“Please sir, I want some more.” The iconic and deeply affecting words in Oliver Twist.

We are all familiar with Charles Dickens’ second novel, a literary treasure that most of us have studied at school no matter which country we were educated in.

But have you ever wondered what the book would sound like in your native language?

Does Mr Sowerberry retain his name in a foreign translation? And how does one translate "I only know two sorts of boys. Mealy boys and beef-faced boys."

The month of April will see Oliver Twist brought to life for all ages and ethnicities throughout London.

The aim is to get more people into libraries and reading classic literature.

We have seen the novel adapted on stage, on the big screen, and now, as a mark of Dickens’ bicentenary, we are able to hear readings of it throughout London in Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and Tamil. In a celebration of Dickens 200th birthday, Cityread are keen for as many Asian groups in London as possible to be involved with translations and study guides so they can be used by reading groups from diverse backgrounds which will be available in various modern languages of the Indian subcontinent.

Various libraries will host readings in the various languages, including Houslow, Ealing Road, Willesden Green, Plumstead and Harrow Wealdstone.

In a bid to urge the community to reacquaint themselves with Oliver Twist and to learn about British history and British culture, Cityread are launching a series of reading groups and Dickens workshops throughout London, including online reading groups and debates, discussions in prison libraries, hip hop workshops, pop up Victorian dinner parties and readings in the late Queen Victoria’s bedroom in Kensington Palace. There will also be talks by Dickens biographer Claire Tomalin.

Furthermore, over 1000 copies of Oliver Twist will be given away throughout the city.

Dickens is a significant part of British heritage. As one of our most famous writers, Dickens work is as relevant today as it was in the Victorian age. He still remains an influence throughout the world and his writings continue to inspire film, art and literature with Slumdog Millionaire being hailed as modern interpretation.

Prince Charles said: "Despite the many years that have passed, Charles Dickens remains one of the greatest writers of the English language, who used his creative genius to campaign passionately for social justice...and his characterisation is as fresh today as it was on the day it was written."

Who knows, this scheme may well inspire a UK stage production of Oliver Twist in an Asian language.

The full list of dates is: Wednesday 4th April Oliver Twist in Urdu, Hindi and Panjabi 1-3pm Hounslow Library, Treaty Centre, Hounslow.

Thursday 5th April, Oliver Twist…in Punjabi and Urdu 1 – 2.30pm Ealing Road Library, Coroner Parade, Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx.

Saturday 7th April, Oliver Twist…in Gujarati, 2-4pm, Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London Tuesday 10th April, Oliver Twist in...Tamil, 12.45-1.45pm Plumstead Library, Plumstead High Street, London.

Saturday 28th April, Oliver Twist…in Tamil, 2-4pm, Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London.

Saturday May 26th, Gujarati Literary Academy - an afternoon of Dickens discussion, including popularity in India and links between the past and present. 2-4pm Wealdstone Library, Wealdstone Centre, 38/40 High Street, Harrow.