The Manchu language (ᠮᠠᠨᠵᡠ ᡤᡳᠰᡠᠨ) is a critically endangered Tungusic language native to Northeast China and traditionally spoken by the Manchu ethnic group. According to the Endangered Languages Project, there's less than 20 estimated native speakers of the language still alive. However, with a virtual treasure trove of sources from the Qing Dynasty that have yet to be translated, to lose the Manchu language would be a travesty. Bedun is my attempt to contribute to the preservation effort. Bedun means "sturdy" or "solidly made" in Manchu, and it's my hope that this web application can be a reliable tool for aspiring Manjurists like the name suggests.
With Bedun, you have the power to explore Manchu vocabulary using three distinct approaches:
- Manchu Script: Input a word in the Manchu script, and Bedun will promptly display its meaning and Romanization.
- Romanized Manchu: Enter the Romanized version of a word, and Bedun will provide you with its corresponding Manchu script and English translation.
- English: Search for Manchu words by inputting their English translations.
As a Manchu language enthusiast, you may already be familiar with Buleku, an exceptional dictionary app created by the dedicated team at Manc.hu. However, you might have noticed that Buleku only utilizes Romanized Manchu. While this choice is practical from a logistical perspective, the Manchu script is beautiful and one of the main appeals of learning the language.
Unlock a unique feature of Bedun: the ability to view Manchu script vertically. Click the "Make Larger" button to experience the Manchu script as it should be written, enhancing your grasp of this elegant writing system. Please note that this feature is not supported in Safari due to CSS constraints. For optimal results, I recommend using Firefox.
Tailor your Manchu learning experience with the font selection feature in the settings panel. Thanks to Panlex, a valuable resource for Manchu enthusiasts, you can choose your preferred font style. For more information, please see the following article on the Manchu Studies Group website.
- Visit Bedun.
- Explore Manchu words and their meanings using your preferred search method.
- Click the "Check Buleku" link to access detailed information on a word.
- Enhance your understanding of Manchu script with the vertical script view (excluding Safari users).
Bedun is a labor of love, and I encourage you to utilize it as a valuable resource in your Manchu language learning journey. Please feel free to fork this repository or utilize any component of this project, as my mission is to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of this remarkable language.
It is essential to acknowledge that Bedun is a work in progress and far from being authoritative or perfect. Please feel free to report any bugs or request any new features under Issues.
If you have any feedback, suggestions, or contributions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Happy learning!
Please Note that Bedun is not affiliated with Buleku or Manc.hu. All referenced trademarks and resources are the property of their respective owners. Bedun is a student project created for educational purposes, and it is not intended for commercial use. It is developed with the aim of assisting individuals in their language learning and research endeavors related to the Manchu language. The project's primary goal is to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of the Manchu language and its cultural heritage.
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