Guest Posted November 14, 2015 at 03:10 PM Report Posted November 14, 2015 at 03:10 PM Hello there! I'm brand new to learning Chinese (have been doing so for about 3 weeks, using tools such as Skritter, learning off of my native Chinese friends, and ChinesePod). One of the goals I have in my journey is not only learning to be fluent in the language but also be knowledgeable in Chinese history. Right now, since I am not fluent, it is near impossible for me to watch Chinese documentaries and get anything beneficial out of them. Though I do look forward to the day where I can learn more by listening/watching in Chinese. I can read up about the history in English, sure, (and don't get me wrong, I'll be doing that as well) though I find a documentary format more memorable/valuable since I'm an auditory learner. What I am wondering is if anyone has any good sources for Chinese-history based documentaries/films in English? Thanks! Quote
Shelley Posted November 15, 2015 at 02:12 PM Report Posted November 15, 2015 at 02:12 PM Have a look at CCTV documentry channel availabe on the CCTV website here http://cctv.cntv.cn/documentary/ Lots of interesting things. 1 Quote
Xiao Kui Posted November 16, 2015 at 01:24 PM Report Posted November 16, 2015 at 01:24 PM not a documentary, but a great resource is Laszlo Montgomery's China History Podcast. Tons of episodes all in English I am not too keen on history but I find them to be fascinating and informative, and they are organized by topic into digestible chunks. Quote
Guest realmayo Posted November 16, 2015 at 02:54 PM Report Posted November 16, 2015 at 02:54 PM Follow -- at your own pace and without necessarily doing the coursework -- the Harvard course on edX: http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/42310-harvard-china-history-course-started-yesterday/ Quote
Luxi Posted November 17, 2015 at 11:23 PM Report Posted November 17, 2015 at 11:23 PM This 20-part series from CCTV 9 in English is an excellent introduction to Chinese history: Chinese Civilization 『中华文明』https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B107B6B1E3C3453 CCTV-9 has many videos on Chinese history and culture, including a large selection of videos in English or with English subtitles. You can find many in the You Tube CCTV 9 page. Quote
Guest Posted November 17, 2015 at 11:47 PM Report Posted November 17, 2015 at 11:47 PM This is great! Thanks for all of the replies everybody. When I originally tried Shelley's link, it was cool, though since (I assume) the servers are in China, the connection was too slow to endure. The YouTube series is what I will be watching for now. Quote
vellocet Posted November 18, 2015 at 12:34 AM Report Posted November 18, 2015 at 12:34 AM Eh, I never trust anything by CCTV. If it had to pass the culture ministry, it can't be any good. Quote
roddy Posted November 18, 2015 at 12:46 AM Report Posted November 18, 2015 at 12:46 AM Well, luckily you're a member on here so we can point you to gems such as A Bite of China. 1 Quote
Shelley Posted November 18, 2015 at 10:44 AM Report Posted November 18, 2015 at 10:44 AM I don't find the website too slow at all, maybe it depends are where you are, I like the website better because you getter a better idea of what there is available and to follow series easily and there is some back info to some of the programs. There is also links to chinese learning material that goes with their chinese language learning programs. Enjoy what's on YouTube, but have a look at the website occasionally to make sure you aren't missing anything. Quote
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