Malaysian Crossings: Place and Language in the Worlding of Modern Chinese Literature

Malaysian Chinese (Mahua) literature is marginalized on several fronts, including in the international literary space, which privileges the West. However, Mahua authors have produced creative and thought-provoking works that have won growing critical recognition, showing Malaysia to be a laboratory for imaginative Chinese writing. Cheow Thia Chan demonstrates that authors grasp of their marginality in the world-Chinese literary space has been the impetus for aesthetic inventiveness, highlighting the historical links between Malaysia and other Chinese-speaking regions. Chan examines narrative representations of multilingual social realities and authorial reflections on colonial Malaya or independent Malaysia as valid literary terrain, contending that new perspectives from the periphery are essential to understanding the globalization of modern Chinese literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Malaysian Chinese (Mahua) literature faces significant marginalization on various fronts. In the global literary landscape, which often favors Western narratives, Malaysia is often perceived as remote. The institutions of modern Chinese literature prioritize mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Within Malaysia, only texts written in Malay, the national language, are considered national literature by the state. However, Mahua authors have produced remarkable and thought-provoking works that have gained increasing critical acclaim, showcasing Malaysia as a fertile ground for innovative Chinese writing.

In his insightful book, Malaysian Crossings: Negotiating Marginality in World-Chinese Literature, Cheow Thia Chan delves into the unique evolution of Mahua literature. He argues that authors who are marginalized within the world-Chinese literary space have used this position as a catalyst for aesthetic innovation rather than a hindrance. Chan highlights the historical connections between Malaysia and other Chinese-speaking regions, tracing how Mahua writers navigate interconnected literary spaces to contribute to the "worlding" of modern Chinese literature. By focusing on writers such as Lin Cantian, Han Suyin, Wang Anyi, and Li Yongping, who have crafted distinctive literary languages, Chan examines narrative representations of multilingual social realities and authorial reflections on colonial Malaya or independent Malaysia as valid literary terrains.

One of the key themes of Chan's book is the inter-Asian "crossings" of Mahua literary production. He explores physical journeys, interactions among social groups, and mindset shifts within the Mahua community from the 1930s to the 2000s. Chan argues that new perspectives from the periphery are essential for understanding the globalization of modern Chinese literature. By emphasizing the inner diversities and connected histories in the margins, Malaysian Crossings offers a compelling argument for remapping global Chinese literature and world literature.

Through his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Chan demonstrates how Mahua literature has transcended geographical boundaries and cultural differences to forge new connections and create meaningful literary works. His book sheds light on the complexities and nuances of Mahua literature, challenging traditional narratives and providing a fresh perspective on the global literary landscape. Malaysian Crossings is a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese Studies and beyond, offering insights into the diverse and dynamic world of Chinese writing.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203388