Workshop connects writers with translators

Chinese author Xu Zechen said Chinese literature has been in the limelight after Mo Yan won the Nobel Literature Prize in 2012, which is a good opportunity to introduce Chinese literature to the world. However, efforts to promote Chinese literature remain slow. Moreover, the right translator would be in demand as he or she would decide whether or not a Chinese masterpiece would be appreciated by foreign readers. Xu's works include "Jerusalem," "Midnight Gate" and "Should the Snowstorm Block the Gate." Some of his works have been translated into about ten languages.

Echoed Chinese writers' opinions, translators, many of whom are experts in Chinese linguistics, discussed the difficulties they faced in translating Chinese literature.

American translator Maxine Dovere said that readability, intelligibility and valuing the taste of original works taste are of great importance. British translator Mathilda Banfield said the point of translation is to get readers to understand and feel the underlying meaning of the original works. However, they both said that it is very difficult to produce a perfect close translation.

Translators from some other countries said the lack of information has hampered the exchanges and broadcasting of Chinese literature. Radina Dimitrova from Bulgaria, Yu Xin from Venezuela and Adriana Gonzalez from Mexico said that it is hard to find Chinese literature in their countries, not even modern or contemporary Chinese literature.

Translators invited Chinese writers to visit different countries and introduce their works there. As Sweden writer, translator and publisher Eva Ekeroth said at the symposium that Chinese literature would go global with not only translators' efforts, but also the active internationalization of Chinese writers.