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At the beginning, written Chinese was a picture-based language. It back several thousand years to the use of longgu — animal bones and shells on which symbols by ancient Chinese people. Some of the ancient symbols can still be seen in today's hanzi.
By the Shang (around 1600-1046 BCE), these symbols had become a well-developed writing system. Over the years, the system developed into different forms, as it was a time when people were divided leading to many varieties of dialects and characters. This, however, changed under Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221-207BCE).
Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one country where the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. That writing system was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Even today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak, they can all still communicate in writing.
Written Chinese has also become an important by which China's present is connected with its past. People in modem times can read the works which were written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese as an art form, known as Chinese calligraphy, which has become an important part of Chinese culture.
Today, the Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture. As China plays a greater role in affairs, an increasing number of international students are beginning to China's culture and history through this amazing language.
