What is the oldest practical writing in China?

The earliest practical writing in China can be found in Oracle Bone Inscriptions of Shang Dynasty more than 3,500 years ago. In the divination of Yin people, the names of diviners, divination problems, divination dates and results are often engraved on the tortoise shells or animal bones used, and occasionally a few notes related to divination are engraved. The words recorded in this way are generally called oracles. A complete Oracle Bone Inscriptions consists of four parts: preface (recitation, narration), destiny (chastity), occupation and confirmation, with different engraving times. The preface records the divination time and asks the divination name of the gods, which plays a narrative role, so it is also called narration and narration. Life words record specific divination matters and ask questions to the gods, which is also called advice. What Jenci recorded was the result of divination, which was the answer given by the wizard based on the analysis of the cracks in the bone nails.

oracle bone script

Oracle Bone Inscriptions is not one of the earliest scripts in the world, and Oracle Bone Inscriptions is not the source of China scripts. Oracle Bone Inscriptions is the earliest mature and systematic writing system known in China.

Oracle Bone Inscriptions, as its name implies, is the characters carved on tortoise shells and ox bones, and it is a symbol of ancient China, also known as "Wen Qi", "Oracle Bone Inscriptions", "Yin Ruins" or "tortoise shells and animal bones".

Oracle Bone Inscriptions is an integral part of the 8,000-year history of civilization in China, and it is also one of the orthodox characters in China (rock wall figures, Wen Tao, pottery runes, pottery inscriptions, Oracle Bone Inscriptions, Oracle Bone Inscriptions, inscriptions, inscriptions, wooden slips, wooden slips, wooden slips, wooden slips and small seals, stone carvings, and Han Dynasty official scripts).

Oracle Bone Inscriptions's writing has the characteristics of symmetry and stability. It is the earliest mature Chinese character that can be seen in Chinese culture in the Central Plains. As far as word formation is concerned, Oracle Bone Inscriptions's appearance is mostly rectangular or several squares, which has the beauty of symmetry or variation of a word. Moreover, Oracle Bone Inscriptions also has the structural form of combining Fiona Fang and Kai Zi Ji, and some characters have more or less pictographic traces, which are naive and vivid in the initial development stage of characters.

Practical writing

General practical writing includes: letters, notices, meeting minutes, reading notes, instructions, etc. Simple practical writing refers to practical writing with simple structure and single content, such as invitations, letters of appointment, diplomas, posters, notices, certificates, telegrams and memos. Complex practical writing refers to practical writing with long length, complex structure and many contents, such as summaries, regulations, contracts, outlines, reading notes, meeting minutes, etc.

Official practical writing is often solemn and suitable for specific occasions. Such as notices, circulars, replies, instructions, decisions, orders, instructions, official letters, etc. With the development of social economy and its increasingly fine social division of labor, professional practical writing style came into being, which met the specific needs of all walks of life, expanded the field of practical writing, and increased and enriched the types and contents of practical writing.