Keywords

Galsan Tschinag, Postcolonial literature theory, Asia, Europe, cultural, Mongolia, Tuva, German literature

Abstract

This paper, presented at an MLA International Symposium in Düsseldorf, Germany--"Other Europes: Migrations, Translations, Transformations"-- explores the sources of Galsan Tschinag's reception as a cultural mediator, based on post-colonial readings of his German-language writings and statements. Tschinag's status as shaman, healer and chief within his own people merges with the fact of his literary voice in German. While exoticism might explain part of his appeal, I show literary and philosophical elements that help to subvert stereotypes and promote cultural understanding.