Throughout Turkish history, there have been many instances of natural disasters that the people have either managed to overcome or have struggled with. Türkiye's geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to earthquakes, such as the devastating İzmit earthquake of 1999. However, unlike nations such as the USA or Japan, these disasters seldom leave a significant imprint on Turkish literature.

I am keen to delve deeper into the reasons behind this phenomenon by examining Nazım Hikmet’s poem "Kız Çocuğu," which addresses the atomic disaster in Hiroshima and was translated into Japanese during the Shōwa period. What inspired this Turkish poet to engage with Japan's tragedy, and why was the poem rendered into Japanese?

In my case study, I plan to analyze the Turkish-Japanese translation, the specific word choices made, the poet's historical background, and the motivations behind the creation of this poem.

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the English translations of the “ Talks at the Yaenan Forum on Literature and Art,” both within China and internationally. It specifically focuses on two widely acknowledged translated versions: one published by Beijing Foreign Languages Press (FLP) and the other by Michigan University Press. By conducting a comparative analysis of key terms such as “stand point ”( li chang) ,“ the masses ”( da zhong) ,“ the mass style ”( da zhong hua ) ,“popularization ”( pu ji) , and “ raising standards ”( ti gao) , this study examines and explores the changes in the fundamental meaning and values of the “Talks” between the original Chinese text and the translated versions. These variations are elucidated through an analysis of the diverse motivations and strategies employed by the translators, which were influenced by historical factors and contemporary trends. Ultimately, this study argues that the translation of the “Talks” across centuries offers compelling evidence of the far-reaching global influence of the Sinicization of Marxist literary theory.

Cultural ecology explores the dynamic interaction between human societies and their environment, focusing on how cultural practices and beliefs evolve in response to ecological contexts. In this paper, the author examines the natural and cosmological views expressed in Zhuang mythology, particularly in the Buluotuo Book of Songs, and the works of Native American authors such as Louise Erdrich and Leslie Marmon Silko. By probing into the shared themes of nature and ecology in these literary traditions, this paper investigates the cultural and ecological values embedded within these texts and how they reflect the worldviews of their respective societies.

Zhuang mythology, preserved in works like the Buluotuo Book of Songs, offers a profound example of the interconnectedness between human existence and the natural world. The Zhuang people’s cosmology centers around a harmonious relationship with the earth, animals, plants, and celestial bodies, portraying nature as both a provider and a spiritual force. Animals such as the buffalo symbolize agricultural prosperity and strength, while trees like the banyan represent community and wisdom. Celestial bodies, such as the sun, are seen as life-giving forces that regulate both the physical world and spiritual cycles. Similarly, Native American literature, as exemplified in the works of Erdrich and Silko, shares a deep reverence for the natural world, but with unique variations based on cultural and historical contexts. In Erdrich’s Tracks and Love Medicine, animals such as the wolf and eagle symbolize freedom, wisdom, and family. In her stories, the natural world is not a mere backdrop but a dynamic participant in the spiritual and emotional lives of the characters. Silko, in Ceremony, portrays a cyclical and restorative view of nature, with animals such as the bear and coyote serving as spiritual guides that embody both ecological and cosmic principles. The moon, sun, and stars in Native American traditions also function as celestial forces that govern time, growth, and the spiritual connection between humans and the earth.

Ultimately, the comparative analysis of Zhuang mythology and Native American literature reveals a shared recognition of the need to nurture the earth, understand its cycles, and live in accordance with its rhythms. The ecological values embedded in these texts offer critical insights into sustainable practices and the preservation of cultural identities, encouraging contemporary readers to rethink the relationship between humans and nature in an age of environmental crisis. They also provide an important bridge and bond for the cultural exchange and integration of the two nations.