The Chinese language, renowned as the most spoken language globally, has captivated language learners worldwide. However, mastering Chinese characters poses a significant challenge, demanding substantial time and effort. To facilitate the learning process, the Chinese government introduced simplified characters in the 1950s with the objective of increasing literacy rates.
Simplified characters emerged as part of an initiative launched by the Chinese government in the 1950s to improve literacy rates. The objective was to devise characters that are simpler to learn and write, consequently enhancing accessibility to education. This simplification process involved reducing stroke count and simplifying character shapes.
Though the introduction of simplified characters stirred controversy, with concerns raised regarding the potential loss of cultural heritage, the Chinese government proceeded with their promotion. Currently, simplified characters are the standard writing system in mainland China and Singapore, while traditional characters persist in Hong Kong, Macau, and certain overseas Chinese communities.
Advantages of Learning Simplified Characters
1.Enhanced Learning and Writing Efficiency:
Simplified characters offer substantial benefits in terms of ease of learning and writing. With fewer strokes and simplified shapes, they are more accessible to beginners and save valuable time and effort during the learning process.
2.Practicality in Mainland China and Singapore:
Considering the prevalence of simplified characters in mainland China and Singapore, acquiring proficiency in these characters proves invaluable for individuals engaged in business or traveling to these regions. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of Chinese-language materials, such as textbooks and websites, are predominantly written in simplified characters, making them an essential skill for effective communication and engagement.
3.Native Preference and Everyday Communication:
Simplified characters are widely preferred by native Chinese speakers, particularly in everyday communication. The speed at which simplified characters can be written, along with their simplified shapes that facilitate quick reading, contribute to their popularity and practicality.
Factors to Consider when Deciding to Learn Traditional Characters
Despite the advantages presented by simplified characters, certain factors should be taken into account before deciding whether to also learn traditional characters:
1.Business or Travel in Hong Kong, Macau, and Overseas Chinese Communities:
Individuals with business or travel plans involving Hong Kong, Macau, or overseas Chinese communities must familiarize themselves with traditional characters. These regions continue to utilize traditional characters as an integral part of their cultural identity and communication practices.
2.Interest in Chinese Culture, History, and Literature:
For those with a strong inclination towards Chinese culture, history, and literature, learning traditional characters becomes imperative. Many classical Chinese texts are exclusively available in traditional characters, and a command of this writing system facilitates a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural and historical aspects.
3.Academic Pursuits:
Students aiming to pursue higher-level Chinese studies, such as in a university setting, might be required to learn both simplified and traditional characters. Academic texts and research papers often utilize traditional characters, and familiarity with this writing system becomes essential for comprehensive study and research.
Suggestions from us:
1.learning simplified characters as the primary focus serves as an ideal starting point for individuals seeking to acquire proficiency in Chinese.
2.To optimize the learning journey, it is recommended to begin with a strong foundation in simplified characters.
Really happy with how nice my study area looks rn. Hoping that when I move it doesn’t have to be in the communal loungeroom where I have no space for shelves. I used to have a small shelving unit from ikea next to my desk. But once the loungeroom was changed around, against my wishes, it had to be moved. So now my books just sit beside me when my partner isn’t using his computer next to mine. It’s not ideal but oh well. It still looks nice.
I also tested out my new supplies that came. I love Japanese stationary. It’s just so much nicer then Australian stationary.
"不可同日而语", literally "(two things) cannot be mentioned in the same breath", is used metaphorically to mean that there is no comparison between two people or two things becaus of the significant difference. For instance, in terms of science and technology, there is no comparision between the past and the present.