Dr Ning Zhang (She/Her)
Program Director
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Organisation unit

College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities School of Humanities

Location

Adelaide University, NA, NA Room: NA
Profile of Dr Ning Zhang

About me

Dr Ning Zhang is a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, Program Director for the legacy Master of Arts (Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication), and Acting Program Director for the legacy Bachelor of Languages and the Diploma in Languages in the School of Humanities.  

Dr Zhang has held long-term, significant leadership roles within the university and the community, including Deputy Dean (International, Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide, 2020-2022), Associate Head (International, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics, University of Adelaide, 2023-2025), Head of Department (Asian Studies, 2024–2025), and Program Director (Master of Arts (Interpreting, Translating and Transcultural Communication), 2016–present).    

Dr Zhang served as a Member of the Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, South Australia (SAMEAC, 2018–2021); President of the Asia Pacific Business Council for Women SA (2013–2015); and Ambassador of the OzAsia Festival, South Australia (2009–2026). She has made valuable contributions to Chinese language teaching and curriculum in South Australian secondary education in a leading role (2013–present). She is a NAATI-certified interpreter and translator (English<->Chinese).   

Dr Zhang’s research interests focus on Australian higher education, including innovative curriculum design and the development of learning resources for second-language learning, cross-cultural communication, and translation studies and skills training. Dr Zhang also researches education policy changes in China.
Dr Ning Zhang is a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, Program Director for the legacy Master of Arts (Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication), and Acting Program Director for the legacy Bachelor of Languages and the Diploma in Languages in the School of Humanities. Dr Zhang has held long-term, significant leadership roles within the university and the community, including Deputy Dean (International, Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide, 2020-2022), Associate Head (International, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics, University of Adelaide, 2023-2025), Head of Department (Asian Studies, 2024–2025), and Program Director (Master of Arts (Interpreting, Translating and Transcultural Communication), 2016–present). Dr Zhang served as a Member of the Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, South Australia (SAMEAC, 2018–2021); President of the Asia Pacific Business Council for Women SA (2013–2015); and Ambassador of the OzAsia Festival, South Australia (2009–2026). She has made valuable contributions to Chinese language teaching and curriculum in South Australian secondary education in a leading role (2013–present). She is a NAATI-certified interpreter and translator (English<->Chinese). Dr Zhang’s research interests focus on Australian higher education, including innovative curriculum design and the development of learning resources for second-language learning, cross-cultural communication, and translation studies and...
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PVCI Internationalisation Excellence Awards for 2018, The University of Adelaide                       2018

2026 -              Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, School of Humanities, Adelaide University                                  
2009 – 2025    Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, Department of Asian Studies, The University of Adelaide         
1989 – 2008    Lecturer in Chinese, Centre for Asian Studies, The University of Adelaide                                                    
1988 – 1989    Assistant Lecturer (Chinese), Griffith University                                                                                                      
1987 – 1988    Research Assistant (Chinese), Griffith University                                                                                                                

Dr Ning Zhang is an education specialist and leader in Chinese language teaching, translation studies and training, and curriculum design. With extensive experience teaching domestic and international students in Australian higher education, she applies pedagogical expertise, academic leadership, and curriculum innovation to language and translation education. She has extensive experience developing and reviewing undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a focus on student-centred, authentic learning and on enhancing students’ academic, linguistic, intercultural communication, and employability skills. Her current teaching portfolio comprises a Chinese language course, an advanced English–Chinese translation course, and a translation internship. In these settings, she helps students develop language proficiency and translation skills while linking classroom learning to real-world communication, cultural understanding, and professional contexts.

Affiliate membership representative to the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) 
     
Member of Languages & Cultures Network for Australian Universities (LCNAU)
Last updated on 02/09/2026 by Ning Zhang