CRI听力:The 2016 Australian Writers Week is Underway in Beijing

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 inviting some of the best Australian writers to the middle kingdom, the event focuses on promoting mutual 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 celebrated 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 acclaimed 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, spoke 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' radar.

"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 indigenous 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.