In Beijing, linguist and book editor Zhang Jixia offers a fresh perspective on Chinese characters and their origins, particularly focusing on the ancient script of oracle bone inscriptions. Her insights, encapsulated in her latest book “The Origins of Chinese Characters,” challenge conventional views and delve into the dynamic qualities of this ancient script.
Zhang’s work is a response to the traditional belief about the stability of Chinese characters as pictographic symbols, a view famously held by Li Ji, known as the “Father of Chinese Archaeology.” Li’s perspective, supported by Chinese oracle bone inscriptions and highlighted in “The Chinese Students’ Monthly” and later by British scholar Bertrand Russell, posited that these characters exemplify stability in Chinese society.
However, Zhang argues for a more dynamic interpretation of these characters. She observes that each character, derived from oracle bone inscriptions, represents a specific meaning and can evolve into hundreds of new characters, showcasing the flexibility inherent in the Chinese language.
To illustrate her point, Zhang uses the example of the character “yu” (lit: rain) from oracle bone inscriptions. She explains how this character, depicting rain with a line representing the sky and vertical lines as raindrops, evolved into various related characters like “yun” (clouds) and “xia” (the red sky at dusk and dawn). This evolution, according to Zhang, demonstrates the interconnectedness and adaptability of Chinese characters.
Zhang’s journey into oracle bone inscriptions began serendipitously when she was invited to annotate a special edition of the Yi Jing (I Ching). Her study led her to explore the script’s original significance during the Shang Dynasty, distinct from conventional interpretations. Zhang embarked on a self-guided journey to master these inscriptions, aiming to uncover their true meaning.
In her book, Zhang challenges traditional explanations of characters like “dong” (east), offering alternative interpretations that reveal the script’s multifaceted nature. She elucidates how the character
“dong” is not just a representation of the sun rising through the branches, but a more complex composition involving various items, leading to other related meanings and uses in modern language.
Zhang’s exploration of oracle bone inscriptions in her book uncovers the artistic and illustrative nature of these ancient characters. She demonstrates how they represent more than just functional symbols; they embody a dynamic and evolving form of expression deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
The significance of oracle bone inscriptions in modern studies has been increasingly recognized. With their discovery in 1899, these inscriptions were identified as China’s earliest systematic form of writing. They mark a mature phase in the development of Chinese characters and serve as the ancient Chinese “archives.”
The Chinese Character Museum’s recent announcement of a reward for deciphering untranslated oracle bone characters has reignited interest in this field. However, despite the discovery of approximately 150,000 pieces of oracle bone inscriptions, only a fraction of the characters have been deciphered.
Zhang asserts the importance of oracle bone inscriptions in contemporary Chinese education, emphasizing their role in providing insights into the ancient world
‘s perception and interpretation of their surroundings. She argues that understanding these inscriptions can enrich our comprehension of Chinese history and culture, as each character in the script narrates a unique story.
Her book, “The Origins of Chinese Characters,” is not just an academic exploration but a journey into the heart of Chinese linguistic heritage. It serves as a bridge connecting the ancient world with contemporary understanding, offering readers a new perspective on the evolution and significance of Chinese characters.
Zhang’s work sheds light on the complex and fascinating evolution of Chinese script, highlighting the depth and richness of the language. Her interpretation of oracle bone inscriptions as a vibrant and flexible form of expression challenges the conventional understanding and opens up new avenues for linguistic and cultural exploration.
In essence, Zhang Jixia’s “The Origins of Chinese Characters” is a crucial contribution to the field of linguistics and Chinese studies. It invites readers to rethink the origins and development of Chinese characters, appreciating them not only as a means of communication but also as an art form that has shaped and been shaped by the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
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