Berlin: German veteran translator Karin Betz has been instrumental in introducing Taiwanese and Chinese literature to German audiences, translating works from notable authors such as Nobel laureates Mo Yan and Liu Xiaobo, as well as science fiction writer Liu Cixin and martial arts fiction icon Louis Cha Leung-yung. Her efforts have brought these works to an expansive German-speaking market of over 200 million readers.
According to Focus Taiwan, Betz's contributions to literary translation were recognized in 2024 when she received the Helmut M. Braem-‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦€š¬…€œbersetzerpreis for her translation of Hong Kong author Xi Xi's "My City: A Hong Kong Story." Her journey with Taiwanese literature began with the works of Sanmao, notably taking on the task of translating "Stories of the Sahara" into German in 1991, a book that had never been translated before. Betz believed the themes of women's experiences and cross-cultural relationships would resonate with Western readers.
Betz notes that while German translations of Chinese literature often originate from China, Taiwanese works are underrepresented. She emphasizes the creativity and relevance of Taiwanese literature, which addresses themes like gender, identity, and social values in a manner that appeals to younger audiences. Taiwanese authors depict LGBTQ+ themes as integral parts of daily life, distinguishing their literature from that of mainland China.
In 2024, Betz translated Katniss Hsiao's crime novel "Before We Were Monsters," where she encountered cultural nuances like the Taiwanese ritual of throwing divining blocks. These cultural elements, she explains, require extensive research but enrich the reading experience by providing insight into local customs and beliefs.
Betz highlights a linguistic shift in contemporary Taiwanese literature, with modern authors incorporating Hoklo, Japanese, and English elements into their works. This shift reflects Taiwan's complex identity and history, presenting a challenge for translators. Betz often collaborates with friends and authors to gain context and understanding, underscoring the distinctiveness of Taiwanese literature within the Chinese literary sphere.
Currently, Betz is translating Yang Shuang-zi's "Taiwan Travelogue," which delves into colonial history and language exchange from a woman's perspective. She views the book as a means to communicate Taiwan's unique experiences to the world and hopes to foster a deeper understanding of Taiwan among German readers, encouraging them to explore the island's culture and history through its literature.