German scholar's critique of Chinese literature sparks debate
One of Germany's leading experts on China, Wolfgang Kubin, has drawn fire from Chinese scholars with his controversial critique of contemporary Chinese literature after 1950.
The scholar claimed few 20th century Chinese writers know how to speak English because they believe learning a foreign language would spoil their mastery of their mother tongue.
He also criticized some of modern China's most famous contemporary literary works, dismissing the "so-called" beauty writers and claiming that German people consider fascism to be the subject of the book Wolf Totem. He concluded his attack by calling contemporary Chinese writers after 1950 cowards who lack the bravery of Lu Xun .
China's literary circle has responded by arguing Kubin's critique too one-sided.
Tie Ning, Chair person of China Writers Association, says through People's Daily , that before people were short on ways to express themselves. So they turned to literature for help. That's why literature was so popular in the 1980s. However, with the ever-advancing technology, ordinary people are able to have their say in the public space through various channels. Thus literature receives less attention. But such a change doesn't mean the quality of literary works of the day has gone down. However, according to Tie Ning, many grassroot and cyber writers actually are equipped with sophisticated writing skills and at expressing deep thoughts. Moreover, because they are writing for not just practical reasons, many of their writings tend to be fresh and innovative.
Peking University professor Yan Jiayan said China has many great contemporary writers, like Wang Anyi, Chen Zhongshi, Chen Jiangong and Li Rui. He also strongly recommended Gu Bin read "White Dear Plain" by Chen Zhongshi.
Yan Jiayan also said the small proportion of poor quality work does not represent the whole cannon of contemporary literature. He said it has become much easier to publish books as society has developed.
He also rebutted Kubin's comment on Chinese writers' foreign language skills, saying he believes Wang Meng can speak English fluently.
Chinese Writers Association member Zhang Xianliang said Kubin's comments do not disturb him.
From: China Daily
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