User-centered Translation of a Chinese Phonetics Tutorial: Enhancing Accessibility and Learning for Non-native Speakers

This paper presents a user-centered translation of the preface of The Comprehensive Graphic Tutorial of Chinese Phonetics by Han Danxing, aimed at enhancing accessibility, instructional clarity, and usability for international learners. By combining Skopos Theory and technical communication principles, the translation addresses both macro-level objectives, such as audience adaptation, pedagogical intent, and functional purpose, and micro-level strategies, including layout design, terminology selection, and visual coherence. The preface serves as a foundational entry point to the textbook, providing essential instructional guidance, methodological explanation, and an overview of the innovative “Phonetic Graphic Teaching Method.” Through detailed case studies, the translation demonstrates effective strategies for improving readability and usability by restructuring dense text, integrating tables, enhancing scannability, and providing clear signposting for learners. These modifications align the preface with Western educational standards that emphasize clarity, coherence, and user-centered design. The findings suggest that integrating Skopos Theory with technical communication principles offers a practical framework for enhancing the usability of educational texts aimed at diverse, international audiences, making complex phonetic concepts more accessible and comprehensible.