Throughline The Characters That Built China (2022)
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Aug 17, 2023 Explore the fight to preserve Chinese language and culture, the efforts to simplify and standardize Chinese, and the role of key figures in modernization. Discover the struggle to make Mandarin the national standard, preserve Chinese cultural heritage, and adapt the writing system. Follow Mao Zedong's journey from a library worker to revolutionary leader and his thoughts on modernizing the Chinese language.
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Chinese Script's Surprising Survival
- Chinese script's complexity and inefficiency made linguists doubt its survival in modern times. - Its survival and modernization were key to China's revival as a global superpower.
Wang Zhao's Secret Return
- Wang Zhao risked his life disguised as a Buddhist monk to return from exile and promote language reform. - He believed a unified language was essential for modern China's survival.
Mandarin's Triumph in Dialect Wars
- Wang Zhao pushed Mandarin as the national language amid fierce dialect rivalry. - His unwavering commitment helped unify China linguistically, crucial for nation-building.