Literary Chinese - the Latin of East Asia
New Zealand Chinese Language Week (23-29 September 2018) is a Kiwi-led initiative aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to discover Chinese language and culture.
Date: Tuesday, 25 September, 2018
Time:
12:00pm to 1:00pm
Cost:
Free. No booking required.
Location:
Te Ahumairangi (ground floor), National Library, corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets, Thorndon
Celebrating Chinese Language Week.
This talk, one of three, as part of celebrations for Chinese Language Week, explores the common heritage of literacy in Chinese beyond the Chinese-speaking world with which it is usually associated, and considers the various factors that led to its eventual abandonment and replacement by vernacular “national” languages.
Phan Boi Chau and his 'Letter from Abroad written in Blood'
In 1907 the Vietnamese anti-colonialist thinker Phan Boi Chau, then resident in Japan, wrote his famous Letter from Abroad written in Blood, a call for the Vietnamese people to unite and expel the French colonial powers from their country.
What is perhaps most remarkable about this exhortation to national awakening is that it was not written in the national language (Vietnamese), but instead composed in what we are now accustomed to refer to as Literary Chinese.
In the context of the times, Phan’s preference for Literary Chinese was not at all remarkable; until the early twentieth century, Literary Chinese was widely used as a vehicle for intellectual discussions, poetry, novels, and for the daily business of state administration, not only in China but also more widely throughout East Asia in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and had been so for over a millennium.
About the speaker
Catherine Churchman is a lecturer in Asian Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, and a fluent speaker of many languages, including various Chinese dialects.
Image: Catherine Churchman, lecturer in Asian Studies at Victoria University of Wellington
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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37% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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63% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Friends of Karori Cemetery: Upcoming Tours
We have just released
our forward tour schedule through to June, and it's a doozy!
3rd May - Tales From the Vaults
3rd May - Murder & Mayhem
7th June - Accidentally Killed
7th June - First Burials
Tickets are $10 per person. Children under 12 are free. For tour times, more details, and to book your tickets, please visit our ticketing website:
events.humanitix.com...
Image:
Wellington, 1886, Wellington, maker unknown. Gift of Mr. Whitehead, 1956. Te Papa (O.005958/02)
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