Why Are Chinese Women Who Were Barred From Education Learning This Secret Language?

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Nushu is a unique, female-only script that emerged in Jiangyong county, Hunan province, China. Created by women who were denied formal education, this script allowed them to communicate privately. The characters are gently curved and written with a diagonal slant.

Chen Yulu, a young photographer from Shanghai, stumbled upon nushu and felt inspired to document it. She viewed the script as a symbol of resilience for women under patriarchal constraints. Chen initiated an online nushu group, conducted writing workshops, and organised art exhibitions to promote awareness of the script.

Female Empowerment Through Language

Lu Sirui, a marketer intrigued by nushu, joined Chen's efforts. She perceives the script as a form of resistance against traditional patriarchal power and a bond of sisterhood. Having faced gender-based violence and inequality herself, Lu found solace in online feminist communities and now hosts nushu workshops in Beijing to introduce more people to the script.

The script was historically used by women to record their sorrows, such as unhappy marriages and family conflicts, and to express their longing for sisters and daughters. Today, nushu can be found in bookstores, advertisements, craft fairs, tattoos, and everyday items.

Relevance Of Nushu Language

Both Chen and Lu believe that nushu represents female strength that transcends time and space. They see it as more than just a script; it's a testament to women's resilience and solidarity through generations.

Chen's documentary aims to shed light on how nushu served as an emotional outlet for women who had few other means of expression. By sharing these stories through her film, she hopes to inspire modern women facing similar challenges.

Lu's workshops in Beijing have attracted many participants eager to learn about this ancient script. She believes that understanding nushu can empower contemporary women by connecting them with their historical roots of resistance and sisterhood.

The revival of nushu highlights its enduring relevance in today's society. As more people become aware of this unique form of communication, it continues to serve as a powerful symbol of female empowerment.

Through their combined efforts, Chen and Lu are ensuring that the legacy of nushu lives on. They hope that by spreading knowledge about the script, they can foster a sense of unity among women worldwide.

Nüshu: The Secret Language of Women, Origin And History

Nüshu, often referred to as "women's script," is a unique and fascinating writing system that originated in the Jiangyong County of Hunan Province, China. Unlike the traditional Chinese characters, Nüshu was used exclusively by women and passed down through generations as a form of cultural expression and solidarity. This script has intrigued linguists, historians, and anthropologists alike for its distinctive features and the rich history it embodies. Here, we delve into the origins, characteristics, cultural significance, and revival efforts of Nüshu.

1. Origins of Nüshu

Nüshu is believed to have developed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), though some sources suggest it may have existed even earlier. It was created by women in a patriarchal society where they had limited access to education and literacy. Nüshu provided a means for women to communicate privately and express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without the interference of men.

2. Unique Characteristics

Nüshu is distinct from the standard Chinese script, known as Hanzi. While Hanzi characters are often complex and multifaceted, Nüshu characters are more linear and simplistic, designed to be written with ease on fabric or paper. The script consists of around 700-800 characters, compared to the thousands in the standard Chinese writing system. These characters are phonetic, representing sounds rather than ideas, making it easier to learn and use for personal communication.

3. Cultural Significance

The cultural significance of Nüshu lies in its role as a tool for female empowerment and solidarity. Women used Nüshu to write letters, create poetry, and record folk songs. It allowed them to share their joys, sorrows, and wisdom, creating a strong sense of community and mutual support. Nüshu was often used to compose "third-day missives," or "sanzhaoshu," which were messages written by women and presented to brides on the third day after their wedding, offering advice and emotional support.

4. Literary Forms

Nüshu was not only a means of communication but also a medium for artistic expression. Women wrote poetry, songs, and stories in Nüshu, often reflecting their inner lives and the realities of their societal roles. These writings were sometimes embroidered onto cloth or inscribed in books, creating beautiful and intimate works of art. The themes often revolved around love, friendship, marriage, and the hardships of life, providing insight into the emotional and social landscapes of women at the time.

5. Transmission and Secrecy

Nüshu was traditionally passed down from mother to daughter or among close female friends and relatives. The secrecy of the language helped preserve its exclusivity and ensured that it remained a powerful tool for female communication. Women often learned Nüshu in private settings, away from the scrutiny of men, allowing them a rare space for self-expression in a male-dominated society.

6. Decline and Rediscovery

The use of Nüshu declined significantly in the 20th century due to various factors, including increased access to formal education for women and the social upheavals of the Cultural Revolution. By the mid-20th century, the number of women who could read and write Nüshu had dwindled, and the script was at risk of being lost forever. However, the rediscovery and study of Nüshu by scholars in the latter part of the 20th century sparked renewed interest in this unique cultural artifact.