Li Jinxiang reading his novel, Women's River. Photo: Courtesy of Li Jinxiang

Growing strength of ethnic groups in literary circles 

Ethnic minority literature has long been regarded as a rich cultural mine, reflecting the diverse range of Chinese languages and cultures. But the mine has yet to be explored deeper, as many excellent works remain obscure.

The 10th Junma Award released the list of winners on August 16, which includes 29 novels, prose, poems and translations by writers from various ethnic minority groups. 

One of the four biggest national-level literary awards in China, Junma is the premier award for literary works among ethnic minority groups.

Li Jingze, who runs the judging panel with Chinese Writers Association, told the Global Times that he's seen a large number of young writers emerge recently, making him optimistic about the future of ethnic minority literature in China. But he was saddened that these works are still unknown to most readers.

Communicating with words 

Established by Chinese Writers Association and the State Ethnic Affairs Commission in 1981, the Junma Award aims to develop ethnic minority literature and literary communication between different ethnic groups.

Writers with a minority background published in the Chinese mainland between January 2008 and December 2011 competed in this year's awards.

As Li Jingze introduced, there were over 200 submissions.

"What impressed me most about the award is the emergence of young writers," he said. "It reflects the development of ethnic minority literature. By the ninth Junma Award in 2008, all 55 ethnic minority groups had their own writers," said Li.

"It is hard to give a specific number of how many writers there are, as they are from different fields, belong to different associations and some write online," said Ye Mei, editor-in-chief of National Literature magazine and a judge in the competition. "But one thing for sure, there are much more writers now than there were 10 years ago."

Chinese Writers Association and local writers associations hold activities annually to boost literary communication between different ethnicities, with publication efforts and local awards.

Ye told the Global Times that among the 8,000 plus members of Chinese Writers Association, over 1,000 are from 55 ethnic minority groups.

But ethnic literature develops at different rates. Ethnic groups such as Tibetan, Mongolian and Uyghur emphasize literary creation and have more writers, while others with a small population fall behind.

"It is understandable. Some ethnic groups did not have written language until several decades ago," said Li Jingze.

Diversified topics

Li Jinxiang, a writer of Hui ethnicity, won the award in the short-to-medium length novels category with his collection Change Water.

The story chronicles the difficulties a couple from Tongxin county, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region encounter while working in big cities. The two finally return to their hometown, after the wife gets AIDS while earning money through prostitution.

A running theme in the book is to "change water," a religious ritual in the Hui ethnic group, similar to baptism. It has strict procedures of how to wash. People usually "change water" during important events like visiting temples or traveling a long distance.

"I wanted to depict ordinary people's life in my hometown amid urbanization and economic changes," said Li Jinxiang.

Dazhen's novel Gampa, which won the award in the long publications category, focuses on the clash and integration of three ethnic groups, Tibetan, Han and Hui, in the Gampa area, Tibet. It is widely regarded as a homage to Tibetan culture and life.

Ye said these literary works feature distinct ethnic and cultural characteristics. "With time, their works have become diversified. Many write in their native languages."

Jin Renshun, a Korean writer from Jilin Province, tells a love story based on an ancient legend of the Korean ethnic group. The modern story is infused with mysterious legends, combining reality and history.

"Her novel Chunxiang features distinct characteristics of the time and even feminism," said Ye.

Some works, which explore the urbanization and industrialization of rural life, dig deeply into social and cultural issues.

Zhong Risheng, a writer in the Zhuang ethnic group, documented his experience in South Africa as a doctor, touching upon globalization.

"The work is a dialogue of traditions and time," said Li Jingze.

Valued subset 

Ye told the Global Times that she found it hard to choose the winner as a judge.

"The works are generally good," said Li Jingze.

Literature from ethnic minorities is a precious subset of Chinese literature, he said.

"These works are a window for Han writers to learn and improve."

The works by writers from ethnic minority groups often impress readers with its vivid characteristics of certain ethnic group.

Li Jingze said that avant-garde writers in the 1980s were influenced not only by Western literature but also by ethnic minority writings. 

Li Jinxiang said that ethnic minority writers are confident in expressing their culture and themselves. "They are attracting attention, their number is expanding, and there is more communication with Han writers and writers abroad."

He appreciates that some writers from the Han ethnic group try to write about ethnic minorities.

But writers well known in a specific ethnic group are usually not popular nationwide, except famous ones like Alai and Zhang Chengzhi.

Li Jinxiang said that these writers are in a marginal position compared to Han writers, due to culture and language barriers. 

Li Jinxiang suggests writers skillfully weave in their ethnicity.

"Writers need to promote their language and skills first to express what they want to say." He stressed they should persist in accordance to their roots and values.

For Li Jingze, both mainstream readers and the market need time to accept ethnic literature, and these writers need to produce more quality works.