Concept of world literature handout by Liu Yuehao

Handout Introduction to Foreign Literature Lecture4, 03.20.2017

Concept of world literature

简•布朗，刘宁译：歌德与“世界文学”，学术月刊6（2007）：32-38 Summary： the article briefly outlines Goethe's position in world literature and his interest in literature all over the world, and then explores how Goethe himself discusses the concept of "world literature" (Weltliteratur): the meaning that he gave of this concept and the extension of its meaning in contemporary context. It is possible to think about why "world literature" is so important to him and how this concept is formed in his aesthetic practice and scientific practice (the latter is even more important). Only on this basis can we fully understand the importance of this concept to Goethe and the potential importance to us. (In this article, the author describe the three words which be mentioned in the last article: classics(Classical literature) , masterpieces(modern masterpieces) and Windows on the world(modern general literature or popular literature).)

约翰•沃尔夫冈•冯•歌德，查明建译：歌德论世界文学，中国比较文学2（2010）2-8 Summary：For Goethe, the term of world literature can be applied in: 1. All medieval forms(中介形式) of the relationship of different nationalities 2. The knowing, understanding, tolerating, accepting, and loving of all other ethnic literature 3. Concerned about the external influence of the national literature Therefore, for Goethe, the world literature is the place of literary exchange around the world. The ways of communication including translation, criticism, special journals of foreign literature, acceptance of foreign influences to national works, letters, travel, meetings and literary circles. Goethe's own life and literary practice showed that for him the world literature is not only an idea but also a lifestyle.

大卫•达姆罗什，李庆本译: 世界文学是跨文化理解之桥， 山东社会科学 3（2012）：34-42 Summary： Since the Age of Goethe, the definition of world literature has always been three paradigms: classics, masterpieces and Windows on the world. World literature not only exists in the global, regional, ethnic, individual four spatial dimensions, but also exist in the time. The definable characteristic of world literature is that it is made up of works of vitality in translation. Facing with the cultural conflicts in the world, world literature should play the role as a bridge of cross - cultural understanding.

Bibliography  简•布朗，刘宁译：歌德与“世界文学”，学术月刊6（2007）：32-38  约翰•沃尔夫冈•冯•歌德，查明建译：歌德论世界文学，中国比较文学2（2010）2-8  大卫•达姆罗什，李庆本译: 世界文学是跨文化理解之桥， 山东社会科学3（2012）：34-42