THE TRANSLATION AND INFLUENCE OF RUSSIAN WRITER V. G. RASPUTIN’S WORKS IN CHINA
Russian writer V.G. Rasputin enjoys great popularity in China; almost all his works have been translated into Chinese, of which, Live and Remember, arguably his best-known work, has at least five Chinese versions which were published by several Chinese publishing houses. Based on this novella, a same-title movie was made in China with some slight changes. It was also put on the stage at the Beijing Capital Theater by the Moscow Art Theatre during its first tour to China in 2011.Two years later, Ivan’s Daughter, Ivan’s Mother, another famous novella by Rasputin, won him the “21st Century Best Foreign Novel of the Year” prize (2003), which has been awarded annually in China since 2002. Rasputin’s comments on political and social issues have received close attention of the Chinese people. In 2013,“Interview of Rasputin: the Disaster-ridden Twenty Years”, a collection of Rasputin’s political comments, was translated into Chinese and published by Social Sciences Academic Press (CHINA). Chinese literature experts are also enthusiastic in conducting researches on Rasputin’s works. So far, there are two academic monographs, one doctoral dissertation, and 16 master’s theses on Rasputin. In 2006, during his stay in China, Rasputin traveled Beijing, Shanghai, Harbin and other cities, where he met the local Chinese writers and experts on Russia, and exchanged views with them on various topics. His ideas attracted great interest and fervid response of his Chinese counterparts. “When I received the Chinese versions of my works mailed all the way from China, I can hardly bear to put them down. The Chinese language seems like something coming from heaven rather than on the earth,” said Rasputin. Translated into Chinese and widespread in China, Rasputin’s works have exerted enormous influence on the Chinese readers and audience. This is an important component in Sino-Russian cultural exchanges.