The U.K. Government Is Donating $2.7 Mn. To Translate All Of William Shakespeare’s Works Into Mandarin

Shakespeare has enthralled the modern world with his thought provoking works. His plays, though a bit complex to understand, have been the subject of discussion in many institutions across the globe. But to understand Shakespeare’s works, you had to first learn and understand English. Fortunately, the Chinese won’t have to take the trouble of taking English classes just to enjoy Shakespeare.

The U.K. government is donating $2.7 million in total to translate all of William Shakespeare’s works into Mandarin. The massive program that will surely include historians, linguists and academics across varied fields is part of the Government’s plan to foster cultural co-operation with China.

Speaking about the endeavor, Sajid Javid, the British cultural secretary said,

“This funding means Western and Eastern cultures can learn from and be enriched by one another and what better way than using the works of Shakespeare.”

This cultural exchange program won’t be limited to translation of Shakespeare’s plays, reported The Telegraph. The Chinese too are participating. The exchange will include the translation of 14 important Chinese plays into English.

Apart from enjoying the literary treasures in print, the Chinese will also get to enjoy live Shakespeare, reported Nerdalicious. Javid also announced approximately $540,000 for the Royal Shakespeare Company tour of China. The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the most prestigious groups that enact Shakespeare’s plays in complete authenticity. Their costumes are meticulously researched and stitched to match the era in which Shakespeare imagined the plays. The group has won numerous accolades and tickets to their performances are booked way in advance.

Though the Royal Shakespeare Company’s tour of China is clearly state sponsored, it isn’t clear how and where the troupe will perform, but it will nonetheless be a profound experience, shared Gregory Doran, Artistic Director with the Royal Shakespeare Company,

“I profoundly believe that we foster deeper understanding between cultures by sharing and telling each other our stories.”

Interestingly, the announcement by Javid and Chinese Vice-President Ma Kai included approximately the same amount that the Royal Shakespeare Company will receive, will also be released for a series of exchanges with the British Museum.

Culturally rich Britain, is now aggressively exploring avenues for economic expansion, and China is currently the hottest global manufacturer. Hence, it would be wise to find out ways to extend an arm of cooperation and offer treasures, literary and otherwise in the hopes of getting the Chinese to cooperate wholeheartedly. The ultimate aim of the plan is to improve economic links with China and encourage more tourists to visit Shakespeare’s native home, confirmed Javid.

[Image Credit | Nerdalicious, Alastair Muir]