government 2 March 2004
  • Briefing Session of Management Trainee Programme [MC; Putonghua and Cantonese] The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association and Labour Department, HKSAR Government 1 November 2003
  • Literature and Theatre—Seminar on Gao Xingjian [Simultaneous interpreting; English, Putonghuaand Cantonese] The Central Library of Hong Kong and The Chinese University Press 16 November 2002
  • Science, Society and Man—China in the 21st Century [Simultaneous Interpreting; English,Putonghua, Cantonese and English] Speaker: Professor Yau Shing Tung Academic Conference, Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong 19 January 2002
  • The 1st International Conference of Sign Linguistics in Hong Kong [Simultaneous Interpretation; English, Putonghuaand Cantonese] The Hong Kong Society for the Deaf and The Chinese University of Hong Kong 18–23 December 2001