May 11th, 2014
The International Symposium on Translation, Reception and Research of Swiss Contemporary Literature (Internationales Symposium zur Übersetzung, Rezeption und Erforschung der Schweizer Gegenwarts literatur) was held in Zijingang Campus of Zhejiang University from April 24 to 27. Hosted by Institute of German Studies, SIS, and assisted by Swiss Arts Council (Pro Helvetia), the international symposium aimed to propel the translation, introduction, diffusion and study of Swiss contemporary literature in China, and promote the cultural exchange between China and Switzerland. It also elevated the study of Swiss contemporary literature at Zhejiang University and extended Zhejiang University’s academic influence on the research of German language and literature to the world.
Prof. Fan Jieping chaired the symposium. Over 150 guests, German major faculty and students attended the opening ceremony, on which Prof. Luo Weidong, vice president of Zhejiang University, delivered an opening speech. The report and group discussion session attracted 46 participants. Among them were experts and scholars from multiple universities, academic or publishing institutions, including Swiss Arts Council, Literature Colloquium of Berlin, University of Zurich, University of Goettingen, University of Kiel, Institute of Foreign Literature at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Zhejiang University, Peking University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Fudan University, Nanjing University, Tongji University, Shanghai International Studies University, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Sichuan International Studies University, East China Normal University, Shanghai Translation Publishing House, and Zhejiang University Press. Two well-known Swiss contemporary writers, together with translation professionals in China and German major graduate students of Zhejiang University attended as well. They analyzed 10 categories of Swiss contemporary novels that were published for the past few years in China and exchanged ideas from the angles of textual analysis, literature theory, translation situation, and translation strategies.
Many famous scholars, including Ms. Angelika Salvisberg, the head of Literature Department of Swiss Arts Council, Dr. Ulrich Janetzki, the president of Literature Colloquium of Berlin, Porf. Hildegard Elisabeth Keller, who works in University of Zurich and Indiana University Bloomington, Prof. Phillip Theisohn from University of Zurich, Prof. AlmutHille from University of Goettingen, Prof. Claus Langbehn from University of Kiel, Prof. Fan Jieping from Zhejiang University, Prof. Wang Bingjun from Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Prof. Chen Zhuangying from Shanghai International Studies University, made keynote speeches in the symposium. The symposium received 21 papers, and 27 scholars, including Dr. Liu Yongqiang and PhD candidate Gao Yuan from Institute of German Studies, gave academic reports. Delegations experienced fervent speech and in-depth discussion on the seminar session, which inspired a great many new thoughts in related academic fields.
This international symposium fully affirmed and expressed appreciation for the translation and introduction work of “The Swiss Contemporary Literature Series” project leaded by Prof. Fan Jieping. Meanwhile, it provided a platform for the minds of Germanic scholars from China, Switzerland and Germany to meet, as well as a solid foundation for promoting Swiss contemporary literature in China and the cultural exchange between China and Switzerland. It also expanded the international influence of China in the field of translation, introduction, diffusion, reception and research of German literature in Switzerland, and promoted the study of Swiss contemporary literature in Zhejiang University.
Institute of German Studies
May 11th, 2014
(Translated by MEI Zhi)
