Woesler Martin

Professor, Witten/HerdeckeUniversity

Nationality: German

Languages: German, English, Chinese, French

Profile

Martin Woesler was engaged in advanced studies on Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature at Peking University. He holds a PhD degree from Ruhr University of Bochum. He started translation career in 1998. He was professor of University of Halle-Wittenberg (2004-2007), professor of Munich University of Applied Languages (SDI München) (2007- 2014) and associate professor of Utah Valley University (2011-2013). In 2014, he served as president, professor, dean and doctorate supervisor of PhD candidate program of Humanities Institute of Rome. He is head of Contemporary Chinese Literature Translation Group for German-speaking countries in German Translators’ Association, council member of German China Association, member of European Association for Chinese Studies, president of European Dream of the Red Chamber Society, lifetime member of Association for Asian American Studies and vice president of World Association for Chinese Studies. His translations include The History of the Chinese Essay (Volume 1-3), My Essays are My ‘Longing for Freedom’ -- Wang Meng as Essayist in the Period 1948-1992, Dream of the Red Chamber (co-translation) and God Knows China (co-translation).

Q&A

Q1: Could you please briefly introduce the market situation of the publishing industry in your country?

There are many publishing companies printing many books read by many people, so there’s a kind of virtuous circle in my country.

Q2: Have you ever read any works written by Chinese authors?

Yes, like by Cao Xueqin, Lu Xun and Zhu Ziqing.

Q3: What kinds of Chinese literature (genres) do you prefer to introduce to your country? Have you ever recommended any before?

I’d like to introduce the modern and contemporary Chinese literature with great value of research. This kind of works would help more foreigners recognize the real China, other than the exotic attraction. I’ve recommended Dream of the Red Chamber before.

Q4: Which Chinese literature books do you think could be bestsellers around the world? Or could have a corner in the global market?

China’s tour great works (Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh) plus The Plum in a Golden Vase, Literature Collection of Wang Xiaobo, Literature Collection of Feng Jicai and some works that won Mao Dun Literature Prize.

Q5: What kinds of problems do you think the translating or publishing processes of Chinese literature exist overseas?

Some problems caused by cultural differences, and lack of financial support.