All the world’s a stage for Shakespeare
Print Edition
ON the 400th anniversary of his death, Shakespeare is more popular abroad than in Britain, according to a survey published yesterday which also found he makes a significant contribution to the UK’s prosperity and influence.
The British Council, which commissioned the YouGov survey of 18,000 people from 15 countries, said the results showed that internationally Shakespeare is widely known, liked and understood.
All the world’s a stage, in fact. But he was more popular as a percentage of people — 65 percent — in non-English speaking countries such as China, Turkey and Mexico than in countries using the tongue he helped so much to develop, such as Britain, Australia and the United States.
But the Bard was not dissed too much at home, being liked, understood and still regarded as relevant by 59 percent.
“Four hundred years after his death, Shakespeare’s work continues to play a vital role in educating and entertaining people around the world,” said the Council’s Rosemary Hilhorst in a statement.
The Council, which fosters cultural relations between Britain and other countries, said Shakespeare’s influence helps generate a positive attitude towards the UK.
The British Council said his popularity had a direct influence on Britain’s economy, not just in terms of attracting visitors to Shakespeare’s theaters but also contributing to the country’s standing in the world which had the knock-on effect of attracting tourists.
Shakespeare’s work, which includes 38 plays and 154 sonnets has been translated into over 80 languages.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
