LL-L "Sociolinguistics" 2008.02.12 (06) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L  - 12 February 2008 - Volume 06
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From: Mark Williamson <node.ue at gmail.com>
Subject: LL-L "Sociolinguistics" 2008.02.12 (04) [E]

Nushu is a written language for only women. Xiang, the spoken language
it represents, is by no means restricted to women. Just thought I'd
clear that up.

Mark

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Media

Thanks, Mark.

The name of the script is actually spelled "Nüshu" according to Mandarin
pronunciation, the characters being 女書 (simplified 女书), so literally
"females' writing."

The script is based on or inspired by the Chinese script, many characters
having similar shapes, though there are "only" between 1000 and 1500
characters. (Nowadays the average Chinese person knows between three and
four thousand Chinese characters, though there are many more than that.)

Specifically, the Nüshu script used to be used by women in passing on
knowledge to their "sworn sisters" and/or daughters. (Women customarily
joined their husbands' households.) Typically these were in the form of
"three-day missives," small, clothbound books.

Although the script is known and some still study it for academic or
"sentimental" reasons, it is no longer used on a regular basis.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron
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