The Words of the Emperor

Original title The Words of the Emperor

Formerly an official state language during the Qing Dynasty, China\’s last feudal 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. 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.

Author/s Rowena Li

Rowena Li is a recent graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, USA.

Research Rowena Li
Photography Rowena Li
Sound Rowena Li
Editing Rowena Li