Ba Jin (November 25, 1904 - October 17, 2005), formerly known as Li Yaotang and courtesy name Fu Gan, was a native of Chengdu, Sichuan, China, and his ancestral home was Jiaxing, Zhejiang. Modern writer, publisher and translator. At the same time, he is also known as one of the most influential writers since the "May 4th" New Culture Movement. He is an outstanding Chinese literary master in the 20th century and a giant in China's modern and contemporary literary world.
The Nobel Prize in Literature has always been an unforgettable knot in the hearts of Chinese literary circles and Chinese literati. Not long ago, after the news that Li Ao was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature was hyped up, it was recently reported that Mr. Ba Jin was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. After reporters confirmed it with some doubts, they also heard various reactions from all walks of life, "Nobel Prize for Literature." "Is the prize worthy of being regarded as a god by Chinese literati?" "Do Chinese literati must embark on the road to Nobel?" "How far is it from being nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature to winning the prize?" Regardless of whether they admit it or not, the Nobel Prize is even more important to Chinese literati. Chinese people already have lingering regrets and expectations in their hearts.
"The desire for the Nobel Prize is actually the desire for recognition."
The first place the reporter went to seek verification was the Institute of Foreign Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Researcher Lu Jiandao who was interviewed said that The reaction after the incident was mediocre: "This incident is not unusual at all. Nomination is a very simple matter." Lu Jiandao told reporters that the institute receives a selection list from the Nobel Prize Committee for Literature every year, with the chairman of the committee printed on it. Signature, please recommend candidates. The identity of the recommender is not limited. Lu Jiandao further explained that this kind of nomination is different from Oscar nomination. Being nominated is a relatively easy thing. What is more important is that after being shortlisted and participating in the final competition, once The shortlisted candidates will no longer be made public. Lu Jiandao told reporters that the menus in the institute are rarely sent back, and there is little interest in them. Lu Jiandao was also one of the many researchers who did not fill out the selection form. "The Literature Award is different from other science awards. It does not have quantitative standards. It is more influenced by personal likes and dislikes and political factors. Of course, the content will also be considered appropriately. A positive and idealistic style seems to win over the judges more. "
As for the Nobel Prize in Literature itself, Lu's understanding is more calm and indifferent compared to the passionate Nobel complex. "Not all writers abroad regard the Nobel Prize for Literature as a god. This award seems to be more important to booksellers and publishers. In addition, the high prize of the Nobel Prize also has a considerable impact on writers who receive royalties. Tempting. But looking back at the history of the Nobel Prize, many people who deserved it did not get it, which is enough to show that the Nobel Prize is not an authoritative standard." Lu Jiandao often interjects when he is very eloquent: "Am I saying too much? " Once he moved on to the next topic, Lu returned to his rapid and slightly excited speech: "The Chinese people's desire for the Nobel Prize is actually more of an inferiority complex. They need to be recognized by others, but the Chinese don't have it. It is necessary to appear too excited, which is unworthy of grace. "Moreover, the selection of the Nobel Prize has a strong regional and biased nature, which includes translation obstacles but also political bias."< /p>
When talking about Ba Jin’s nomination this time, Lu Jiandao believed that “Mr. Ba Jin’s works are slightly weaker in connotation than other works that won the Nobel Prize for Literature. His complex description of human nature is not deep enough. Young people will prefer his sentimental style. In my opinion, this nomination is more of a tribute to the ninety-year-old Mr. Ba Jin. As for whether he can win the prize, Lu believes: "Everyone." The works are highly incomparable, and this kind of evaluation is somewhat accidental. Winning the award does not mean that he is the best contemporary writer. In fact, there are many outstanding writers in China, and there is more than one writer who has the ability to win the award.
"This is an act of goodwill by Chinese American literati"
News came out that Zhao Benfu, vice chairman of the Jiangsu Provincial Writers Association, was the first person in the country to learn about the matter. After many twists and turns, the reporter interviewed When it came to Zhao Benfu, although he was a little reluctant, Zhao still gave the reporter a clear answer.
On April 24, Zhao Benfu received a letter from Wang Hailong, chairman of the Chinese Writers Nomination Committee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, in which he called Balao "the most outstanding writer and thinker in contemporary China" and "the most outstanding writer for more than half a century." "Literary creation has laid an excellent foundation for world-renowned lofty prestige and respect in the international cultural community." "Your persistent exploration and sacred understanding of human nature and human dignity have been recorded in the history of contemporary Chinese culture and human culture."
Although Zhao Benfu was surprised by this, he still conveyed the invitation in the letter to the press and Mr. Ba Jin as entrusted in the letter. Zhao Benfu told reporters that the Chinese Writers Nomination Committee for the Nobel Prize in Literature was established in New York and was established in January this year. It has contacted the Royal Swedish Academy and received a receipt. Ba Jin is the first person nominated by the committee. Zhao Benfu told reporters that Wang Hailong, one of the chairman of the committee, is an anthropology teacher at Columbia University and has been exchanging letters with him for many years.
Zhao Benfu was a little reluctant when talking about this matter, but he was still talkative: "This nomination should be a goodwill move by Chinese American literati. In China, people may not want to propose it themselves, but from now on From their perspective, there are many outstanding writers in modern and contemporary China who are worthy of nomination. It would be a pity if they were not nominated.
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But Zhao Benfu also believes: "Chinese writers cannot write for the sake of winning awards. You don't need to care too much whether you win awards. Chinese writers don't need to take an award too seriously. " Zhao also said: "If you can win the prize, it will be a good thing. For China, it is abnormal that there are no Chinese in the list of Nobel Prize winners in literature. We have a very thorough understanding of foreign literary writers, but foreign countries have a very poor understanding of Chinese literature and writers, and can even be said to be ignorant. ”
Regarding the disparity in understanding between the two sides, Zhao Benfu believes that the reasons are very complicated, the most important of which are Western prejudices and translation obstacles. The West still has its original deep-rooted ideas about China, while China However, good works cannot be translated accurately and expressively. Zhao Benfu even believes that Chinese literature is difficult to translate. The charm of hieroglyphics lies in itself. Regarding the nomination of Ba Jin, Zhao Benfu believes that Ba Jin should be nominated based on Ba Jin’s status and contribution in literary history. You can get such an honor, but as for whether you can win the award, Zhao believes that it depends on whether Balao is willing and the opinions of the judges.
In the interview, Zhao Benfu kept emphasizing that he just conveyed a message and was not willing. He made too many comments and informed the Chinese Writers Association of the matter. In his words: "My task has been completed.