Beijing salon illuminates French literature's influence on cultural bonds

The influence of French literature on the cultural exchanges between China and France was highlighted at a salon that gathered more than 40 literary translators, scholars and publishers from the two countries in Beijing on Friday.

The event, themed on the study, translation and promotion of French literature in China, was organized by the China International Book Trading Corporation, French publisher Madrigall Group, and the Guardian Press, a component of the Guardian Art Center in Beijing.

Sarah Briand, attache in charge of books and the debate of ideas with the French embassy in China, said that the event bore witness to the friendship between the two countries over the past 60 years, not only on the diplomatic level but also in the realm of literature and intellectual exchanges.

In recent years, France has been one of the countries that translate the most Chinese literary works, while China maintains the largest overseas partner for French publishers in copyright trading of French books, Briand said, adding that literature of the two countries resonates with readers from both nations.

Xie Gang, general managing director of the China International Book Trading Corporation, said that cultural exchange requires two-way interaction, and that the event served as a precious opportunity for dialogue, mutual inspiration and promotion.

Kamel Yahia-Aissa, export sales director of Madrigall Group, said that books constitute the majority of French export cultural products. Despite the soaring sales of fantasy and manga, the book industry needs to keep its emphasis on classical literary works to maintain the diversity and depth of culture.

He said classical literature takes up 70 percent of the group's publications, and expressed hope for more dialogues with their Chinese counterparts.

Yu Zhongxian, translator and a researcher at the Institute of Foreign Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that translation bridges cultures and languages, enabling literature works to cross language barriers and be understood and appreciated by readers with different cultural backgrounds.

He said that there are relatively mature cultural exchange mechanisms between China and France, and that China should always learn and draw nourishment from the fine cultural traditions of other countries.

It still takes time for more quality Chinese literature works to enter the global market, Yu said.

As for Chinese translators for French literature, he said the younger generation has presented their capability to capture the linguistic features of contemporary literary works. He suggested that they further improve their writing abilities and expressions in their mother tongue.