Source: CCTV.com

12-01-2007 12:00

The art of debate demands eloquence and quick-wit. Pressure mounts when one debates in a foreign tongue. That describes the rena for foreign students competing at the 8th International Varsity Debate. Students from all over the world joined their counterparts from China to cross verbal swords, vying to score telling blows in putonghua, or standard Chinese. After a week of cut and thrust, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and Yale University proved themselves masters of the craft of oratory. The final was on Thursday.

The final round of the competition began with 12 teams divided into two groups: Chinese native speakers and non native speakers. Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and Yale University proved the best in their respective categories. The University of Macao and Oxford University came in second in their groups. Liu Jingjing from Macao and South Korea's Liu Jindan were judged the best individual debaters, showing superior command of the language.

The Varsity International Debate has been held every two years since 1993. The event is organized by China Central Television and Singapore's Media Corp. Their two countries alternate in hosting the event, now recognized as the premiere debate competition in the Chinese Language. Many credit the competition for the broad popularity of debate in China today. This year, there were a record number of non-native competitors. They came from countries like the U.S., the U.K., Russia, Australia, Egypt and South Korea.

 

Editor:Liu Fang