Uluğ Kuzuoğlu

Uluğ Kuzuoğlu, an author and scholar specializing in the intersection of language and modernity, dives deep into Chinese script reforms from the 1890s to the 1980s. He reveals how historical perceptions of the writing system sparked debates on communication and literacy. The discussion includes diverse attempts to modernize scripts, such as phonetic alphabets and character simplification. Kuzuoğlu illuminates the political and economic forces driving these changes, showcasing the evolving identity of language in the context of the global information age.

Uluğ Kuzuoğlu, an Assistant Professor and historian at Washington University in St. Louis, dives into the intriguing world of Chinese script reforms from the late 19th century to the 1980s. He discusses how reformers viewed traditional Chinese characters as barriers to modern communication and education. The conversation highlights the political, technological, and societal shifts that influenced script modernization, including experiments with phonetic alphabets and the collaboration between various international linguists. Kuzuoğlu's insights reveal the complex interplay between language and national identity.