Pinyin.jpg (Photo : Wikimedia)
Zhou Youguang, widely known as the "Father of Pinyin," celebrated his 110th birthday on Jan. 13.
The renowned Chinese linguist, despite his old age, is still very much active in the field of national and foreign affairs through his writings.
Zhou Youguang just celebrated his 110th years of existence and he proved age is but a number when it comes to doing things one is passionate about. His life is now being considered as a true legend in China because of his diligence.
Even with his passion for the Chinese language, he equally loves the English language, watching TV news in the foreign language. He reportedly believes that if English news is equipped with English captions, it would be easier to understand the news.
When it comes to the Chinese pinyin, Zhou believes that it is the nation's way to promote the Chinese culture in the world. For him, pinyin acts as a "culture bridge" that would connect the East and the West. For him, if Chinese would rely on foreigners to learn their language in the traditional form, not only would that be difficult, it would also not achieve effective communication.
People-to-people interaction at all levels would be nearly impossible without Chinese pinyin, he said.
Aside from his work, many are astounded that he could live this long. Many people, in fact, ask him the secret to his longevity. The linguist answered that living long is easy: One just needs to live in a "regular fashion" without eating or drinking randomly, as well as inculcate a happy and optimistic outlook in life.
In 1923, Zhou Youguang graduated from Shanghai St. John's University, where he majored in economics and minored in linguistics. He became the head of a committee to reform the Chinese language in his 50's. Chinese pinyin was the product of his hard work, which was made the official pronunciation system in 1958.
