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The Wubi Effect

Radiolab

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Preserving the Form and Soul of Chinese Characters

Using Pinyin for typing in Chinese can lead to a loss of connection with the form and soul of Chinese characters, which are essential to understanding their meanings. The shift to Pinyin input has become predominant since the early 1990s, affecting the traditional character-shaped systems. The prevalence of Pinyin typing in modern times is evident, even in establishments like Starbucks in China. However, this widespread adoption of Pinyin typing raises concerns about forgetting how to write Chinese characters, as highlighted by Professor Wang. There is a sentiment of sadness associated with this shift, as it can lead to a disconnect between individuals and the art of writing Chinese characters.

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