STORY: Australian expat explores folk song culture in S China
SHOOTING DATE: Earlier footage
DATELINE: Jan. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:47
LOCATION: ZHONGSHAN, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Adam learning about Chinese salty-water songs

STORYLINE:

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"What a wonderful song! How come I've never heard it before?"

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WU RONGMEI, Inheritor of Zhongshan salty-water song
"This is a folk song of Dan people (historically known as the "Boat People,") in Tanzhou, Zhongshan."

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"Hello. My name is Adam. Today, I've come to the birthplace of Zhongshan folk songs-Tanzhou. Zhongshan salty-water song is a microcosm of Zhongshan folk songs and is one of China's national intangible cultural heritages. It is said that the Zhongshan salty-water song has been passed down for over 300 years."

The Zhongshan salty-water song from Tanzhou town is the oldest with the most traditional singing style in the Pearl River Delta region.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WU RONGMEI, Inheritor of Zhongshan salty-water song
"Since you've come to Tanzhou, let me teach you to sing a salty-water song."

"What kind of flowers bloom like a butterfly?"

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"OK. With all those tones, I think that's a bit difficult for me to learn yet. I'm curious, on what occasions do you sing the salty-water song?"

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WU RONGMEI, Inheritor of Zhongshan salty-water song
"We sing them anytime, anywhere. For example, at wedding parties, or when we're fishing or farming. The songs can also be performed on the stage."

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"Besides Tanzhou, we can hear another style of salty-water song in Xiaolan, Zhongshan. Hello, Ms. Zhou."

SOUNDBITE (English): ZHOU YANMIN,  Inheritor of Zhongshan salty-water song
"Hello, Adam. "

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"So what is the difference between the salty-water song of Tanzhou and the one in Xiaolan?"

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHOU YANMIN,  Inheritor of Zhongshan salty-water song
"Each style of the salty-water song in Zhongshan has its characteristics. The salty-water song in Xiaolan attaches more importance to innovation, inheritance, and development. We use hand props for children to dance to the songs. And we are bringing these costumes and props onto the stage."

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"I see you've brought some things with you today. So can you tell me about them?"

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHOU YANMIN, Inheritor of Zhongshan salty-water song
"This is the fishing net we use. Speaking of this, there is a salty-water song about fishing called 'Fisherman.' Boys and girls will sing in duet."

"Are you a single fisherman or a married one?"

SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM MAWSON, Australian expat living in Zhongshan
"Words can be engraved and photos can be captured. What amazes me the most is that the salty-water song has been passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, Zhongshan has made great efforts to promote the cultural inheritance of the salty-water song. The Zhongshan salty-water song is rooted in life, embodying the great delight of life, and good wishes of the Zhongshan people. So, come on. Come to Zhongshan and join me in experiencing the charm of the salty-water song."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Zhongshan, China.
(XHTV)