1

I'm trying to find out why certain (parts of) characters were replaced with others while developing the simplified Chinese writing system.

I want to know why 见 replaces 見? As in 问题,問題.

Many thanks.

0

2 Answers 2

4

According to the Wikipedia, 来自于行书与草书的楷书化.

[注 1] lists some examples, 许多偏旁如讠[訁]、饣[飠]、纟[糹]、钅[釒]、呙[咼]、见[見]、页[頁]、贝[貝]、车[車]、东[東]、门[門]、马[馬]等来自草书。

Some simplifications were based on popular cursive forms (草书) embodying graphic or phonetic simplifications of the traditional forms. (from the English version of the Wikipedia page)

Therefore, 见 replaces 見 because 见 is the cursive form of 見.

2
  • 1
    The one decides to simplify Chinese characters is absolutely an idiot.
    – xenophōn
    Aug 21, 2017 at 12:31
  • Exactly what I was looking for! Anywhere I can find more of the logic behind cursive forms ?
    – udidosa
    Aug 23, 2017 at 9:46
1

You're asking "why did a committee (委員會) make a specific decision?" The answer is "because it was a committee." There is no explanation, that's just what the committee decided. It's important to remember that simplified characters were devised by a committee.

In this case the committee went with "Preserving the basic outline or shape of the original character".

This might or might not be helpful:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters

1
  • 1
    The committee makes this decision, because they are full of moron.
    – xenophōn
    Aug 21, 2017 at 2:44

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.