Event gives students get a good read on Chinese literature

Breaking through language barriers to find a common connection is the essence of literature.

On the morning of Oct 9, a book-sharing event for foreign students was held at the October Literature Compound in Beijing, one of the activities of the ninth Beijing October Literature Festival organized by the October Literature branch of Beijing Publishing Group. Five students from countries, such as Morocco, Laos and Cambodia, shared their favorite Chinese and foreign literary works.

Chou Kakada from Cambodia talked about the Chinese classic Journey to the West, which accompanied him through childhood. He was initially drawn to the magic depicted in the book but gradually came to appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture. Considering the leading character Sun Wukong as an idol, he said he wanted to be as brave as the hero when facing challenges and overcoming difficulties.

Nejjaoui El Batoul from Morocco is fascinated by the literary style of Chinese writer Wang Xiaobo. In both fluent Chinese and Arabic, she read a letter titled Gudu Shi Choude (Loneliness Is Ugly) from Wang's work Ai Ni Jiuxiang Ai Shengming (To Love You Is Like Loving Life), a collection of his love letters to his wife Li Yinhe. She said that in recent years, excellent literary works from China, including those by Wang, have been translated into Arabic and are well-received, expecting more works to be published overseas, so people can learn about China through literature.

Laotian student Bounlutay Soudthida brought the Chinese version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, a book that deeply influenced her — it was her first Chinese reading material in Laos. Starting with this book, she gradually felt the beauty of the Chinese language.

Lee Sorya from Cambodia presented her hometown legend The Man Mountain and Woman Mountain through a PowerPoint presentation. The story depicts how women, through unity and wisdom, changed their destinies, echoing the ancient Chinese legend of Yugong Yishan (The Foolish Old Man Who Moved the Mountains). Lee Sorya said the mountains represent people's perseverance and fearlessness in the face of difficulties, qualities that are respected both in China and Cambodia.

Panhahong from Cambodia talked about Black Beauty by British author Anna Sewell. He said that he was familiar with this story from a young age. The book taught him about empathy and the rights of every individual to pursue happiness and dignity.

During the event, students also visited the Yongding Gate Tower at the south end of Beijing's Central Axis and the quaint October Literature Compound.

The ninth Beijing October Literature Month began on Sept 7, with writers, students and literary enthusiasts from over 30 countries and regions participating in the activities.