Nüshu

Nüshu

Intangible Heritage

Nüshu, meaning "women's writing," is a rare syllabic script that developed from Chinese characters. It emerged in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Created and used exclusively by women, Nüshu is distinguished by its slender, rhomboid-shaped characters and fine, thread-like strokes. Traditionally, it is written vertically from right to left, differing from standard Chinese writing. This unique script not only met women’s personal and emotional needs but also reflected a quiet defiance against societal norms and the patriarchal system. Nüshu served as a means for women to share their thoughts, document traditions, and maintain connections, particularly through letters and songs. Many of these writings were inscribed on fans, handkerchiefs, and cloth. As the world’s only known gender-specific writing system, Nüshu is a valuable piece of intangible cultural heritage. It holds significant linguistic, anthropological, and feminist importance, offering insight into the resilience and creativity of marginalized women.

is51102025

29 Mar 2025

Yilei Xiao

English

Intangible

1448

29/03/2025

https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20200930-nshu-chinas-secret-female-only-language

cm x cm x cm

current,25°16′01″N ,111°20′51″E;origin,25°16′01″N ,111°20′51″E;find,25°16′01″N ,111°20′51″E;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20200930-nshu-chinas-secret-female-only-language

TEXT

Nüshu, meaning "women's writing," is the world's only script created and used exclusively by women. Originating in the 19th century in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province, China, it was developed by rural women who were excluded from formal education. Written in a unique rhomboid shape with fine, thread-like strokes, Nüshu was passed down from mothers to daughters and used to express emotions and share stories in a feudal society where women had limited means of communication. Today, Nüshu is endangered, but efforts are being made to preserve and revive this remarkable cultural heritage.

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