Major Publication of Character Simplification Scheme
December 20th, 1977
December 20th, 1977
How Long Ago?
47 years, 2 months, 25 days ago
Location
China
Category
Education & Academia
Links & References
- China
- State Council of China
- People's Daily
- Guangming Daily
- Second round of simplified Chinese characters
Tags
Major Publication of Character Simplification Scheme
China’s foremost newspapers, the People’s Daily and Guangming Daily, published the full Second Chinese Character Simplification Scheme following State Council approval. This was the first time the scheme was made fully available to the public. The simplifications aimed to increase literacy rates and simplify written Chinese, addressing inefficiencies in language use.
Two major newspapers published the scheme in full.
Aim was to improve literacy among the population.
Built on earlier character simplification efforts.
Reflected broader educational reform policies.
What Happened?
The Second Chinese Character Simplification Scheme represented a significant step in China's efforts to enhance literacy and streamline communication. Approved by the State Council, it was published in full by China’s two leading newspapers, the People’s Daily and Guangming Daily, allowing widespread access to the revised characters. The scheme was initiated in the wake of previous attempts at simplification, building upon lessons learned from earlier efforts that had both succeeded and faced criticism. The government sought to reduce the complexity of traditional Chinese characters, which presented substantial barriers to literacy, particularly in rural regions. By simplifying characters, the state aimed to increase educational access and opportunities for the populace. The publication marked a pivotal moment as it not only reflected the government’s commitment to improving literacy rates but also symbolized its broader educational reform policies in the wake of the Cultural Revolution.
Why Does it Matter?
The publication of the Second Chinese Character Simplification Scheme is an interesting milestone in China’s modernization efforts. It highlighted the government’s intention to facilitate communication and education while fostering unity among its diverse population. The widespread adoption of simplified characters laid the groundwork for future educational policies and literacy campaigns, significantly impacting language use in China.
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