A Research On Different Editions Of "Wolf Totem" And Their Influences

Published in 2004, "Wolf Totem" has been translated into many languages around the world, and has been widely acknowledged by audiences. This paper summarizes general information on different editions of "Wolf Totem" and makes a thorough inquiry on its influence on ethnic Mongolian audiences’ cultural state of mind using methods such as literature analysis, comparative research, questionnaires, and interviews.This paper consists of introduction, main body (First, Second and Third Chapter), Conclusion and Appendix. The introduction provides proofs of choosing the topic, research target, research methods, research purpose, meaning of research, and frontier research. The first chapter introduces general information on different editions of "Wolf Totem":In Mainland China, there are 13 editions approved by mass audiences including different paper editions, electronic edition, and web edition. The paper editions includes Chinese Adult Edition, Chinese Children Edition, Mongolian Edition translated by Zhanmusurong, Mongolian Edition translated by Hasibilige, Mongolian Edition translated by Xiu Ying Wang, Cyrillic Edition translated by Boldbaatar De. The 7 electronic editions and web editions include Mongolian and Chinese translations. Chinese Web Editions include Adult Edition and Children Edition. The Web Edition of Chinese Adult translation includes different narrated versions narrated by Tao Xu, Chang Hui Ma, Xue Qing, and the movie edition has been released as well. The Web Editions of Mongolian translation include Broadcast Edition produced by Inner Mongolia Radio and Television Station, and Mongolian Movie Edition. The Second Chapter analyzes the reception of different editions of "Wolf Totem" among Mongolians in Inner Mongolia and Mongolia. Most Ethnic Mongolian audiences in Inner Mongolian read Chinese Adult Edition translated by Xiu Ying Wang and such. Mongolian audiences in Mongolia only read the Cyrillic Edition translated by Boldbaatar De. Ethnic Mongolian audiences from Inner Mongolia mainly consist of college students, public servants, teachers, scholars, and people with high education. Mongolian audiences from Mongolia are from all walks of life. The similarities of how both groups of Mongolian received "Wolf Totem" are:they both received it through publications; word of mouth is also the main method of spreading; acknowledge ecology themed stories; admire main characters such as Elder Bilige and Zhen Chen. The differences of reception among both groups of Mongolians are:Ethnic Mongolians from Inner Mongolia made a general statement about raising awareness of protecting the ecology; while Mongolians from Mongolia expressed detailed opinions through using main character’s words and story’s plot. Ethnic Mongolians think that the ecology theme is the reason why the novel is a best seller; while Mongolians have following opinions on why it’s a best seller; 1, the promotion is well done; 2, a third person narration on Mongolian social life; 3, the publicity from a famous translator; 4, Ethnic Mongolians habit of following the trend; 5, the lack of long length novel in today’s Mongolian world; 6, an increasing amount of reviews of the book; 7, the fascinating title of the book. The third chapter of this paper focuses of influences of different editions of "Wolf Totem":there has been an increasing amount of academic papers with themes such as ecology and totem; literatures involving "Wolf"; Arts involving "Wolf" such as wall arts, songs, dance numbers, and art and crafts. The success of "Wolf Totem" is a monumental step of Chinese publication business exporting its products; increased Xilinhot’s tourist industry’s income; increased the need for Mongolian and Chinese language translator; as well as making Mongolian culture well known around the world once again.