American Professor Donates New Book in Changsha: I'm Not a Visitor, I’m a "Local Foreigner"

4月17日，年过六旬的美国教授丹尼斯·努尔梅拉（中文名：夏士理）带着新书《情系华夏——美国教授的中国心》走进长沙学院校园，与青年学生分享这些年在中国的所见所闻所感。

On 17 April, American professor Denis Nurmela, also known by his Chinese name Xia Shili, visited Changsha University with his new book Affection for China: An American Professor's China Story, sharing his experiences and reflections from years in the country with students.

夏士理现执教于华北电力大学。2018年4月，他首次来华就被这片土地深深吸引。同年开始在长沙学院担任英语与公共演讲课教师，从此与湖南结下深厚情缘。去年，他离开了执教多年的长沙学院，却离不开长沙，时不时坐着高铁回长沙与本地朋友相聚。

Denis Nurmela currently teaches at North China Electric Power University. When he first arrived in China in April 2018, he was deeply drawn to the country. Later that year, he began teaching English and public speaking at Changsha University, forming a lasting connection with Hunan. Although he left Changsha University last year, he often returns to the city by high-speed rail to reunite with local friends.

这些年来，这位“本地老外”常在社交平台发布幽默短视频，记录日常；更爱上了湘菜，牛蛙、虎皮鸡爪、擂椒皮蛋成了他的心头好。他笑称自己的中文名“夏士理”来自一个温暖的中国家庭，而他也早已把自己当作“湖南本地人”。

Over the years, this "local foreigner" has shared humorous short videos on social media, documenting his daily life.He has also developed a taste for Hunan cuisine, with dishes such as bullfrog, braised chicken feet, and mashed pepper with preserved eggs among his favourites. He says with a smile that his Chinese name came from a welcoming Chinese family, and he now considers himself a "local of Hunan".

在新书《情系华夏》中，夏士理用真挚的笔触记录了中国的发展变迁，写下了他亲眼见证的人与事，以及自己在中国的生活经历与内心感悟。他不仅是一位过客，更是一位真心热爱这片土地的国际友人。

In his new book, Denis Nurmela documents China's development and transformation with sincerity, recounting the people and events he has witnessed, as well as his personal experiences and reflections. He is not merely a visitor, but a genuine friend of China.

长沙学院的学生林梦媛告诉记者：“我上了四年夏教授的课，感情很深。通过他，我们感受到这份跨越国界的真挚情感。”

A student at Changsha University, Lin Mengyuan, told reporters: "I studied with Professor Xia for four years, and we developed a strong bond. Through him, we have felt a sincere connection that transcends borders."

夏士理不仅将新书带回长沙学院，还将中英两个版本郑重捐赠给长沙市图书馆。他说：“希望这些书能被更多人读到，故事能继续传递下去，增进中美两国人民的相互了解与信任。”

Denis Nurmela not only brought his new book back to Changsha University, but also donated both the Chinese and English editions to the Changsha Library. He said, "I hope these books will reach more readers, allowing the stories to continue and helping to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the people of China and the United States."

作为一名典型的“斜杠老年”，夏士理除了是大学教师，还是一名演讲专家和脱口秀表演者。他创建了账号“乐呵老夏Denis”，持续向海内外网友分享在中国的快乐生活。目前，他正计划深入学习中文，利用课余时间继续游历中国，将脚步迈向更广阔的远方，讲述独属于他的中国故事。

A typical "multi-hyphen" senior, Denis Nurmela is not only a university teacher but also a public speaking expert and stand-up performer. He runs a social media account, "Lehe Lao Xia Denis" , sharing his life in China with audiences at home and abroad. He now plans to further improve his Chinese and continue travelling across the country, sharing his own China story with the world.

记者：冯宇轩

实习生：张锦铭 匡智鉴

责编：冯宇轩

一审：冯宇轩

二审：秦慧英

三审：张权

来源：湖南日报·新湖南客户端