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1600 BCE
Shang Dynasty (about 1600-1050 BC) — Development of Chinese Writing
The Shang Dynasty was the first dynasty to leave written records behind. It was a small empire in northern central China. No documents from that country survive, but there are archaeological findings of hieroglyphic writing on bronze wares and oracle bones. -
1400 BCE
Pictographs
A record consisting of pictorial symbols, as a prehistoric cave drawing or a graph or chart with symbolic figures representing a certain number of people, cars, factories, etc. Chinese is not an alphabet-based language—its word characters are both abbreviations of and combinations of picture symbols -
1368 BCE
Ming Dynasty
The Chinese rebelled against the Mongols, and the Ming Dynasty era began about 1368.Traveling and discovery was popular and interesting, novels were the era’s main contribution. -
618 BCE
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty brought poetry into a new light for Chinese literature. This era’s main contribution to Chinese literature was in the poetry of Dufu, Li Bai and many other poets. Dufu and Li Bai are often thought of as China’s greatest poets. -
221 BCE
Qin Dynasty
On the other hand, the Qin Dynasty standardized the written Classical Language. It is said that a minister of the Qin emperor named Li Si introduced a writing system that later developed into modern Chinese writing. Standardization was meant to help control the society. The standardized writing system also helped people all over the country to communicate more clearly. -
100 BCE
Paper
Paper was invented around 100 B.C. It was initially made from mulberry bark, silk rags, hemp, bamboo, and fishing nets. The creation of paper led to the first books, woodblock printing, movable type, and calligraphy. This would create currency and forever change Chinese literature. -
100 BCE
Chinese dictionary
Chinese dictionaries date back over two millennia to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, which is a significantly longer lexicographical history than any other language. There are hundreds of dictionaries for the Chinese language. The dictionary enabled millions of people to improve their vocabulary and literacy writings. -
Modern era
Sun Yat-sen led a revolution that marked the end of Chinese dynasties in which a clan rules an empire. Of course, the big change of Chinese society that happened with the change of government led to a change in literature. It became westernized, and the Classical Language wasn’t used.
