At his press conference yesterday in Istanbul after a five-day stay in the city, Mo Yan called for the governments of China and Turkey to actively promote literary translation. “I could have [the] chance to read only the books of Orhan Pamuk as he was the only Turkish writer whose books have been translated into … Continue reading Time to Open up the Orhan Pamuk/Mo Yan Monopoly to Competition?
Category: Altaic Peoples & Tales (阿尔泰各民族及其故事)
Excerpt: Uyghur Writer Alat Asem’s “Sidik Golden MobOff”
Here's an excerpt from my translation of Sidik Golden MobOff (《斯迪克金子关机》) by the bilingual Uyghur author, Alat Asem (阿拉提 · 阿斯木), that is published in full in Issue 14 of Chutzpah!: IN A WORLD of snow and ice, buses began to budge and Muslims began to discuss Sidik Golden MobOff in hushed tones. One comment reached … Continue reading Excerpt: Uyghur Writer Alat Asem’s “Sidik Golden MobOff”
“Manba Rasang” (满巴扎仓): Secret Mongolian Pharmacopoeia, Manchu Villains and a Stubborn Translator
The editor wanted to title the nouvella The Mongolian Pharmacist (蒙古药师), but Mongolian-to-Mandarin translator Hasen (哈森) resisted. After all, she argued, the setting for this new thriller was Manba Rasang Temple in 19th century Ordos. It served as a center for studies of ancient traditional medicine and treatment, and was frequented by Mongols, Tibetans, Manchus … Continue reading “Manba Rasang” (满巴扎仓): Secret Mongolian Pharmacopoeia, Manchu Villains and a Stubborn Translator
The 2013 Istanbul Book Fair, Xinjiang Connections and “English”
When Chinese author Wang Gang brought a smile to the faces of his Turkish listeners as he recounted how a musician back in Xinjiang had sung him a tune dubbed “Istanbul” just a few days ago, it’s unlikely few in the audience recognized the irony. After all, the theme of China’s presence at the 2013 … Continue reading The 2013 Istanbul Book Fair, Xinjiang Connections and “English”
Translation Crunch: Turkey Revs up for Role as Country of Honor at 2014 Beijing Book Fair
It has been officially announced that Turkey will be the Country of Honor at the 2014 Beijing Int’l Book Fair, as China was at the Istanbul In’tl Book Fair this year. A dearth of Turkish-to-Chinese translators means Turkish works like this one are often translated from the English. Which raises several questions: What contemporary works of … Continue reading Translation Crunch: Turkey Revs up for Role as Country of Honor at 2014 Beijing Book Fair
“Madam Atatürk: The First Lady of Modern Turkey” Now Out in English
The English translation of the biography of the woman who married Turkey's "Father of the Nation," Madam Atatürk: The First Lady of ModernTurkey, has just been launched. Author Ipek Çalışlar stood trial over charges of insulting the memory of Atatürk in her biography of Latife Hanım (Latife Uşakizâde) but was acquitted several years ago. Reports Hürriyet Daily News: A … Continue reading “Madam Atatürk: The First Lady of Modern Turkey” Now Out in English
Manchu Ulabun: A Hot Research Topic in China
Apparently known as ulabun in Manchu and Shuō bù (说部) in Chinese, this is a storytelling tradition—involving song and recital—among the Manchu of northeast China. These tales naturally center around folk heroes, indigenous religious beliefs and history of the Manchu, but some Chinese experts argue that it has long been influenced by the Han tradition … Continue reading Manchu Ulabun: A Hot Research Topic in China
“Het laatste kwartier van de maan”: Launching August 20
If you don't know Chinese and prefer not to read Chi Zijian's classic <额尔古纳河右岸> about the twilight of the Evenki in English later this year you can enjoy it in Dutch---Het laatse kwartier van de maan. It will be available from The House of Books beginning the latter part of August 2013. But please note: … Continue reading “Het laatste kwartier van de maan”: Launching August 20
Chutzpah!: Latest Issue Devoted to Writers of non-Han Descent
Good news from the bimonthly Chinese literary magazine Chutzpah! (天南): the latest edition (Issue 14) is devoted entirely to writing by authors of non-Han descent. Several languages are involved here—most are published in Chinese, but some were written in other tongues and then translated into Chinese, while one has been rendered in English. The latter … Continue reading Chutzpah!: Latest Issue Devoted to Writers of non-Han Descent
Chi Zijian, la mort des shamans et des éleveurs de rennes
Bertrand Mialaret examine la traduction anglaise du roman chinois de Chi Zijian, Last Quarter of the Moon (额尔古纳河右岸, 迟子建著), l'histoire de la crépuscule des Evenki dans la dernière partie du XXe siècle (l'article français en entier): Les Evenki ont de l’amour pour leurs rennes qui sont beaucoup plus qu’un troupeau, presque des partenaires. « In my eyes, … Continue reading Chi Zijian, la mort des shamans et des éleveurs de rennes
Ethnic ChinaLit 