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Literature and society
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One of the writers at the forum. [Global Times] |
Philippe Némo, a French professor on political philosophy, and author of What is the West?, gave a speech on how to build up harmony in communication between the different cultures, with an understanding of common value and rules.
Li Er, a Henan writer, said it is unprecedented and particularly difficult for Chinese novelists to embody three shifts in society, a modern experience unprecedented in 2,000 years of Chinese literature: the planned economy, the market economy, and globalization.
"More writers are engaged in writing full-length novels instead of short stories, not for the market demand, but because only long epics can include the complexity of Chinese experience," he said.
Well-known writer Liu Zhenyun made an impressive speech and was among those who elaborated their views with professional analysis, poetic remarks and witty metaphors.
"Whether a writer or work becomes a classic is not the most important thing. The pleasure of writing is the most important (thing), (and) the basis of being legendary," he claimed.
One member of the audience noted that only one of the six French writers in attendance was a full-time writer; the others working as translator, professor or journalist, while nine of the eleven Chinese writers were full-time writers employed by all levels of association, not just the official CWA.
"The non-official writers make bestsellers and have sharper views in their speech," said an audience member surnamed Zheng.
When asked what will happen if writers associations are disbanded and writers don't get paid, Zhang Wei, head of the Shandong Writers Association, thought it was "no big deal" if writers get no salary. "I think that a higher income is good for writers…(but) without payment, their life will be difficult, but their creativity will not be affected,"Zhang said.
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