Origin of Chinese characters

Author: Wang Xianchun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: This book establishes a new theory in the study of Chinese characters—The Theory of the Invention of Chinese Characters. Its content is as follows: Chinese characters originated from a culture of fertility worship and were invented within the context of Taiji culture, created through methods such as carving, painting, knotting, and stringing beads. The Theory of the Invention of Chinese Characters asserts that the methods of creating Chinese characters include: 1. Discovery and Invention Method; 2. Combination and Invention Method (Phono-semantic, Indicative, and Ideographic); 3. Imitation and Invention Method (Pictographic); 4. Special Purpose Invention Method (Loanword and Mutual Reference); 5. Exaggeration and Invention Method. These five methods of invention constitute a complete history of the creation of Chinese characters. Chinese characters are not purely pictographic. The "Pictographic Theory" undervalues the creative thinking and scientific essence of Chinese characters, stifling the intelligence of the Chinese nation. Archaeological evidence confirms that Chinese characters were invented in the early Longshan Culture, with a history of over 6,300 years. Chinese characters initiated human civilization.