When I was in the craft shows, many customers came to ask me if I write Chinese
or Japanese, sometimes even Korean.
Coming from Hong Kong, where I was exposed to all different cultures, it may
be easier for me to differenciate, but not everybody.
|
|
So, let's start to unfold the myths.
First of all, "Kanji"
is the Japanese way to call the Chinese writing, symbols or characters.
You may see "Kanji" on
the web. A lot of times, it was used for both Chinese and Japanese writings. Sometimes, it is diffcult for anyone
else to figure out if the characters are Chinese or Japanese unless it is specified by the webmasters or the owners of the
websites.
|
It was believed that Chinese was spread to Japan around the Qin dynasty (221
B.C.).
During that time, the emperor was looking for some medications that would keep him alive forever.
Therefore, he sent a trip overseas to look for this medicine. But they never returned and stayed in Japanes.
That was just the legend. However, throughout the centuries, Japan had been submitted to the Chinese rules.
Plus, there were exchange of government officials and students. It was not surprising of Chinese symbols spread to Japan.
|
|
Nevertheless, throughout the years, the Japanese writing went through the evolution,
like the Chinese. The Chinese symbols they learned before are no longer the same.
One of the example is the
word "dragon" in both Chinese and Japanese are totally different. If a Japanese presents this word to Chinese,
this world will not be recognizable and vice versa.
|
|
|
