I have always been fond of animation to learn languages. So if I can find an interesting animation in the language that I am learning (preferably with subtitles) I watch it.
As it happens I was introduced to this animation by my university teacher. Where is Mama? or Where's Mama? 小蝌蚪找妈妈 is a short animation made in 1960. It is an attempt to differ from Western animation and has a Chinese painting style. It also uses Chinese traditional orchestral instruments as background music during the narrative. Made by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio 上海美术电影制片厂. It is a simple story and I find it ideal for my language learning.
I first watched this at an intensive Chinese language weekend in August 2011. So watching it again recently and being able to understand more of the dialogue is very satisfying.
This is not the first time that I have used a film as a benchmark to mark my progress in language. Run Lola Run was what I used when I learned German and Spirited Away was what I used when I learned Japanese. I intend to watch this anime again in the future, just to see if I am indeed making progress in my Chinese learning.
I am looking for other Chinese anime as I find it a great way to learn. Try it. See if it works for you. Perhaps you can let me know and leave a comment below.
Adorable is all I can say.
ReplyDeleteAnimation has always fascinated me. Using animation to Learn Chinese language is just a splendid idea. :)