With the rise of hectic lifestyles and technology comes the evolution of communication from letters to texting on mobile devices. Text language tends to be much more casual, using slang and short forms of the language. For example, “LOL” (laugh out loud), “BRB” (be right back) are used in English texting, the same goes for Chinese language texting. In addition, language jokes and homophonic words are often used for amusement. However, writing in Chinese should not be lost. It is crucial that learners keep this in mind. In this post, we explore both the traditional and modern way of writing Chinese.  

Writing in Chinese

With the rise of technology and hence mobile devices, many questions if it is still a must to learn to write Chinese characters. While we are texting more than we write, it is still crucial to learn to write the characters.  

It is true that writing Chinese characters is easier said than done. It takes plenty of determination and time to remember the character, the right order of strokes, its pronunciation, and its meaning. However, writing in Chinese is one of the four components of Chinese language learning and also what makes up the basics of the Chinese language. It is even more important if you are planning to pursue studies or even a career in China.

Writing allows learners to further understand the components that make up the character. For example, 森林(forest, sēn lín) is a word that is made up of the component 木(mù), which means wood. Hence, one may be able to guess that 森林 refers to the forest, which comprises many trees and woods. In this way, even when learners come across new words, they can try and make a guess on the meaning based on the word components.

In addition, writing also improves and helps learners to better remember the words. It is a known fact that writing helps us retain long-term memory as compared to just reading. Everyone should have experienced it, such as when we are revising for exams when we were students. By writing, learners gain more vocabulary and better recognition of characters. This comes in handy when differentiating between similar characters.   

Some may have a hard time trying to remember the correct stroke order of Chinese characters. Here are some general rules to go by: 

• Left to right 

• Vertical strokes 

• Horizontal strokes, followed by vertical strokes 

Lesser strokes can represent basic Mandarin characters. For example, 一 (one) only has one stroke (pun intended!). Whereas more strokes stand for more advanced Mandarin vocabulary. Learners should always remember to write in the correct stroke order. To learn Mandarin characters in Singapore, writing practice books are easily sourced from bookstores and online. There are more rules on Chinese stroke orders and basic structures. Check out more on our previous blog: How to learn Chinese Characters?

Stroke order also comes in handy when practicing Chinese calligraphy. Correct stroke order can guide learners to exert the right amount of stress for each stroke during calligraphy.  Look up your words with free animated stroke orders Strokeorder.info

Chinese Calligraphy boosts both physical and mental benefits. One of the most obvious physical benefits is the improvement of handwriting. Another benefit is the ability to recognize cursive Chinese characters in the long run. As there are many types of Chinese writing, some easily recognizable at first look and others not so much, by practicing and being familiar with the types of calligraphy, learners gradually come to understand the less readable Chinese handwriting.  

Calligraphy is also a great exercise for the mind. It can be a form of meditation for some people. When calmly and slowly practicing, one will find their mind at ease, focusing only on the characters. Compared to holding a pen, holding a brush and creating aesthetically pleasing words needs a great deal of patience and concentration. In the long run, this may help hot-tempered and impulsive individuals, guiding them to a more subtle state.   

As a form of art, calligraphy can also improve one’s creativity. It is said that when children start learning calligraphy from young, it helps to train their creative minds. As their brain has not yet mature, the brain has a higher ability to change and adapt to changes based on experience. Hence, when learning Chinese calligraphy, their brain benefits from learning both bi-languages and art.  

Besides the above benefits, calligraphy also enables learners to understand and appreciate Chinese culture. The art of calligraphy, how to hold the brush, the way of creating the ink, the amount of pressure on each stroke are all passed down from ancestors many generations ago. It is a piece of Chinese language history that is worth diving into.  

Texting in Mandarin 

This is a simpler way to get beginners familiar and communicate in Mandarin. Compared to the traditional way, texting is definitely a quicker way to get your message across. Everyone can set up the additional language in their mobile devices – just head to the language setting of your phone or laptop to add Simplified Chinese as one of the languages. Texting in Simplified Chinese uses Hanyu Pinyin, the basis of the modern Chinese language. Hanyu Pinyin is a must for beginners as they begin learning with Chinese tutors, hence it is relatively easy for them to start texting in it.  

Hanyu Pinyin in texting is programmed to include the words that you use the most as the first option. In addition, commonly-used words and idioms are also shown as the first option as you type out the Pinyin in full. Hence, it's very convenient to enter a short phrase in Pinyin and choose the right words in one go.  

Similar to other languages, the tone and the type of words used when texting in Chinese depends on your recipient – formal language for strangers and seniors, casual language for friends. Here are a few commonly used internet slang:  

• 哈哈哈/嘻嘻嘻 (hā hā hā/ xī xī xī) This is the Chinese version of “hahaha”, even the Pinyin is exactly the same! 嘻嘻嘻 is also used when expressing laughter, however, it has an underlying playful tone.  

• 88/拜拜 (bai bai) If you read out loud 88 or 拜拜, you will notice like it sounds a lot like bye-bye, and that is exactly what it means. This is a direct tonal translation from English. 

• 520 Same as 88 above, 520 sounds very much like “我爱你“, which is I love you in Chinese. This is a quick and casual way of expressing love. 

• 吃土  (chī tǔ) This directly translates to eat dirt. It is not difficult to guess what it means, 吃土is used to describe when one is extremely poor, this word most often appears after major online sales. 

• 牛 (niú) Its literal meaning is “cow”. However, it is used to describe something or someone as awesome and impressive at what they do.  

• 唉 (Āi) This is an onomatopoeia for the sighing sound. It is often used to express helplessness. 

• 萌萌的 (méng méng de) Used when describing someone or something as cute. While 可爱 is the formal usage, 萌 popped up as a hot internet slang a few years back and has since been used by many young people in texting and when verbally speaking with friends. 

• 男神/女神 (nán shén/nǚ shén) In literal terms, it means god and goddess. However, as internet slang, it is used when you come across someone extremely good-looking and perfect, so much so that they are gods and goddesses. 

Besides using slang, ending words such as 啦, 呀, 啊 are also added to increase the casual tone. You can think of them as the “lah”, “leh”, “lor” used in Singlish. 

The best way to learn Chinese characters is to learn the theory and practical foundation in class and then continue to practice at home. If you are planning to study Mandarin in Singapore, then you are in for a treat at Han Hai Language Studio. Besides Chinese courses, we also provide Hanyu Pinyin and Chinese typing classes, as well as Chinese calligraphy class. Learners can practice both traditional and modern ways of writing under one roof!  

In this bustling society, many are looking forward to evolving into simpler lifestyles. They aim to achieve a sense of balance and calmness in their life, away from the buzz created by ever-changing technologies. While we cannot deny the fact that the modern way of writing has brought us convenience and save us time, we should never forget the nostalgia and vanishing art of the traditional way. As we head into the future, let us all remember to slow down and destress by writing in this beautiful ancient language.