In the presence of a number of Danish officials, Chinese translator and Professor of Nordic Languages, Ms. Shi Qine, was announced to be Knight of the Order of Dannebrog by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, during an exclusive reception in the Danish Pavilion at the World EXPO in Shanghai.
Andersen’s fairytales contribute to ever stronger relationship between Denmark and China
Professor Shi Qine received the much-coveted order for her for her long-time commitment translating Danish literature to the Chinese people amongst others represented by the recently published translation of the collected works of world-famous Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Present at the announcement ceremony were acting Ambassador of Denmark to China, Mr. Søren Jacobsen, Commissioner General of the Danish EXPO Pavilion, Mr. Christopher Bo Bramsen and representatives from some of Denmark’s largest companies.
Acting Ambassador of Denmark to China, Mr. Søren Jacobsen, says:
“We highly appreciate Professor Shi Qine’s great effort to convey the works of Hans Christian Andersen to the Chinese people. I am convinced that with this newly published translation, the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen will also in the years to come be of great joy and inspiration to people all over China, and contribute to the ever stronger relationship between our two countries”.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of the Danish language
Due to her long experience and work as a guest lecturer at several Danish and Swedish universities, Professor Shi Qine has built up an extensive knowledge of the Danish language, and an in-depth understanding of the works of Hans Christian Andersen. The professor has also translated a number of other great Danish writers, inter alia Karen Blixen, Henrik Nordbrandt and Hans Kirk.
In Chinese media, the professor is also often engaged in debates on Hans Christian Andersen’s life and authorship and she still gives presentations on his authorship all over China.
The first foreign name learned by Chinese children is “Andersen”
For more than 150 years, Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales have been of great importance to people all over the world. Especially in China, Andersen’s fairy tales are well known by both grown-ups and children. A prime example of this was given by Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Fu Ying, who noted that “the first foreign name learned by Chinese children is actually Andersen” when giving her speech at the festive celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Denmark and China earlier this year.
