"中国文化" or other easy subtitled TV series?

[davidj]

When I was in China, four years ago, there was a TV series with a title something like "中国文化". This had the advantage that it was spoken at about half the speed of normal TV programmes, such that the subtitles didn't change before I had half read them (although I didn't recognize every character). I tried to find it on DVD or VCD at the time, but failed.

I still get little opportunity to practice listening on material that I can cope with, so I'm again looking for something that is relatively slow, has simplified Chinese subtitles and which is available in a reasonable volume fairly cheaply.

I've found several partial matches on the title, but I've been unable to positively identify them, as I didn't see enough of the series. So firstly, is anyone familiar with this series and can point me to the catalogue number for it on DVD or VCD?

More generally, can anyone reccommend any other Chinese TV series that might meet these needs, and maybe some for when my speed is a little better, but I want everyday language, clearly spoken and without too much background noise?

[The Elf Piper]

I'd be interested in something like that too.

[renzhe]

I can't help you with 中国文化, but you may be interested in looking at our Grand First Episode Project. There is a difficulty rating of all shows so far, so you could start with the easiest ones.

This may not be what you're looking for, depending on your current level. Even the easiest ones are probably too difficult for a complete beginner, but if you pause frequently and read the subtitles, your level will pick up quickly. And some shows even have a vocabulary list you can use to prepare for the show by learning some new words in advance.

You could try Empty Mirror (has a vocab list, but has a strong Beijing accent), 落地请开手机, (also has a vocab list) or 奋斗 (Struggle) (no vocab list, but clear subtitles and everyday language). The easiest show we've had so far is unfortunately not very good

Of course, for other listening material, there is always Chinesepod.

[davidj]

I can't help you with 中国文化, but you may be interested in looking at our Grand First Episode Project. There is a difficulty rating of all shows so far, so you could start with the easiest ones.

Thanks. I'll look.

This may not be what you're looking for, depending on your current level.

I was HSK Basic level 2 a couple of years ago. I'm not sure that the listening has improved much, but my vocabulary will be a bit better. I was in the level 2 score band for all parts, but the strong part was grammar. Listening and comprehension were limited by not being able to read fast enough.

Of course, for other listening material, there is always Chinesepod.

I'm intermediate on Chinesepod, but what I was really looking for is relatively large volumes of material than I'm not necessarily going to fully understand, but can just about keep up with.

[daofeishi]

I am using "使努比的故事" VCDs for that purpose. (There's loads of them in my local 超市). The conversation is moderately slow, it's easy to understand what is going on, and it's all subtitled in Chinese. Just beware of some funny mistranslations that might occur once in a while. (The latest one I discovered was "I rest my case" = "我先弄一下箱子" )