The design of Gwoyeu Romatzyh proved its value through the practice of Chinese Braille. The person who designed the mainland version of Braille in 1952 -- which treats tones as optional add-on features -- realized the system's many defects after it had been put to use for nearly half a century, and designed a new system in which tones are an integral part of the syllable form. This new system was enacted by the PRC government in 1996.
Political and pragmatic considerations aside, Gwoyeu Romatzyh is the best Chinese romanization system anyone can hope for, from both a theoretical and a practical point of view.
If the ROC government really wants to have a unique romanization system, it should go back to the system it used from 1928 to 1986. With proper promotion it will become more popular and might even replace Hanyu Pinyin one day.
Otherwise, if the ROC government really doesn't understand the value of Gwoyeu Romatzyh and really believes that it is too difficult for anyone with an average IQ to grasp, or if it really believes it's futile to fight against the popularity of Hanyu Pinyin, then it might as well adopt the Hanyu Pinyin system as is and forget about the rest.
The idea that such an action is tantamount to admitting ROC is part of PRC is truly stupid and hysteric. Anyone who believes in this should calm down and take a good look at Singapore.
In short, if the ROC government is smart, then it should reinstate and promote Gwoyeu Romatzyh; otherwise, it should adopt Hanyu Pinyin in its entirety. Any other attempt is bound to fail.
Benjamin Ao, Ph.D.
USA
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