(ECNS) -- Members of the CPPCC National Committee have proposed the establishment of a Chinese Character Day to encourage the writing and study of the Chinese language.[Special coverage]
In the digital age, more and more people rely on computers and smartphones, and risk forgetting how to write and use Chinese characters correctly, said Yan Gongda, a consultant with the China Calligraphers Association. Primary school education mostly focuses on teaching pupils how to read, but overlooks the aesthetics of the language, he added.
Education of Chinese characters should follow a scientific method and highlight the culture, Yan said. The international promotion of Chinese characters will play a positive role in building an effective discourse system between China and the rest of the world.
Modern communication methods such as television shows, radio programs and new media can also help people understand the beauty of Chinese characters and encourage them learn the language, Yan said, adding that the public should cultivate the habit of writing characters by hand.
The proposal was agreed on by many experts from literary and art circles. Su Shishu, another member of the CPPCC, also called for all Chinese people to write characters and practice handwriting.
