«A distinctive feature of the BRICS Prize is its commitment to presenting literature as a bridge rather than a barrier.»

Interview Questions for Dr. Maryam Alhashmi, Jury Member of the BRICS Literature Award

1. How do you see the mission of the BRICS Literature Award in the context of strengthening intercultural dialogue among the member countries? What unique opportunities does it offer to writers?

The role of literature and literary awards—particularly those that transcend continents such as BRICS—is of paramount importance in fostering fruitful dialogue among nations. Literature has always been one of the most powerful and enduring for human expression, and through it, societies narrate their histories, articulate their identities, and imagine their futures. In the context of global platforms such as the BRICS Literature Award, literature becomes not only a creative endeavor but also a diplomatic instrument that strengthens intercultural dialogue and enhances mutual understanding among member countries.
At its core, literature functions as a mirror of society, reflecting the complexities of human experience and giving voice to cultural specificities that might otherwise remain inaccessible to outsiders. When literary linguistic borders, they provide readers with a rare opportunity to encounter the worldview of the “Other.” This encounter is crucial for cultivating empathy, dissolving stereotypes, and bridging cultural divides. The BRICS Literature Award, therefore, is not simply about honoring artistic excellence; it is about creating a vibrant channel for dialogue, where differences are not barriers but starting points for intellectual curiosity and cross-cultural exchange.
One of the unique opportunities offered by such awards is the facilitation of encounters between writers and audiences from vastly different backgrounds. For authors, being recognized on a transcontinental stage brings with it not only prestige but also visibility in new cultural and linguistic spaces. This exposure enables writers to transcend local readerships and situate their voices within a broader human conversation. The award functions as a cultural passport, allowing literary voices from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other affiliated countries to travel across borders and enrich the global literary landscape.
It is also worth noting that literary awards often serve as catalysts for publishing opportunities and translations. A book that gains recognition through an international award is more likely to be translated into multiple languages, ensuring that its cultural insights reach audiences far beyond its original linguistic community. This process of translation is itself an act of intercultural dialogue: translators act as bridges, making it possible for ideas and cultural symbols to resonate with new readers across the world. In this way, awards play an instrumental role in expanding the reach of literature and amplifying the voices of writers who might otherwise remain confined to their local contexts.
In addition, literary awards carry an element of respect and gratitude for the creative journeys of writers. They acknowledge not only the finished product—a novel, a collection of poems, a work of criticism—but also the long hours of thought, research, and imagination that go into its making. To honor a writer through an award is to honor their perseverance, their courage to confront difficult truths, and their commitment to enriching human knowledge. In this sense, awards act as gestures of cultural appreciation, reminding societies of the indispensable role writers play in shaping collective consciousness.






2. Literature is often called the "universal language of humanity." How does the BRICS Award help this language to be heard in new ways, going beyond the Western literary canon?

Literature is often described as the universal language of humanity, a form of art that resonates with people regardless of their geography, culture, or language. It is the medium through which human experiences, emotions, and aspirations are shared across borders, enabling mutual recognition of our shared humanity. In this sense, literature is not bound to a specific region; rather, it belongs equally to the East and the West, the North and the South. The BRICS Award, with its international reputation, plays a pivotal role in amplifying this universal language and ensuring that it is heard in new and diverse ways, far beyond the confines of the Western literary canon.
The global significance of the BRICS Award lies in its ability to extend a hand of cultural tolerance and inclusivity. By recognizing and celebrating works from different continents and cultural traditions, the award affirms that the shaping of civilizations is a collective and universal endeavor. No single geographic area, historical period, or cultural heritage can claim exclusivity over the formation of human civilization.
What distinguishes the BRICS Award is its commitment to presenting literature as a bridge rather than a barrier. In an era where global communication often risks being dominated by a narrow set of voices, this award expands the global literary conversation.

3. What is the core philosophy of the BRICS Literature Award?

The core philosophy of the BRICS Literature Award is rooted in honoring creativity, recognizing literary excellence, and building bridges of cultural communication among peoples. At its essence, the award seeks to celebrate the power of words as a unifying force that transcends geography, politics, and language. By acknowledging distinguished writers from diverse traditions, it affirms that literature is not only a personal act of expression but also a shared human endeavor that contributes to collective memory and intercultural understanding.

4. On September 17, the longlist of the Award will be (was) announced in Brazil. How does the jury evaluate the works, considering the cultural and literary diversity of the BRICS countries? What criteria are key in the selection process?

The jury carefully evaluated the nominated works with close attention to their cultural and intellectual impact. One of the key considerations was the extent to which each literary work resonates within its own society and contributes to shaping awareness. In addition, the jury examined the creative history of the authors, looking at the depth of their literary contributions, the maturity of their artistic vision, and the knowledge embedded in their works. These factors helped determine the eligibility of each writer for inclusion in the longlist. By balancing aesthetic merit with cultural significance, the jury ensured that the selection process reflected both literary excellence and the richness of the diverse traditions represented by the participating countries.


5. You will have to choose one of the three national nominees to be included in the shortlist. What will be most important in making this decision: the artistic power of the work, the accuracy in conveying the "soul of the people," or the potential of the work to become a bestseller in other markets?

As a jury member, my primary concern is the impact of the candidate’s literary work and the extent to which it contributes to enriching thought, advancing society, or offering perspectives that serve humanity as a whole. What matters most is the ability to spark reflection, inspire, and deepen cultural understanding. Bestseller rankings do not influence my evaluation, nor do I consider them a reliable criterion for determining literary merit. In fact, I deliberately avoid seeking information about sales numbers, as such factors might compromise the objectivity of the judging process. Instead, my focus remains firmly on the artistic richness, intellectual depth, and cultural value. These are the qualities that endure and that societies need most in today’s world—works that not only entertain but also challenge, enlighten, and ultimately contribute to the broader human conversation.

6. How do you see the role of a writer from BRICS countries in the global world today? Are they more a “voice of their society” or a “bridge” to other cultures?

A writer anywhere in the world inevitably plays more than one role. At times, the writer speaks in a deeply personal voice, expressing individual experiences, emotions, and reflections. At other times, the writer becomes a representative of their society, giving form to its struggles, aspirations, and inner conflicts. Equally important, the writer also acts as a cultural bridge, allowing others in different regions of the world to encounter their lived reality, hopes, and visions for the future. Through storytelling, poetry, and critical thought, writers make their societies visible to the outside world, while also engaging in a universal dialogue that transcends national boundaries. This dual role is especially significant for writers from BRICS countries, whose diverse cultural and historical contexts enrich global literature. They simultaneously preserve the authenticity of their own voices and extend bridges of understanding that connect their communities to humanity at large.

7. How does your experience as a writer, critic, and philosopher help you in your work as a jury member? Which of your works, such as "The Development of the Poetic Movement in the UAE" or "Al-Madani's Alienation," are especially close to the mission of the BRICS Award?

Criticism and philosophy are, at their essence, attempts to see the world with greater clarity. They allow me, as much as possible, to step back from cultural, social, or economic preconceptions when evaluating works in any jury I have served on. The books you mentioned, along with my other writings and research, were all born out of genuine passion and deep engagement with their subjects. However, I believe that my more recent works—Narrative Transformations in the Novel and Representations of Modernity and Postmodernity in Literature—are especially close to the mission of the BRICS Award. These studies address philosophical and critical questions that resonate with both writers and readers across societies. Although our communities may differ in history and context, we share many common concerns and responsibilities for our societies.