Education institution UCplus has launched the project “Learn Danish Through Literature,” combining Danish culture with language learning.

Supported by the Danish Arts Foundation, the project invites several Danish authors to the UCplus Language Center in Copenhagen, offering students the chance to engage with literature and its creators.

The project is spearheaded by Janus Kodal, an author and language consultant passionate about bridging language and culture. 

Events in the heart of Copenhagen 

During the first months of 2025, UCplus will host several Danish authors at its Language Center on Gyldenløvesgade in Copenhagen.

Here, students will have a unique opportunity to meet the authors and explore their works up close. 

“I want to bring my background as an author into play,” says Janus Kodal, who has 30 years of experience as a writer.

“Authors provide the raw material for language, text, and speech, and it’s important that we give students access to Danish culture through literature.” 

The authors will read from their books, share the stories behind them, and engage in dialogues with the students.

The first guest in January was author and cultural journalist Lucia Odoom. Her novel Cosmos takes readers on a journey through the themes global inequality, friendship, and love.

With Ghanaian roots, Lucia Odoom has established herself as a prominent voice in the fight against racism, and her unique perspective on culture and literature launched the project. 

On March 5th, the humorous author and poet Henrik Palle will visit the Language Center.

Poems about everyday moments

Known as a cultural journalist at Politiken, he brings sharp and humorous insights into life during the pandemic and in Copenhagen through his collection Late Poems.

His ability to capture everyday moments will undoubtedly captivate the students. 

Language and Culture Go Hand in Hand 

For Janus Kodal, it is crucial to connect students with Danish culture.

“We want to present a diversity of literature—both books that speak directly to our target group and literature reflecting contemporary Danish culture,” he says and adds:

“My hope is that students not only learn Danish but are also inspired to read more Danish literature or even write their own stories.” 

He emphasizes the importance of introducing students to literature they might not otherwise encounter.

“When you come to Denmark, there’s often so much practical stuff to handle that culture can take a backseat. With this project, we hope to open the door to literature and provide students with a broader perspective on Denmark,” he says. 

Open and free

Events are open for everyone, and not exclusive to students of the Language Center.

All events will take place in the lounge at Gyldenløvesgade 11. No registration required. 

Explore all UCplus events here: