Analyzing the Irreplaceable Characteristic of Chinese Characters: A Case Study of Phonetic Chinese Alphabet

Zhiqing Ling

doi:10.54254/2753-7048/2025.KM25972

Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public MediaOpen access

Analyzing the Irreplaceable Characteristic of Chinese Characters: A Case Study of Phonetic Chinese Alphabet

Research Article

Open Access

Analyzing the Irreplaceable Characteristic of Chinese Characters: A Case Study of Phonetic Chinese Alphabet

Zhiqing Ling ^1*

¹ Dongguan City University

^*Corresponding author: l3331219365@outlook.com

Published on 13 August 2025

LNEP Vol.114

ISSN (Print): 2753-7056

ISSN (Online): 2753-7048

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-327-7

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-328-4

Download Cover

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.

Keywords:

Phonetic Chinese Alphabet, Limitations, Chinese Character

View PDF

References

[1]. Qiu X., G.: Chinese writing: An introduction revised edition. The Commercial Press, 1, 34 (2013)

[2]. Dai S., M.: The beginning and end of the phonetic alphabet campaign. Language Reform and Standardization in China (12), 12–14 (1992)

[3]. Xu S.: Reference materials for the study of Chinese history 1: The preface of Shuowen Jiezi. 2 (1963)

[4]. Ma X., J.: The characteristics of Chinese characters: An analysis of the relationship of form, sound and meaning. Language and Translation (04), 38–42 (2006)

[5]. Wang X.: The Chinese character cultural sphere unified by Chinese characters and the unification of Chinese character within it. Journal of Southeast University (Philosophy and Social Science) 17(04), 140–145, 148 (2015)

[6]. Xiao T., Z.: Reflection of the research topic of Chinese character. Journal of Hainan Normal University (03), 78–84 (1989)

[7]. Tang H., Zhang Y., P.: From “unification of characters” to “unification of pronunciation nationwide”: Language and characters standardization and cultural identity. Social Science Research (06), 190–199 (2022)

[8]. Lin X.: Reform of writing system and the emergence of modern Chinese shorthand. Journal of Qing History Studies (01), 114–125 (2024)

[9]. Wang D., J.: One nation, two scripts: The tension between ‘national people’ and ‘national essence’ in the phonetic alphabet campaign of the Qing Dynasty, (Part 1). Academic Monthly 42(08), 134–147 (2010)

[10]. Wang D., J.: The effort of the outcomes of officials and gentry of late Qing Dynasty in promoting phonetic Chinese alphabet. Journal of Sichuan University (Philosophy and Social Science) (04), 36–55 (2011)

[11]. Ma X., J.: A discourse of how to objectively evaluate Chinese characters. The Culture of Chinese Characters (02), 10–15 (2000)

[12]. Cai X., Y.: Chuanyin Kuaizi. Writing Reform Press, 11 (1956)

[13]. Liu X., M., Liu W.: Complexity of Chinese characters in the phonetic alphabet campaign of the late Qing Dynasty and the notion of universal education. Journal of Hebei Normal University (Educational Science Edition) 26(04), 127–132 (2024)

[14]. Wang D., J.: One nation, two scripts: The tension between ‘national people’ and ‘national essence’ in the phonetic alphabet campaign of the Qing Dynasty, (Part 2). Academic Monthly 42(09), 145–154 (2010)