Mo Yan's Nobel speech splits public opinion
While some see his oration as honest, critics slam him for failing to speak out in support of peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, jailed for 11 years
Author Mo Yan's speech at the Nobel awards banquet in Sweden has stirred mixed reactions from the public. Some deemed it honest, while others denounced his silence on the issue of mainland censorship.
My experiences in the months since the announcement have made me aware of the enormous impact of the Nobel Prize and the unquestionable respect it enjoys
"My experiences in the months since the announcement have made me aware of the enormous impact of the Nobel Prize and the unquestionable respect it enjoys," he said.
"It has been a golden opportunity for me to learn about the world and even more so … for me to learn about myself."
He thanked his translators, family and friends, as well as the Swedish Academy, which chooses the laureates.
However, he stopped short of mentioning the controversy surrounding his selection, announced on October 10, primarily triggered by his refusal to speak out against the jailing of Nobel Peace Prize winner and dissident writer Liu Xiaobo.
Detractors also pointed to Mo's being a senior member of the state-backed Chinese Writers' Association.
