Evolution of Chinese Characters and Knowledge Management

Abstract

Language is part of national culture, which ingrains (embeds) values system and life style of the people in which it is applied. Retrospect to human history, we once has the most important and the most ancient civilizations----Egypt, ancient Babylon, India and China. As time went by, the other three ancient civilizations have faded away; only Chinese civilization remained and maintained continuous development. The mystery lies in Chinese characters---the carrier and transmitter of language and human thoughts. As regards Chinese characters, the most important contribution will be conferred upon the oracles---the earliest Chinese characters which have been carved on animal bones and tortoise shells as early as in the Shang Dynasty. Thanks to great powerful life of Chinese characters, Chinese civilization has the opportunity to remain longevity. Though oracles have evolved with time later on, the essence and cream of Chinese characters carrying the footprint of life and mentality of people in China still can be ―smelled‖. Adopting hermeneutic approach and based on large quantities of literature review, interviewing with concerning experts, this paper is attempting to dig out the secrets of how ancient Chinese people have managed knowledge under the real contexts of their life.