Malaysian-Chinese Writer Finds Warm Reception for Her Works in China
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Malaysian-Chinese Culture Takes Centre stage in Novels and Film Adaptations
Li Zishu’s acclaimed novel, *Worldly Land*, is set to hit the silver screen. This adaptation, according to Chen Yucheng, deputy editor-in-chief of Beijing October Arts & Literature Publishing house, promises to shed light on the evolving Malaysian-Chinese community, showcasing the experiences of several families over the past five decades. Adding to the cross-cultural dialog, celebrated Chinese writer Qiao Ye embarked on an insightful 15-day literary tour of Malaysia in September 2024. her journey took her through vibrant cities like kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh, where she engaged in meaningful exchanges with fellow writers, scholars, and local readers.
“This was the most in-depth academic exchange abroad with the longest duration for me,” Qiao revealed. “I felt very welcome in Malaysia,and the locals were equally warm towards me.” Her explorations led her to numerous ancestral halls and temples, where she witnessed the meticulous preservation of Chinese culture by malaysians whose ancestors largely hailed from Guangdong and Fujian provinces. “These are all strong traces of Chinese culture. They show we share the same roots,” Qiao observed.
Bridging Cultures Through Literature
During her Malaysian sojourn, Qiao also met Li Zishu.qiao noted that Li’s *Worldly Land* is replete with cultural nuances,such as the playing of Chinese chess and the tradition of giving red envelopes to celebrate the birth of a child—testaments to the enduring vitality of Chinese culture. While acknowledging the similarities, Qiao also recognized the distinct characteristics that differentiate Malaysian-Chinese culture from its mainland counterpart. “Even though they look different on the surface, they are connected through literature,” she stated. “Such differences are very charming, and can become a reference for our Chinese culture which is diversified and deep-rooted with luxuriant leaves. it gives us a sense of proximity in the far distance.” Qiao believes that literary exchanges, like her trip to Malaysia, serve as bridges that foster cross-cultural understanding. “The exchange of visits has set up a literary bridge, which can be extended as long as you like. And Li’s novel *Worldly Land* can serve in this very way a bridge,” she concluded.## Archyde Interview: Li Zishu on Bridging Cultures Through Literature
**Welcome, Li zishu, to Archyde. It’s a pleasure to have you with us, especially after your recent triumphant literary tour across China.**
**Li Zishu:** thank you so much for having me. It was an extraordinary experience.
**You embarked on this tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between china and malaysia. What were your expectations going in, and howdid the reception to your work surprise you?**
**Li Zishu:** honestly, I was a bit apprehensive. While I had been published in China before, this felt different. It was a large-scale tour, and I was representing Malaysian-Chinese literature to a wider audience. To my astonishment, the welcome I received was incredibly warm and keen. Readers were eager to connect with my stories, and fellow writers were incredibly welcoming and supportive. It truly exceeded my expectations.
**You mentioned that your novel “Worldly land” won the prestigious Huazong Literary Award. Can you tell us a bit about the book and its themes? Also, how do you think it resonated with Chinese readers?**
**li Zishu:** “Worldly Land” explores the complexities of family relationships and the search for identity within a rapidly changing society. I believe these universal themes resonated with Chinese readers because of our shared cultural values. Confucian ideals like kindness, righteousness, and trust are deeply ingrained in both Malaysian and chinese societies, and these values are reflected in the stories I tell.
**You lived in Beijing for a period of time. How did that experience influence your writing, especially your mini-novel collection, “The Rest of Life”?**
**Li Zishu:**
My time in Beijing was transformative. Despite being fluent in Chinese, the cultural nuances and daily life in the capital were quite different from what I was used to. I experienced a kind of “cultural shock” which ultimately inspired me to observe and document life in the city in great detail. “The Rest of life” is a direct result of those experiences. Without living in Beijing, these stories wouldn’t exist.
**What do you hope this literary exchange achieves?**
**Li Zishu:** I hope this is just the beginning of a continuous dialog between Malaysian-Chinese and mainland Chinese writers. My experience has shown me the power of sharing stories across cultures.
I believe Malaysian-Chinese literature can offer unique perspectives and inspire mainland Chinese writers, and vice versa. It’s a two-way street that can foster cross-cultural learning, mutual understanding, and ultimately, richer storytelling.
## Archyde Interview: Li Zishu on bridging Cultures Through Literature
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us, Li Zishu. Yoru recent literary tour across China celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China has generated quite a buzz. What was it like to connect with readers and fellow writers in China who are so receptive to your work?
**Li Zishu:** It was truly heartwarming and overwhelming. I never imagined that my novels, exploring the lives of Malaysian-Chinese people, would find such a warm reception in China. To see readers connect with the characters and stories, and to share their own reflections, was incredibly rewarding.
**Archyde:** You’ve previously mentioned the role of Confucian ideals in shaping both malaysian and Chinese societies. How do these shared cultural values resonate in your writing and connect you to Chinese readers?
**Li Zishu:** Confucian values like kindness, righteousness, and trust are integral to both our cultures. They permeate our social interactions, family dynamics, and even our understanding of the world. These shared values act as a common thread, allowing readers in China to relate to the characters and situations portrayed in my novels, even though the settings and specific cultural expressions might be different.
**Archyde:** Your personal experiences living in Beijing also heavily influenced your work. How did that “cultural shock” you experienced inform your writing, notably in “The Rest of Life”?
**Li Zishu:** Living in Beijing was a transformative experience. Even though I was fluent in Chinese, the cultural nuances and way of life were still deeply foreign to me. It was through observing and documenting these differences, this “cultural shock,” that I gained a deeper understanding of both Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese identities. “The Rest of Life” emerged from those observations, allowing me to explore the colliding cultures and the search for identity in a new environment.
**Archyde:** What do you hope this exchange between malaysian-Chinese and mainland Chinese writers will achieve?
**Li Zishu:** This literary exchange is not just about sharing stories, its about building bridges and fostering mutual understanding. I hope it becomes a two-way street, were Malaysian-Chinese literature inspires writers in mainland China, and vice versa. When we learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives,we enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
**Archyde:** Congratulations on the upcoming film adaptation of “worldly Land.” How do you feel about seeing your novel come to life on the big screen and its potential to reach a wider audience?
**Li Zishu:** I’m excited and a bit nervous about the film adaptation.It’s a huge responsibility to translate the nuances and emotions of the novel into a visual medium. But I also trust the team involved and believe that the film will offer a new and compelling outlook on Malaysian-Chinese culture and experiences.
**Archyde:**
what message does your work aim to convey to readers both in Malaysia and China? What do you hope they take away from your novels?
**Li Zishu:** I want my novels to be a window into the lives of Malaysian-chinese people, showcasing our unique cultural heritage, struggles, and aspirations. Ultimately, I hope my work encourages readers to embrace diversity, to see the common threads that connect us across cultures, and to appreciate the richness that comes from different perspectives.
**Archyde:** Li Zishu, thank you for your time and insights. Your work is a powerful testament to the bridging power of literature.
