Recently, I read a news report which was discussed widely by Chinese Native Speakers. Whilst starting in 2008, the United Nations would abolish Chinese-language documents / writing paper and accept only to use simplified characters. In no time, concerned supporters of traditional characters, infuriate me the proposed policy.
I remember that when I was a high school student, simplified Chinese characters came up since cross-trait ties become closer; it was exhilarated to my life. When I start learning simplified characters, I was pleased to find few stokes, which saved trouble by taking notes. Later on I discovered there was no benefit of simplified characters because some of them are alike and I always get them boggled.
I am deeply absorbed in cross-cultural studies in recent years. The topics are always discussed by my Mainland Chinese friends in leisure time. Our common point is traditional characters do create an overall aesthetic impression that simplified characters can’t match.
There is no denying that traditional characters are the quintessence of Chinese culture and a resplendent treasure of world civilisation. Once we have learned traditional characters, it’s easy to recognise simplified characters naturally; going the other way round is more difficult. We all Taiwanese definitely pleased that it enjoys this advantage.
Owing to young generation are seeking speed and simplicity, simplified characters seem at first blush to meet the need of the times. But turning aside political considerations, from a cultural perspective simplified characters have their limitations. It is fast to erode Chinese culture heritage. I find this very regrettable because it greatly harms Chinese culture.
As a matter of fact, writing systems and language change over time and space. Chinese characters have in fact undergone a gradual process of simplification over millennia. Perhaps the day may come when those who insist on using simplified characters will realise that traditional characters have the strength of history behind them and appreciate our own script with new eyes.
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