Utility and viability of Lu Xun's Studies in Portugal

Abstract

In recent years, stimulated by the intensification of Luso-Chinese relations, the number of Chinese studies in Portugal has been increasing. In my view, the new Chinese studies in Portugal cannot focus solely on contemporaneity and current affairs, nor should they highlight only the socio-political and economic aspects. To understand China, both in its roots and in its more modern metamorphoses, it is necessary to study certain deep and structuring cultural elements, and to try to appreciate them from a comparative and intercultural perspective. In this sense, it is essential to study Lu Xun (1881-1936), a great writer who, in his attempt to reinvent China, interpreted and criticized Chinese culture and mentality with astonishing finesse and sharpness. In this work, I intend to present the current situation of the translation and studies of Lu Xun’s work in Portugal, to justify the usefulness of developing Lu Xun studies in Lusophone countries and to propose some practical suggestions.