- The Vietnam Writers’ Association (VWA) and a delegation of China Writers’ Association (CWA), led by critic Li Jingze on a four-day visit to Vietnam, held an exchange on the morning of November 17 at No.9 Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, Hanoi.
Further tightening relations via literature exchange
Poet Huu Thinh, VWA Present, shared that nothing is more close-knit and long-lasting than literature exchange, for literature could reach and leave unforgettable impressions on in people’s heart. Therefore, the two countries should pay more priority to literature exchange via the connection of friendship cooperation.
Overview of the exchange
The head of the VWA then suggested that the CWA delegation update the hosts with information and situation of the comtemporary literature of China, especially in the realm of literature criticism. He also popped up the question on how to enhance translation of literary works of the two countries so that more Chinese people would know about Vietnam’s literature.
The guests’ head delegate Li Jingze expressed his moved feelings when visiting Vietnam this time, for he felt like at home or visiting a neighbor, a friend or a relative. He said he was happy to come to Vietnam and hear people mentioning Chinese established poets and writers like Du Fu, Li Bai, Lu Xun, and learn that Vietnamese readers also welcome and love contemporary literary works of China.
On literature and literature criticism (literature studies), Li Jingze held that China is ushering in a new era with huge changes and not only the society, but also the culture sector and literature are setting new tasks for writers. Chinese writers, therefore, need to actively delve more deeply into life and reality. The real sitution of literature criticism is not out of that trend. Previously, literature critics were those who praised literary works. Now they need to change so as to reflect the truth in criticism.
A Chinese delegate presenting calligraphic words to the VWA
As for translation and bringing Vietnam’s literary works to Chinese readers, there have not been specific and substantial solutions as the Chinese delegation deemed that translated literature is a way of cultural integration from outside, just like the invasion of the West culture in a natural way. Whether there are good solutions depends on the relation between the two writers’ associations.
Developing successive generation of writers for the two literatures
In the face of the world development trend, in which Vietnam and China are not out of the way, what captures the interest of writers of both sides is how to develop the contemporary literature in accordance with their cultural identities.
According to critic Le Thanh Nghi, the psycho-sentiment of the Chinese youths is not much different from that of the Vietnamese youths. Young Vietnamese writers are also now confused with Western postmodernism. If writers and critics do not converge to the same point of creativity, then can Chinese literature criticism catch up with young Chinese writers in the works?
The Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Literature Magazine (bổ sung được tên thì tốt) said that her magazine set up a column for 9x writers to raise their voices. The column has been joined by the majority of young writers, showing a good sign that Chinese literature can develop well in the future. The magazine’s editorial board has also paid keen attion to and encouraged young writers to enhance their creatity and their study.
The Chinese delegation believed that in the new age, Chinese culture and vision should be broadened to take in literary works from regions such as Southeast Asia, Middle East, etc. They said the open-mindedness of younger generations would change the views on literature. That, in turn, would promote literature exchange and increase the acceptance of foreign works among young readers of both countries.
Reporter
(Translated by Huu Duong)