Chinese Complexity

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by Avatar Viper, Mar 17, 2008.

  1. #1
    [​IMG]

    Technology is supposed to help make things simple. And it often does, though at times, it comes at an expense. Take the Biang Biang noodles, for instance. The Chinese character "Biang", made up of 57 strokes, is one of the most complex Chinese characters in contemporary use.

    But you won't find it in modern dictionaries -- online or offline -- because it's simply too complicated to reproduce through digital typesetting methods. Instead, it's typically shown phonetically. In much the same way many conversations nowadays have been reduced to emoticons and SMS-speak, it's sad to see traditional calligraphy (or just plain, beautiful handwriting) give way to the convenience and limitations of digital typography (though I use the word typography loosely). So, if you happen to be in China, and you happen upon a biang biang noodle shop, take a picture of their sign or see if you can take a copy of their menu -- for posterity.
     
    Avatar Viper, Mar 17, 2008 IP
  2. pipsbank

    pipsbank Banned

    Messages:
    1,187
    Likes Received:
    21
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #2
    "The only straight about the Chinese is their hair" - quoted from the old Chinese businessman
     
    pipsbank, Mar 17, 2008 IP
  3. cool_78

    cool_78 Guest

    Messages:
    11,409
    Likes Received:
    339
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #3
    It is really complex. I have studied Chinese from kindergarden to collage and I still can't seem to know all the characters.
     
    cool_78, Mar 17, 2008 IP