OUTSPOKEN German sinologist Wolfgang Kubin is perhaps best known in China for sharply criticizing Chinese prose since 1949 and he hasn't changed his views. But he is qui te optimistic about some contemporary poets and dedicates himself to translating their poetry as well as ancient Chinese philosophy, which he calls very relevant today.

Kubin is a professor of sinology at the University of Bonn and at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) where he arrived this week and teaches six months a year. During this term he is teaching the history of ancient Chinese philosophy and history of the Chinese-German relationship. He also teaches two months a year at Shantow University in Guangdong Province and for the remainder of the year he researches, translates, writes and publishes under BFSU. He also writes poetry in German.

Last month, 67-year-old Kubin attended a poetry conference in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, attended by most of Hangzhou's writers and poets.

He also spoke with Shanghai Daily about writing and literature, his admiration for Lu Xun, the "love" inherent in Chinese philosophy, his own love of Wuliangye (literally five-grain liquor) distilled spirit, and his Chinese wife whom he courted in Beijing in the early 1980s.

"I am like a Chinese," Kubin said, speaking of his dedicated, unending work of translation, but he draws a distinction between himself and most Chinese writers today whom he says have it too easy, pursue money and are not dedicated to writing.

"I translate not for money, but for Chinese poets, poetry and literature," he said, noting that he doesn't have much time for his own writing, except for short works.

"Misty Poets"

He praises the works of contemporary Sichuan poet Ouyang Jianghe, whom he considers an international voice, and other earlier poets, the so-call "Misty Poets" (menglong pai) including Xi Chuan, Zhai Yongming, Yang Lian and others. The "Misty Poets" were a group who rebelled against the restrictions of the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) and launched a new era of poetry. They were officially criticized for being obscure, hazy and misty.

Kubin said he hopes to continue translating contemporary Chinese poetry for the rest of his life and to translate and introduce Chinese classical philosophy (Confucius, Lao Zi, Zhuang Zi and others) to ordinary German readers.

His numerous acclaimed translations include Lu Xun's compiled works, the classic "Yi Jing" (I Ching) and the 10-volume "History of Chinese Literature of the 20th Century." In 2007 he was awarded the Chinese State Prize for Literature. His latest book, published in 2011, is a new translation and commentary on Confucius' "Analects."

Kubin's interest in philosophy, "Misty" and "post-Misty" poets derives in part from his pursuit of protestant theology as a young man. Fifty years ago he was supposed to become a priest, but he had trouble reconciling modern religious thought and the religious concepts he studied.

"Twenty years after graduation, I recovered my belief and faith and it is Chinese classical philosophy that brought me back," Kubin said.

He was influenced deeply by the philosophy known for emphasizing balance, harmony, yielding and what some call passivity, as well as the ideas of Lu Xun, the father of modern Chinese literature, who believed in the power and necessity of action and change.

"To me, Lu Xun is more important than any German writers. Lu Xun knows everything," Kubin said.

Kubin's connection with China began in 1968 when the young man from Lower Saxony with a love of literature came across an English translation of the poems of Li Bai (AD 701-762), a major poet of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

"I was shocked, wondering how someone could use language so amazingly," he recalls. He became passionate about Chinese classical poetry and literature, deciding to become a poet and sinologist, instead of a priest.

"To this extent, I am like Li Bai, who was expected to become a Taoist priest," Kubin said.

After studying Japanology, German language and literature, philosophy, and sinology in Germany and Austria, Kubin wrote his doctoral thesis about the Chinese poet Du Mu (AD 803–852), a leading Tang Dynasty poet.

His family and many friends called him misguided, saying there were no good jobs in sinology and pointing out that China was in the throes of the "cultural revolution."

Kubin persisted.

In 1974 and 1975, Kubin became an exchange student at the Beijing Language Institute, later lecturing on East Asia at Berlin Free University.

"The Chinese teachers were good, I studied from 6am to 12pm during that year," Kubin recalled.

He also was obliged to recite quotations of late Chairman Mao Zedong, as did everyone else on the Chinese mainland, and to join in political activities called "Criticize Confucius and Criticize Lin Biao" (former vice chairman who betrayed the country).

Ironically, before going to China, Kubin was required by teachers in Germany to recite Confucius, Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi.

From 1977 to 1985 he taught modern Chinese language and literature at Berlin Free University. From 1985 on Kubin taught Chinese at the University of Bonn, where he has been a professor of sinology since 1995.

Between 1975 and 1995, Kubin traveled frequently to China, staying mostly at libraries and universities. In 1980 at the Beijing Library, Kubin met his future wife Zhang Suizi who worked there.

Dating a Chinese woman was dangerous at that time. A foreign friend was deported for dating a Chinese woman and she herself was punished, Kubin once told Southern Weekly. Thus, they had to keep their relationship secret, going on cycling trips and speeding off when they saw police. In 1985 Zhang was allowed by her work unit to study library science in Germany. Kubin and his first wife divorced. He and Zhang married and have two sons.

Though he is famous, Kubin lives modestly and works constantly. He usually gets up around 5:30am, prepares breakfast for his family, and goes to university to teach, translate and write. In the evening after dinner (sometimes Chinese food that he prepares) he drinks some wine and writes poetry in German.

Speaking of his work in China, Kubin said, "I have tasks, tasks to teach Chinese students, including those in undeveloped areas." He has lectured three times over the years at Three Gorges University in Chongqing, last in 2008, and was inspired to teach more.

While speaking to Shanghai Daily, Kubin asked where he could jog in Hangzhou and inquired about the city's annual marathon in November.

"I will take part after I am 70," he said. "I would be disappointed not to get a ranking while I'm in my 60s, but that would be okay when I'm over 70."