How is traditional Chinese written?
Traditionally, Chinese text was written in vertical columns which were read from top to bottom, right-to-left; the first column being on the right side of the page, and the last column on the left. The use of punctuation has also become more common, whether the text is written in columns or rows.
Should I learn Chinese simplified or traditional?
Should I study Simplified or Traditional Chinese? There is no right or wrong here but keeping it very general for you: If you want to study in mainland China, or even Singapore, study simplified Chinese. If you want to study in Hong Kong or Taiwan study traditional Chinese.
Is Chinese Logographic or ideographic?
Although Chinese characters are logograms, two of the smaller classes in the traditional classification are ideographic in origin: Simple ideographs (指事字 zhǐshìzì) are abstract symbols such as 上 shàng “up” and 下 xià “down” or numerals such as 三 sān “three”.
Is it worth learning traditional Chinese?
Instead, your choice should be based on practical considerations. In essence, if you plan to use your Chinese where simplified characters are used (mainland China and Singapore, for instance), then learn simplified. If you plan to go to Taiwan or Hong Kong, you will be better off learning traditional first.
Is it hard to learn Chinese?
The Chinese language is often considered one of the world’s most difficult languages to learn, but this sentiment is a major oversimplification. Like any language, learning Chinese has its challenges. As a language learner, placing yourself in an ideal learning environment is key to learning Chinese.
What is the style of Chinese writing currently used?
Chinese writing has changed from ancient times until modern times with seven different styles of writing: Oracle Bone, Great Seal, Small Seal, Clerical, Cursive, Regular, and Running. The last two styles, Regular and Running, are still in use in modern China.
What is the difference between simplified and traditional Chinese?
The most obvious difference between traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese is the way that the characters look. Traditional characters are typically more complicated and have more strokes, while simplified characters are, as the name suggests, simpler and have fewer strokes.
How do I learn Chinese writing?
The most common method of learning how to write Chinese is through rote-learning. This involves repeatedly writing characters until they ‘stick’ and was the method that my teachers in school encouraged us to take up. Dreaded bi-weekly character dictations made for cramming in break-times before lessons.
What is the basis of the Chinese writing system?
Regular script is considered the archetype for Chinese writing, and forms the basis for most printed forms. In addition, regular script imposes a stroke order, which must be followed in order for the characters to be written correctly.