Zhong Zhenyu has been working as a freelance French interpreter since 2002. During the past 10 years, his services have been used by many forums and conferences between China and Africa as well as training classes for African people in China. It always brings him great pleasure every time he interacts with Africans, especially those from Guinea and Mali where he worked for about four years.

After graduating from university in 1997, Zhong worked in Africa gaining life-long experience. "Working experience gained in Africa is significant to my life as it helped me to develop faster than my peers, not only in work performance but also in the ability to deal with all kinds of problems," Zhong told ChinAfrica, adding that the experience also encouraged him to work as a freelance French interpreter when he returned to China.

Zhong's first post in Africa was in Guinea where he worked as a translator at a training center for bamboo and rattan weaving in Conakry, a program sponsored by China Light Industrial Corp. for Foreign Economic & Technical Co-Operation. Zhong returned to China in December 1999.

His stay in Guinea was the first time he had left home to work and live in a foreign country. But he adapted to the local life quickly and made many good friends with students from Conakry University. "As the only Chinese who could speak French, I had to become very responsible in a short time so that I could properly manage the work for the whole team in a strange country," he said.

Zhong's other major skill improvement was in language. As a French speaking country, there are many more learning materials for French in Guinea than in China, such as books, TV shows, broadcasts, films, newspapers and videos. In such an environment Zhong was able to absorb the language on all levels. "My language skills improved daily," Zhong told ChinAfrica.

In June 2000, Zhong was sent to SUKALA.SA in Mali, working as the assistant and interpreter to the general manager of an important economic cooperation program between China and Mali.

His gained further experience during his 14 months in Mali being the communication bridge between the Chinese general manager and his counterpart in Mali. He was also in charge of dealing with translating company's documents and interpreting at major meetings. "It not only requires proficient language capability and ability to deal with emergencies, but also knowledge on enterprise management and finance," he said. "All of these have to be achieved through extensive learning," he added.

"Working at that time was like an intensive training. Although life was stressful, I learned a lot and became more and more confident," said Zhong. He said simultaneous interpretation is a career requiring comprehensive abilities. The interpreter has to be a master in language and interpersonal relationships, and a good planner of work and private life at the same time. "By the time I returned from Africa I had these skills," said Zhong.

Africa is not only a place laying the foundation of Zhong's career, but one leaving him life-long pleasant memories. Like many people who have lived or visited Africa, he collected a lot of unique African craftworks and wood carvings, all displayed in his home. Besides, he went to many scenic spots in Africa, of which Bridal Veil Falls in Guinea impressed him most. "A slender white water belt hanging straight downward, the falls looked like a bride's veil at first glance. It was so beautiful," said Zhong. 

Zhong plans to write a book to record his personal development and memories of Africa in the next few years. He hopes the book will bring something to those who are planning to go to Africa and who are interested in the continent that has given him so much.

The Forum on Chin-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in July 2012 is fast approaching. Zhong will simultaneously interpret for several conferences at the forum. He is looking forward to meeting up with his African friends there and learning about the new changes taking place on the continent that has made such on impression on his life.