Translation Tuesday: Soft Power: Chinese Family Dramas across Africa

By Joseph Webster

Author: Jing Ya
Translator: Joe Webster
Published on: 12/07/2014
Source: Sina Weibo Entertainment
Original text (in Chinese): http://ent.sina.com.cn/v/m/2015-01-05/doc-iavxeafr9649321.shtml

The ability to attract and persuade, or what the political scientist Joseph Nye terms “soft power”, is a vital instrument of national power. The People’s Republic of China has an increasingly large commercial and trade presence in Africa, but it remains to be seen whether or not the PRC can overcome linguistic barriers and increase its political and cultural influence on the continent. Television dramas are one element of cultural power. As the article notes, some elements of Chinese culture, such as an emphasis on the family unit, have special appeal to Africans. There is a tension, however, between PRC soft power promotion and the Chinese state's overall attitude to international entertainment.
----Joe Webster (Translator)

Chinese Family Ethics television shows receive warm reception

In recent years, many Chinese TV exports to Africa have been welcomed by African people. Shows such as "Let's Get Married,” "Endeavor,” "Beijing Youth," and "A Beautiful Daughter-in-Law Era” have become hit series in Africa.

In 2011, the Swahaili-language version of "A Beautiful Daughter-in-Law Era" has, after its successful introduction to Tanzania, led to more Chinese TV series being aired in Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and other African countries. More and more Africans, through watching contemporary Chinese television program, are coming to understand Chinese society. In the second half of 2014, "Beijing Television African Broadcaster" aired in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and other African countries. Along with "Let's Get Married," "Endeavoring," and "Beijing Youth," six other TV series were broadcast to African audiences.

According to reports, Chinese television dramas are in-demand by African audiences because their storylines feature strong family ties. Some of the characters feel familiar to African audiences, so much so that African audiences deal with family and social contradictions through watching Chinese television dramas.

The Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania stated in an interview with media that China's family ethics dramas are the most sought-after television shows in Tanzania. Moreover, because the themes easily resonate, aspirational dramas are also most popular among young people.

About Sina Weibo Entertainment (http://ent.sina.com.cn/)
Sina is a Chinese microblogging site that is roughly equivalent to a combination of Facebook and Twitter. It is one of the most popular sites amongst Chinese internet users, and it offers specialty sites to its diverse audience. The Entertainment site focuses on news affecting Chinese entertainment.

Link of the Day: China’s Netizens Call for Military Action in Sudan

My former colleagues at the China Africa Project have found a dynamite translator/contributor in Tendai Musakwa to replace my output. He just put up this piece that lists some of the Weibo reactions to the January 12 kidnappings of Chinese company employees. Here are some quotes I found interesting:

_lillian：Pray for our fellow countrymen! China gives too much aid to Africa; self-examination, self-examination please. Africans in China fuck Chinese women, disturb the social order and take advantage of our generosity without giving anything in return. Policy should change with different dynamics, don’t just keep on giving aid. (Jan. 13 21:19) 

Finn1007: Chinese people’s passports have a statement that instructs them to not stir up trouble while abroad. Americans’ passports, on the other hand, say that America will always be behind you. This is one of the reasons why Chinese people are always bullied when they are abroad. (Jan. 13 21:21) 

武汉伢在成兜: I hope you are safe and sound comrades in arms! This makes me think of that scene on March 1, 2011 when my colleagues safely came back to the country from Syria [tear]. They took a boat ride from Syria to Tunisia and then the government arranged a flight for them from Tunisia to Guangzhou Baiyuan airport through Urumqi. It was difficult. I’m thinking of my colleagues who are abroad [flag] (Jan. 13 21:38) 

76年小叔：Send troops like Western countries do. (Jan. 13 22:07)