Sharing great writing
A recent forum explores how the best Chinese literature can be more accessible — and more appreciated — globally, reports.
change that situation,” Bai says.
The major purpose of the recent forum, hosted at Beijing Language and Culture University by China Culture Translation and Studies Support, a platform for cultural cooperation, was to discuss how to translate and introduce excellent contemporary Chinese literary works to overseas readers.
In China, more than 7,000 writers have registered with the China Writers Association, creating more than 3,000 novels each year. But only some 200-plus Chinese writers have been introduced overseas.
Mai Jia, author of Decoded and In the Dark, is the only contemporary Chinese writer whose works have been translated into 27 languages, says another participant at the forum, Xu Baofeng. Xu is executive director of the Chinese Culture Communication and Translation Center.
Xu says there should have been more Chinese writers read by overseas readers, since “they create really great works”.
Bai says foreign readers now tend to read stories about modern urban life in China rather than tales set in rural areas in old times, such as Mo Yan’s Red Sorghum.
Last year, when prize-winning writer Chen Zhongshi —
Foreign readers know nothing about Chinese literature. It’s time for us to change that situation.” Bai Ye, director of China Contemporary Literature Study Association
best known for The Plain of White Deer — died, translator Eric Abrahamsen told China Daily that the novel had not been translated into English because readers, having read mainly stories about rural China, wanted to read something about people in modern cities.
Abrahamsen is the founder of Paper Republic, a company devoted to translating Chinese literature and introducing it to the West.
Bai says that writers now being introduced to readers abroad are mainly from generations born before 1970.
“We promote overseas what we think are excellent works, but many foreign readers want to read the historical
Contact the writer at yangyangs@ chinadaily.com.cn