Interview: More exchanges needed, literature as bridge, says Frankfurt Book Fair VP

FRANKFURT, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) — The world needs more exchanges, and literature can serve as a bridge, said Claudia Kaiser, vice president of the Frankfurt Book Fair, in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.
“If we don’t understand each other, where is society heading?” Kaiser emphasized. “It’s crucial to foster mutual understanding, and literature plays a vital role in helping us comprehend different cultures and social systems.”
Promoting exchanges is a key objective of the Frankfurt Book Fair, which concluded on Sunday, she noted. “It’s not just an annual book fair, but an organization that creates spaces for dialogue and exchange. We aim to bring everyone to the table. We’re interested in mutual exchange, not one-way streets.”
The Frankfurt Book Fair has long been a significant event for Chinese publishers, who made a strong impact at this year’s edition. Kaiser praised their participation, saying, “I’m very happy to see that every year, Chinese publishers come in large numbers. Our participation from Chinese publishers this year is the same as last year, and we’re very proud of that.”
Looking ahead, Kaiser expressed optimism for further collaboration. “If we can integrate more Chinese publishers and speakers into our programs, and if Chinese publishers include more foreign speakers in their initiatives, I believe this would foster even greater exchange.”
During the interview, Kaiser, a seasoned industry expert, shared her views on challenges currently facing the publishing world. “The biggest one, which looms over all of us, is AI,” she said, pointing out its still-evolving effects on the industry, workforce, and businesses, particularly for translators.
She speculated that readers may soon demand instant access to translations. “Will readers expect to have books translated into 30 languages simultaneously, so they can just push a button and have it in their own language?” she asked. “While we can’t predict exactly when this will happen, I think it is likely.”
Although AI offers convenience, Kaiser warned of its potential side effects, particularly around copyright issues.
“With the rise of AI technology, we constantly hear discussions about copyright — issues like ownership are becoming increasingly important. It’s thus essential to establish regulations that foster growth while minimizing potential harm to the sector,” said the expert.
“There are huge changes coming, but no one really knows what it will mean for the industry,” she said. ■