Searching the Chinese Internet: Foundations (Virtual Course)
This course will give you the tools you need to research the Chinese internet efficiently and effectively, even if you have no familiarity with the Chinese language. The course begins with a general introduction to the Chinese language and the Chinese internet. From there, we will demonstrate how to set up your desktop and mobile devices to support data collection, processing and translation. We will then walk you through the many strategies, tools and resources you can use to harness Chinese-language sources and content. Throughout, attention will be given to those aspects of Chinese language and culture that you should be sensitive to as a researcher.
Course Outline
Getting Started
Introduction and Device Configuration
- Introduction to the Chinese internet
- Introduction to the Chinese language
- Chinese characters and transliteration
- Device set up and configuration
- Setting up your PC
- Setting up your mobile device
- Working with translation apps
- Typing in Chinese
- Writing in Chinese
- Working with and interpreting Chinese numbers
- Optical character recognition (OCR)
Working with the Chinese Language
Managing the Problem of Translation
- Building your keyword list
- Simplified vs traditional scripts
- Working with translation platforms
- Managing translation accuracy
- Working with slang, idioms and proverbs
- Censorship and content moderation
Searching the Web in Chinese
Search Strategies and Resources
- Searching the web in Chinese: tools and strategies
- Working with non-Chinese search engines
- Working with Chinese search engines
- Navigating online verification methods
- Reconciling inconsistencies in English and Chinese
- Recalling legacy information from websites
People Search and Source Discovery
Finding People Online
- Chinese naming conventions
- Searching for people online
- Working with Chinese email addresses
- Working with Chinese phone numbers
Working with Chinese Sources
- Working with digital sources from China
- Government sources
- State-owned broadcast media
- Academic sources
- Digital libraries
- Working with digital sources on China
- Journals and newsletters
- Think tanks and research centres
- Working with online encyclopaedias
- Research resources
- Interactive maps
Training Exercises
Exercises / Case Studies
- Applying lessons learned through practical training exercises
Course Details
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is intended for anyone conducting research on China and Chinese-speaking countries. This includes analysts, journalists and business professionals looking to track political and economic developments in Asia.
HOW YOU BENEFIT
On completion of this course, you will have the ability to:
- Understand the main characteristics of the Chinese language
- Tackle the problem of translation and transliteration
- Navigate the Chinese internet with greater confidence
- Find specific content in Chinese (news reports, documents, etc.)
- Find people through their web trace
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
- A certificate of completion
- A full set of course slides / user guides in PDF
- An index of recommended tools and resources
- Six months of post-course support
COURSE FEE
EUR 1,200
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Trainees do not need prior knowledge of the Chinese language; basic knowledge of the Internet suffices.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
To participate, you will need:
- A Windows, Mac or Linux-based desktop or laptop computer
- A Google / Gmail account
- Google’s Chrome Browser
- A mobile device with the Google Translate app installed
Additional requirements will be provided on registration.
