The Samoa Observer has launched a Chinese language version of the Tusitala Short Story publication, 'Our Heritage, the Ocean'.
The original English language book was published last year, with support from the NZ High Commission through the MFAT Public Diplomacy Fund, bringing together the best stories from the 2015 Samoa Observer-organised short story competition.
Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, and his good lady, Madam Tong Xin, made the commitment to translate 'Our Heritage, the Ocean' so Chinese readers could get to know the diverse and authentic stories of the Pacific, as written by the people of the region.
In translating the Tusitala Short Story publication, the Chinese Ambassador said he hoped to further strengthen China's understanding of the culture and history of Samoa -- and the wider Pacific -- and to solidify the friendship between the two countries.
The Ambassador noted that 'Our Heritage, the Ocean', the Chinese language version, has already received critical acclaim from Chinese academics and universities, whose Pacific knowledge has previously been narrowly based on information from the internet, geographical publications, or official documents -- but never before from personal stories.
While NZ High Commissioner and Administrator of Tokelau, David Nicholson, was off island, Acting High Commissioner, Mike Walsh, attended the launch and commended Ambassador Wang and his wife for translating 'Our Heritage, the Ocean' into Chinese, thus enabling a much wider audience to enjoy the tales of the 'lives and times' of the Pacific.
Photo NZ High Commission via Samoa Observer