UN showcases unique women's script on Chinese Language Day

The photo taken on Sept 7, 2013 shows two ladies from Jiangyong County, Hunan Province writing Nv Shu at the China Guilin International Tourism Expo. [Photo/Xinhua]

As the United Nation (UN) marks Chinese Language Day Tuesday, the Permanent Representative of China to the UN Office at Geneva, Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu, introduced this year's exhibition celebrating "Nv shu," a unique and ancient Chinese form of women's calligraphy originating from Jiangyong county in Central China.

"Nv Shu is significantly valuable for the research on the origin of human languages and feminine culture as well as the origin and development of civilization," Ma explained in his opening remarks at the UN Chinese Language Day reception.

"We hope that this exhibition will help you fully experience the charm of our cultural treasure Nv Shu, as well as the wisdom and creativity of Chinese women," he added.

Created by uneducated women living in mountainous areas, the written language is unique in the world as it was invented by women and exclusively used amongst themselves.

Using symbols for phonetic syllables of local dialect, Nv Shu is based on China's calligraphic practise and is an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.

Though almost forgotten in the 20th century, the Chinese government is reviving the script which Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Michael Moller defined as both a symbol of "resilience" and "ingenuity".

"Nv shu may be the only gender-specific form of writing in the world and, considering the history of its origins, a testament to the power of women to overcome adversity and forge a unique cultural tradition," he said at the opening of the "China's Nv Shu" exhibition held in the Palais des Nations.

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