Taiwan is trying to have a form of ancient Chinese writing — oracle bone script — designated as a world cultural heritage item.
Liu Chao-shiuan (劉兆玄), head of the semi-official National Cultural Association that was founded in 1966, said on Friday in Los Angeles that his association has asked the UN to designate oracle bone script as a cultural heritage item.
In a speech at a dinner party hosted by the Monte Jade Science and Technology Association in Southern California, the former premier said the application letter was filed with the UN on Wednesday, the day before he departed Taipei for a visit to Los Angeles.
Oracle bone script refers to ancient Chinese characters found on oracle bones, which are animal bones or turtle shells used in divination in China between 1400BC and 1100BC. The writing is considered a forerunner to modern Chinese characters.
To date, about 5,000 oracle bone characters have been identified, although only 1,500 of them are recognizable. Academia Sinica holds the world’s largest collection of oracle bone scripts.
SHIPS, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES: The ministry has announced changes to varied transportation industries taking effect soon, with a number of effects for passengers Beginning next month, the post office is canceling signature upon delivery and written inquiry services for international registered small packets in accordance with the new policy of the Universal Postal Union, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said yesterday. The new policy does not apply to packets that are to be delivered to China, the ministry said. Senders of international registered small packets would receive a NT$10 rebate on postage if the packets are sent from Jan. 1 to March 31, it added. The ministry said that three other policies are also scheduled to take effect next month. International cruise ship operators
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