It's common for countries to exercise cultural exchange through the arts, because movement, visuals, and non-verbal presentations overcome language barriers. However, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences have attempted something very brave: A cultural exchange between China and Germany through the written language. As a bonus, Nobel Prize winner Mo Yan shared a few words of wisdom with us.

Over a dozen notable authors from China and Germany gathered at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Organized by the Institute of Foreign Literature, the 2013 Sino-German Literary Forum kicked off with a packed house of intellectuals.

The opening remarks were made by Tie Ning, the chairwoman of the Chinese Writers Association. She emphasized how important it is to open communications between the two countries in order to strengthen and improve the literary scene from a global perspective.

"It is easy to sit next to each other, but we must remember to talk to each other. As authors and writers, we must keep on discovering this world with an open mind, and to learn from each other," Tie said.

Although today's event is about authors and their literature, this is also a bridge-building activity between Germany and China, two countries that consider themselves "familiar strangers." The biggest bridge-builder today are the simultaneous translators. The audience members have headsets where they can listen to both the German and Chinese translations of the speeches. That's an instantaneous connection between the two countries."

The speakers proceeding Tie Ning echoed this sentiment stating that although the countries are very far away from each other, literature can bring them closer together. The guest of honor at the event was Mo Yan, the first Chinese Nobel Prize winner in literature. We had a chance to speak to the novelist before he gave his speech.

"As an author, my relationship to my works is like a female chicken and her eggs. And the audience today can witness all these chickens who are here to share their eggs," Mo Yan said.

During his speech, Mo Yan shared some of his insights and best practices about what it takes to be a great author. "As authors, we can't write for the people, and we are not here to preach to the people. We can't be elitist because we're not better than the average person. We can only represent ourselves," he said.

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences is an institution directly under the State Council. The Institute of Foreign Literature plans on increasing their cross-cultural events this year.

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