Writers from BRICS countries are transcending national borders – their creativity is becoming a dialogue of cultures. Through literature, they not only tell the stories of their peoples but also find a common language with an international audience.
The extent to which a writer remains the voice of their society and the extent to which they serve as a bridge to other cultures was discussed in an exclusive interview with
Za Rubezhom, a partner of TV BRICS, by Maryam AlHashmi, member of the BRICS Literature Award jury from the United Arab Emirates. The conversation took place following the announcement of the longlist for the award, which includes 27 authors from BRICS countries.
What do you see as the mission of the BRICS Literature Award in strengthening intercultural dialogue among the participating countries? What unique opportunities does it offer to writers?
[…] Literature has always been one of the most powerful and enduring forms of human expression, through which societies tell their histories, express their identities, and imagine their futures. On international platforms such as the BRICS Literature Award, literature becomes not only an art form but also a diplomatic tool that strengthens intercultural dialogue and promotes mutual understanding among participating nations.
At its core, literature serves as a mirror of society, reflecting the complexity of human experience and giving voice to cultural features that might otherwise remain inaccessible to outsiders. When literature crosses linguistic borders, it offers readers a unique opportunity to encounter another’s worldview. Such encounters are crucial for developing empathy, breaking down stereotypes, and overcoming cultural divides.
Literature is often described as the universal language of humanity. How does the BRICS Literature Award help this language to be heard in new ways, beyond the Western literary canon?
Literature is indeed often described as the universal language of humanity – an art form that resonates with people regardless of their geography, culture, or language. It is through literature that human experiences, emotions, and aspirations become shared across borders, helping us to recognise our common human nature. In this sense, literature does not belong to any particular region – it belongs equally to the East, the West, the North, and the South.
On 17 September, a longlist of 27 nominees was announced in Brazil. How did the jury evaluate the works, taking into account the cultural and literary diversity of the BRICS countries? What were the key selection criteria?
[…] One of the key criteria was the relevance of each literary work within its own country and its contribution to shaping public consciousness. The jury also examined the authors’ creative biographies, paying attention to the depth of their literary achievements, maturity of artistic vision, and the knowledge reflected in their works. These factors helped determine whether each writer deserved inclusion in the longlist. By maintaining a balance between aesthetic value and cultural significance, the jury ensured that the selection process reflected both literary mastery and the richness of the diverse traditions represented by the participating countries.
How do you see the role of writers from BRICS countries in today’s global world? Are they more the “voice of their society” or a “bridge” to other cultures?
A writer anywhere in the world inevitably performs several roles at once. Sometimes they speak on a deeply personal level, expressing their own experiences, emotions, and reflections. In other cases, they become representatives of their society, embodying its issues, aspirations, and inner conflicts. Equally important is the writer’s role as a cultural bridge, allowing people from different regions of the world to connect with the reality of their life, hopes, and vision of the future. Through stories, poetry, and critical thought, writers make their societies visible to the outside world while participating in a universal dialogue that transcends national boundaries. This dual role is particularly significant for authors from BRICS countries, whose cultural and historical diversity enriches world literature. They preserve the authenticity of their own voices while building bridges of understanding that connect their communities with all of humanity.
Photo: Viktor Hladchenko / iStock
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