2016年CRI The 2016 Australian Writers Week is Underway in Beijing

 

Anchor:

Bibliophiles in Beijing, it's time to rejoice, 'cause the 2016 Australian Writers Week is currently hitting the town.

What should Chinese book lovers expect for this year's event?

Let's follow Liu Xiangwei for more details.

Reporter:

Established in 2008, the Australian Writers Week is an annual celebration of contemporary Australian literature in China. By inviting¹ some of the best Australian writers to the middle kingdom, the event focuses on promoting mutual² understanding and sharing experiences of the two countries through literary exchange.

This year's Writers Week is also no exception.

Yet according to Maree Ringland, Counsellor of Public Affairs and Culture at Australian Embassy to China, compared with previous years, the 2016 edition has a different theme.

"In the past, we looked at different themes. We had children's writers, we had Asian Australian writers. But this year, we went with award-winning. What we got is Graeme Base, who is the rock star of the children's picture book world, who is gonna be very exciting (and has) already generated lots of engagement in other cities. We got Robert Drewe, who is a celebrated³ and prominent literary author. Then we have Clare Wright, who is a very well-known Australian historian and a great speaker on women's issues. And we have the acclaimed⁴ Australian children's author Jane Godwin."

The 2016 Australian Writers Week provides a lineup of award-winning authors. From left to right: Greame Base, Robert Drewe, Jane Godwin and Clare Wright. [Photo: newsplusradio.cn]

From March 6th to March 21st, four internationally recognised writers will take part in a series of book talks, workshops and panel discussions across China.

Counsellor Ringland also highlights that they hope to reach more Chinese readers as many events will be held in universities, schools and public liraries.

"It really reflects a wonderful network we have of Australian study centres. We have been building these study centres over thirty years. Now we have 34 Australian study centres, where they study Australian literature. Of course we want to be able to send our authors there to be out to engage with students.But beyond that too, we also engage with local schools and libraries trying more and more to reach Chinese audiences. But also a big difference from previous times, we're branching out different cities. We are going to Xi'an for the first time and Ji'nan for the first time too. "

Li Yao, who translated more than 30 Australian literary works to China, spoke⁵ highly of this annual literary festival. He hopes that the events could trigger people's interest in Australian liteature, which rarely appear on Chinese readers' radar⁶.

"I think the event helps to promote the Sino-Australian exchange in literature and publishing. It also helps Chinese people learn more about Australia. Compared with British or American literature, the culture, landscape and lifestyle in Australian works really stand out, particularly in terms of Australian children's books and indigenous⁷ literature."

Accordingly, beside Australian Writers Week, there will be more cultural happenings on the horizon, including the Shanghai tour of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra,and the launch of Luise Guest's new book on Chinese female arists.

 

For Studio Plus, this is Liu Xiangwei.

1 inviting   

adj.诱人的，引人注目的

参考例句：

• An inviting smell of coffee wafted into the room.一股诱人的咖啡香味飘进了房间。
• The kitchen smelled warm and inviting and blessedly familiar.这间厨房的味道温暖诱人，使人感到亲切温馨。

2 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

3 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

4 acclaimed   

adj.受人欢迎的

参考例句：

• They acclaimed him as the best writer of the year. 他们称赞他为当年的最佳作者。
• Confuscius is acclaimed as a great thinker. 孔子被赞誉为伟大的思想家。

5 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

6 radar   

n.雷达，无线电探测器

参考例句：

• They are following the flight of an aircraft by radar.他们正在用雷达追踪一架飞机的飞行。
• Enemy ships were detected on the radar.敌舰的影像已显现在雷达上。

7 indigenous   

adj.土产的，土生土长的，本地的

参考例句：

• Each country has its own indigenous cultural tradition.每个国家都有自己本土的文化传统。
• Indians were the indigenous inhabitants of America.印第安人是美洲的土著居民。