Mo Yan to talk about storytelling, home and inspiration in Nobel prize speech

Books of Chinese writer Mo Yan are on display during the book fair in Frankfurt, October 11, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"Pu is Shangdong born like I am. Our hometowns are not far from each other. I learned much from him, though we're writers from different ages," Mo said.

Mo's publisher Chen Liming believes the writer's speech will be historic.

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As to the highly controversial issue of what he will wear during Nobel week — Chinese style or Western style — Mo said he would dress according to his preference and the Nobel banquet's dress code.

"I will dress in fun designs and according to the occasion," he said.

Mo said he invited several translators of contemporary Chinese literature to accompany him to the award ceremony on December 10, along with 10 people who are traveling with him from Beijing, including his wife, daughter and friends.

"I invited Howard Goldblatt, Patrizia Liberati and others, because they're the people who promote Chinese literature globally," Mo said.

Mo will attend a press conference at the Grand Hall of the Swedish Academy for the Nobel Laureate in Literature on December 6. Then on December 7, he will give a Nobel Lecture in Literature at the Swedish Academy.

After giving speeches at the university and enjoying a concert, Mo will attend the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and Nobel Banquet on December 10.

China Daily will follow his Nobel journey with a series of stories from both Stockholm and Beijing.