In the session, Prof. Zainab Al Yassi, an author and Arabic and cultural literature critic, and Korean literary critic Roh Taehoon engaged in a panel discussion moderated by Baek Hyewon, an Arabic language teacher in Korea.
Literature, they affirmed, is a source of inspiration and influence for humanity. Al Yassi eloquently expressed that literature, throughout history, has captured diverse aspects of humanity while inspiring and influencing individuals. She emphasised that literature goes beyond entertainment and self-expression, serving as a catalyst for learning, personal growth, and societal advancement. It presents role models, examples, and stories that deepen our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world while fostering essential skills, creativity, and ethical sensibilities. Thus, literature plays a vital role in shaping individual identities, cultures, and civilizations.
Al Yassi noted that literature acts as a mirror, reflecting the fundamental human values that guide our behaviour and outlook on life. It explores timeless conflicts between good and evil, selflessness and greed, love and hatred, and other elements that affect our daily existence. Drawing from her novel 'Thawat', she highlighted the symbolic representation of women as embodiments of unconditional goodness and benevolence, while also revealing the human side of a mother's character — a multidimensional portrayal encompassing emotions, fallibility, and personal struggles. The novel raises a crucial question about the triumph of righteousness in a malevolent world.
Shifting the focus to Korean culture, Taehoon emphasised that the concept of humanity in Korean culture is rooted in feelings and love. He drew attention to the linguistic connection between the Korean terms for 'human' and 'love', highlighting their striking phonetic resemblance. He further explained that modern Koreans seek to understand their individuality and humanity through psychological and personality analysis, which demonstrates the enduring emphasis on human values in Korean culture.
Taehoon also emphasised the rich diversity present in Korean literature, skillfully presenting human archetypes that resonate with readers' realities and emotions. He specifically mentioned Shin Kyung-sook's novel 'Please Look After Mom', which revolves around a mother's sudden disappearance at a train station, prompting her children to embark on a quest to recollect cherished memories and discover previously unknown aspects of her personality. This poignant tale encapsulates the profound love, longing, regret, and sacrifice inherent in motherhood, similar to Arab culture. The book has gained global acclaim and has been translated into numerous languages.
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