Real Chinese - Family introductions - Videos
A selection of clips from Programme 2 of Real Chinese.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
-
Old houses
Beijing's old houses were once only one-storey buildings, but most have now been torn down and replaced by high-rise apartment blocks. Two families, who still live in the older style dwellings, tell us why they prefer these simple and often basic homes. This clip covers talking about the family, including the vocabulary for mum, dad, grandma, daughter, son and grandson and introducing members of the family.
-
The family
The traditional family has almost disappeared in cities since the introduction of population control in the late 1970s. Not only are single children greatly indulged, but emphasis on the individual is also affecting relationships as more and more youngsters opt to stay single, or live together rather than get married. This clip covers the customs involved in introducing wives and husbands, talking about sons and daughters, as well as the formal words for mother and father.
-
Village wedding
China's economic reforms of the late 1970s have transformed life in rural areas. Women, who traditionally played a subservient role, are now coming into their own. Moreover, with standards of living on the rise, rural folk are putting a few Western touches to their weddings. This clip includes talking about children, the bride and groom and the relatives of the bride and groom.
Shorter video:
For low-bandwidth and non-UK users
Useful phrases:
Cultural notes:
Challenge:
Transcript:
Print the transcript of programme 2
More Videos from the Learning Zone
More than 3,000 clips from BBC programmes on Learning Zone Broadband ready to play in your classroom.
