ParkeNYU Posted January 3, 2015 at 09:52 AM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 09:52 AM The two articles below discuss the illegality of traditional Chinese characters in the People's Republic of China: http://sz.oeeee.com/Channel/content/2006/200603/20060304/406714.html http://www.shyywz.com/jsp/index/show.jsp?id=4453&newsType=157 However, after having spent only a few days in Shenzhen, I have encountered hundreds of traditional characters displayed publicly and prominently, in a variety of contexts and locales. Is this law simply not enforced? They are too outward and numerous to ignore. Perhaps this is a phenomenon unique to Shenzhen, due to its proximity to Hong Kong and Macau? (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renzhe Posted January 3, 2015 at 12:33 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 12:33 PM It is my understanding that traditional characters are fine on signs, partly due to tradition (Qinghua and Beida) and partly due to their perceived beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
889 Posted January 3, 2015 at 01:30 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 01:30 PM This has been going on for decades. Some of the most orthodox of Chinese institutions, like the Bank of China and Qinghua University, have always used logos with traditional characters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meng Lelan Posted January 3, 2015 at 01:52 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 01:52 PM Many historical and artistic sites in China will display traditional characters. A mainland friend once told me that traditional characters are used to symbolize elegance and having a long distinguished history. Similar to what renzhe said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maomao2014 Posted January 3, 2015 at 04:28 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 04:28 PM It is a shame that government bans traditional characters. I always see the traditional character signs especially at tourist interests places with calligraphy written by government officials. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liuzhou Posted January 3, 2015 at 04:33 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 04:33 PM Legality in China is a shape-shifting concept. It really depends on what mood the local party secretary is in. If he didn't enjoy lunch or didn't get his end away last night then it's illegal.If his concubine does her job and dinner is up to par, then you can write in any script you choose. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meng Lelan Posted January 3, 2015 at 05:05 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 05:05 PM Well, I don't know about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedwards Posted January 3, 2015 at 05:16 PM Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 05:16 PM I thought they had an exception for trademarks. I could be wrong, but I had heard somewhere that you couldn't use traditional characters on things that people needed to read, but they could be used for trademarked logos as those don't need to be read in most cases to be understood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkeNYU Posted January 3, 2015 at 11:59 PM Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 at 11:59 PM On my first night in Shenzhen, I had a late supper at The Laurel Restaurant (丹桂龫). Their menu was written in English and traditional Chinese characters, with no simplified characters to be found. Other than that, and some chalk prose wrought on the pavement, I've encountered traditional characters almost exclusively on signboards, posters, temples, and advertisements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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