Centuries-old 'women's script' finds favor among young Chinese

At a studio in central China's Hunan province, a teacher grips an ink brush, gently writing characters of a secret script created by women centuries ago, now being embraced by a new generation.

- 

JIANGYONG, China - At a studio in central China's Hunan province, a teacher grips an ink brush, gently writing characters of a secret script created by women centuries ago, now being embraced by a new generation.

Nushu, meaning "women's script," emerged around 400 years ago. Barred from attending school, the women secretly learned Chinese characters and adapted them into nushu, using the script to communicate with one another via letters, song and embroidery.

Passed down through generations of women in the remote and idyllic county of Jiangyong, it is now gaining popularity nationwide among Chinese women, who view it as a symbol of strength.

Ms Pan Shengwen, a student, said nushu offered a safe way for women to communicate with one another. "It essentially creates a sanctuary for us," said the 21-year-old. "We can express our thoughts, confide in our sisters and talk about anything."

Compared with Chinese characters, nushu words are less boxy, more slender and shaped like willow leaves.