The prestigious 81st World Science Fiction Convention, commonly known as WorldCon, recently marked its debut in China, taking place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. This event, which draws enthusiasts from around the globe, offered a unique platform for the East and West to deepen their understanding of each other’s sci-fi cultures.
Renowned sinologist Agustín Alepuz Morales, who also goes by the Chinese name Xia Haiming, was among those eager to bridge this cultural exchange. He voiced his hopes for the Chengdu WorldCon to foster mutual appreciation between Chinese and global sci-fi enthusiasts. “Through this convention and beyond, I aspire to introduce Chinese sci-fi to the Spanish-speaking audience,” expressed the Spanish native.
Alepuz’s commitment to intertwining the cultures of China and the West is both longstanding and profound. With more than a decade of experience in the spheres of publishing and translation, he’s notably known for translating “Death’s End,” the third novel of Liu Cixin’s acclaimed “The Three-Body Problem” trilogy. This passion project underscores his dedication to presenting Chinese literature on an international stage.
His journey as a sinologist began with an affinity for Chinese language and culture. Since moving to Beijing in 2007 for studies at the Renmin University of China, Alepuz has deeply immersed himself in the nation’s heartbeat. His academic pursuits soon transitioned into a 16-year adventure, marked by roles in translation, language teaching, and various other fields. “This journey has been replete with captivating experiences, shaping my personal and professional growth,” Alepuz reflects.
In recognition of his contributions to Chinese literature, Alepuz was honored with the “Friend of Chinese Literature” award at the sixth International Sinologists Conference on Translating Chinese Literature held in Nanjing.
Speaking about the essence of Chinese sci-fi, Alepuz remarked, “Chinese science fiction resonates with its global counterparts. Both often delve into universal themes like the implications of technology on society and humanity’s place in the cosmos. This universality makes Chinese sci-fi relatable to diverse readerships.”
He emphasizes the importance of quality storytelling, opining that to captivate global audiences, the narrative essence is paramount. “Translation plays a pivotal role, but the heart of the story is what truly draws readers in,” he asserted.
Alepuz’s own gravitational pull towards Chinese sci-fi traces back to his youth, steeped in devouring sci-fi literature. This love merged seamlessly with his Chinese studies, especially with the omnipresence of “The Three-Body Problem” in Beijing’s bookstores during his student years. Reminiscing about his translation endeavors, he playfully remarked on the exhilarating challenge, “There were moments of sheer despair!”
As “The Three-Body Problem” garners global admiration, with its Spanish translations receiving several reprints and a Netflix series on the horizon, Alepuz sees it as a beacon for cross-cultural literary exchanges. He believes that literature, specifically sci-fi, has the potential to pique global interest in diverse cultural offerings.
With optimism in his voice, Alepuz concluded, “I aim to champion Chinese sci-fi in Spanish-speaking regions, and conversely, introduce Spanish sci-fi to the Chinese audience in the years ahead.”
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