May 8, 2025
甲骨文阅读小会
Intercultural Salon
Following the initial workshop on Oracle Bone Scripts led by Liangpeng Liu, founder of 小象汉字, the self-designed OBS (Oracle Bone Script) storybook project has now reached a meaningful conclusion. After several rounds of revision and close collaboration with local community partners, the project culminated in a remarkable achievement: 27 participating students each completed their own hand-written and hand-illustrated storybook, presented in both Chinese and a second language of their choice.
What began as an exploration of ancient Chinese script evolved into something far deeper. With thoughtful guidance and pedagogical scaffolding from their professor, students, many of whom were at the elementary level, not only learned to recognize and interpret Oracle Bone Script, but also wove their understanding into original narratives and visuals. Each student’s storybook was accompanied by a bilingual video recording of them reading their story aloud, creating a rich, accessible online archive of their work.
The project proved that with the right tools, support, and creative freedom, even beginner-level language learners can meaningfully engage with the most ancient forms of Chinese writing. Yet the true discovery went beyond language or calligraphy. Students realized that this was not merely a lesson in historical linguistics; it was a prolonged act of intercultural communication. They collaborated across age groups, linguistic boundaries, and cultural experiences. And thanks to its digital component, the impact of their stories will continue to resonate with wider audiences over time.
This project stands as a testament to the power of imagination, guided learning, and cultural connection, where even the oldest scripts can become the newest bridge between people. Detailed videos and storybooks can be accessed through the Gallery Page on this website.
Media Coverage
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Highlights
