In Search of Manchuria

In April 2012, I traveled throughout northeastern China to report on the Manchu language. Formerly an official state language during the Qing Dynasty, China's last dynasty, Manchu now is on the verge of extinction. There are more than 10 million ethnic Manchus in China, yet fewer than 20 native speakers remain. [The term "native speakers" refers to those who grew up speaking the language.]

I originally planned on a feature documentary, but due to the age of many native speakers as well as limitations on filming in certain places in China, I had to change my vision. In addition, as I edited, I realized that non-Chinese speakers could only endure reading so many subtitles before they got bored. So instead I packed as much as I could into 8 minutes, and I hope these videos serve as a time capsule of the Manchu language. 

This short documentary introduces Manchu to those who have little knowledge of the language, and examines the reasons behind the decline of Manchu, the language and the traditions preserved by these last native speakers, and the grassroots efforts to revitalize the language. Please also explore the sidebar which houses a collection of folklore and songs central to Manchu culture.

Like many peoples, the Manchus have their own origin story. Listen to Mr. Meng Xianxiao from Sanjiazi village use Manchu to tell the Manchu origin myth. 

Hear Mrs. He tell the legend of Nurhaci and the dog and learn why Manchus don't eat dog meat. 

In this video, Manchu native speaker He Shihuan from Sijitun village sings a tune traditionally sung by young brides homesick for their mothers. She is accompanied on the jaw harp by Manchu singer Song Xidong. 

The Amur River runs along the border of Manchuria, separating it from Russia. Its Chinese name, Heilongjiang, means Black Dragon River. Its Manchu name, Sahaliyan Ula, means Black River. So how did it get its name? Hear Grandma He use both Chinese and Manchu to recount the folklore behind the name. 

This project was funded by an Eric Lund Global Reporting and Research Grant from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.