Beijing Post

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Thursday, Apr 02, 2026

Exploring the Mutual Translation of Chinese and Foreign Anti-Fascist Literature

A comprehensive overview of the impact and legacy of anti-fascist literary works across cultures, highlighting major contributors and influential translations.
As the year 2025 approaches, marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, significant attention is being paid to the translation and dissemination of both Chinese wartime literature and the responses elicited by foreign literary works concerning World War II. These exchanges not only reflect shared aspirations for peace but also illustrate the ongoing cross-cultural dialogue between Chinese and foreign literature.

In the realm of Chinese anti-aggression literature, Xiao Hong, often referred to as the "Literary Goddess of the 1930s," is celebrated for her seminal work, _The Field of Life and Death_.

Published in December 1935, the novel serves as a poignant critique of the atrocities committed by Japanese invaders and an expression of national consciousness.

The work has garnered acclaim from prominent literary figures, including Lu Xun, who praised its portrayal of resilience in the face of oppression.

In the United States, sinologist Howard Goldblatt recognized the significance of Xiao Hong's contributions to literature.

His comprehensive research culminated in the publication of _Hsiao Hung_ in 1976, a vital text that introduced Xiao Hong to a global audience.

Goldblatt's work included extensive interviews with contemporaries of Xiao Hong, providing deeper insights into her literary environment.

Wolfgang Kubin, a German sinologist, has examined _The Field of Life and Death_, suggesting that the novel captures not only the historical context of the Japanese invasion but also conveys broader symbolic meanings through vivid imagery.

Moreover, works such as Lao She's _Four Generations Under One Roof_, which illustrates the impact of war on urban life in Beijing, have also played an important role in the literary exchange.

Lao She personally collaborated with translator Ida Pruitt to bring this work to English-speaking audiences.

The English version, published in 1951, garnered international praise, including the affirmation from Pearl S. Buck that it transcends temporal and national confines.

Foreign literature, particularly during the World Anti-Fascist War, has significantly influenced Chinese perceptions of global events.

John Steinbeck’s _The Moon Is Down_, released in 1942, swiftly resonated with Chinese audiences, leading to multiple translations that reflected the shared themes of oppression and resilience against fascism.

The depth of this connection was apparent to translators like Zhao Jiabi, who identified parallels between the novel's depiction of resistance and China's wartime experience.

Anti-fascist literary movements in the Soviet Union coincided with the onset of the Great Patriotic War, producing a wealth of literature that found its way into Chinese publication.

The Jiefang Daily became a prominent platform, publishing numerous translations of Soviet works during this period.

Boris Vasilyev's _The Dawns Here Are Quiet_ has emerged as a significant text, depicting female soldiers' bravery and the tragedy of war, and has been adapted into various forms, ensuring its continued relevance in contemporary discourse.

German anti-fascist literature, epitomized by Günter Grass's _The Tin Drum_, has also received considerable attention in China.

The novel's translation, completed in 1990, sparked interest in Grass's unique narrative style, which influenced many Chinese writers.

In addition, Thomas Keneally's _Schindler's Ark_, known in the US as _Schindler's List_, has had a profound cultural impact in both the West and China.

The Chinese translation by Feng Tao, first published in 2009, has become a notable addition to the growing collection of anti-fascist literature, facilitating discussions surrounding moral complexity during wartime.

The translation of anti-fascist literature serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering ethical reflections on war and resilience while promoting shared values of justice and harmony.

The ongoing engagement with these texts highlights their importance in the broader narrative of mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
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