Analyzing the Irreplaceable Characteristic of Chinese Characters: A Case Study of Phonetic Chinese Alphabet
Abstract
As the only official writing system that have been popularizing in China, Chinese characters has an impregnable position. Some researchers in movements for re-forming Chinese characters in history, however, had contested Chinese characters and tried to popularize various phonetic Chinese alphabet schemes to illiterate people in the public. This research using the argument between Chinese characters and Phonetic Chinese alphabet and the limitations of phonetic Chinese alphabet during the period of the phonetic alphabet campaign as an example to demonstrate the irreplaceable and valuable of Chinese characters. Ultimately, this research can demonstrate that whenever in cultural transmission aspect or that of practical apply the current form of Chinese characters cannot be re-placed. However, as phonetic Chinese alphabet has limitations so it can only be a supporting tool to learn Chinese characters and Chinese language (including dialects of Chinese). This research can deepen the understanding of Chinese characters and phonetic Chinese alpha-bet, and demonstrate the unique value of Chinese characters and Chinese culture and history.
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