Confucius versus Avatar

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James Cameron’s sci-fi spectacular ‘Avatar’ is hugely popular in China, but the government has been pulling it out of various theaters to replace it with the new epic about the life of Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, starring Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat. Mary Kay Magistad went to the movies to find out what people in China make of this. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Confucius movie trailer

Spelling Obama in Chinese, oratory, and chop suey love

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In this all-Chinese pod, how to spell Obama in Chinese. Then, the contrasting oratorical styles of presidents Hu and Obama. That’s followed by something on a type of Chinese idiom known as chengyu. Then to the UK, where Confucian philosophy infuses Chinese language classes in five public schools. Finally, poet Marilyn Chin on why she loves the expression chop suey.

Confucian education in Britain

The ancient teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius are serving as the modern-day inspiration for England’s schools minister, Jim Knight. He wants to import Confucian-style teaching methods to classrooms across the country. The World’s Laura Lynch has this report. Listen