The young Chinese poet Shaw Shwei, a recipient of international literary awards, shared his vision on the significance of cultural coexistence as one of the foremost challenges facing humanity in the modern era. He pointed out that literature serves as the bridge connecting peoples and enhancing mutual understanding, expressing his passion for Arabic culture.
Born in 1982, Shaw Shwei has authored over 51 books in poetry, novels, and essays, in addition to his work in screenwriting. Recently, his poetry collection 'Eurasia Epic' was translated into Arabic, which he considers the most faithful among his translations.
Event Details
Shaw Shwei discussed his experience in writing 'Eurasia Epic', noting that it reflects his journey through languages and cultures. The work has been translated into several languages, but he found the Arabic version to be the most profound. He expressed gratitude to Egyptian poet Ashraf Abu Al-Yazid for translating the work, believing that literature creates new bonds between peoples.
He also highlighted the importance of ancient civilizations, such as that of Mesopotamia, in shaping humanity's cultural identity, asserting that literature should mirror humanity as a whole rather than being confined to a single nation. In this context, he believes poetry should serve as a bridge between the sacred and the secular, expressing the pulse of the street.
Context and Background
Historically, literary epics have reflected the cultures of nations, but Shaw Shwei aims to write a human epic that illustrates the cultural intermingling of our current era. He noted that literature has undergone several stages, from lyrical poetry to novels and drama, and he believes the future will belong to universal poetry that unites various cultures.
He also spoke about his experience with poet Adonis, pointing out their differing perspectives on the role of poetry in society. He argued that poetry should be humanistic and empathize with ordinary people rather than being elitist.
Implications and Influence
Amid rising conflicts in the Middle East, Shaw Shwei indicated that literature can be a tool for change, expressing the suffering of peoples and enhancing human awareness. He considered war not only a central scene in epics but also an expression of the conflict between civilizations.
He emphasized the importance of translation as a fundamental act in enhancing understanding between cultures, viewing it as a means of communication among peoples. He believes that every language carries a rich culture, and interaction between languages can lead to the development of a common language in the future.
Impact on the Arab Region
Shaw Shwei's vision of cultural coexistence is crucial given the challenges facing the Arab region, where literature can contribute to fostering mutual understanding among peoples. He pointed out the significance of Arabic culture in shaping global literature, asserting that Arab civilization will be a cornerstone in any future literary project.
In closing, Shaw Shwei called for poets and artists to work towards realizing the dream of a 'human homeland', stressing that words and images can bring this dream closer to reality.