Mo Yan says Nobel prize means more eyes on Chinese literature

GAOMI, Shandong, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nobel Literature Prize winner Mo Yan said Friday that eyes worldwide will read Chinese contemporary literature over a period of time.

"It (my winning the prize) should play a rather positive role, but the effect shouldn't be overestimated," Mo said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in his hometown Gaomi in east China's Shandong Province.

Mo became the first Chinese national to win the Nobel Literature Prize in its century-long history Thursday, bringing joy to other writers and readers throughout the country.

NO HIGH EXPECTATION FOR WINNING

The 57-year-old said he did not have high expectations for winning.

"Actually, I thought I only had a slim chance to win," he said.

"There are so many good writers throughout the world, and in China. It's like I was standing in a long queue for a prize that is only awarded to one person in the world annually."

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