Pathlight of Chinese literature to lighten up the world

Lin Bai and Xu Zechen, joint editors of the German version of People's Literature, at the launch of the magazine's first issue in late Nov at the German embassy in Beijing.[Photo by Mei Jia/chinadaily.com.cn]

Following the warm reception of the English version of People's Literature, a landmark magazine recording contemporary Chinese literary life, its German version was launched in late Nov in Beijing.

More multi-lingual versions are either ready or on the way to meet their targeted readers, the editor-in-chief Shi Zhanjun said.

The magazine's attempt of taking positive actions to promote Chinese writings abroad and its achievements were praised at a forum "Representing China: A New Perspective of Intercultural Communication" at Beijing Language and Culture University on Friday.

The English version, launched in 2011 and entitled Pathlight, is a quarterly redesigned from the cover to illustrations to suit the global taste. Concentrating on one theme in each issue, it features short stories, novellas, and poems by contemporary writers, especially the young and new voices.

Besides the latest German version, there’re already two issues in both French and Italian language, and one each in Russian and Japanese.

Shi said the multi-lingual versions are to expand into 15 languages in the future, including Spanish, Arabic and Korean.

Veteran critic Yan Jingming called the moves "historic", because instead of being passively introduced into foreign market, the Chinese writers, especially the younger ones, would find the multi-lingual Pathligh a chance to reach more hearts.