Storytime

• Plaque language in writing

  story by Juul Eijk.

  The Qing empire's court languages were Chinese and Manchu, often found parallel to each other. The overal aim was to convey the same message in both languages, but small differences were unavoidable. This story is linguistic nuances and on Manchu meaning gone wrong.

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• Plaque language in symbols

  story by Fresco Sam-Sin.

  Plaques like these had to be worn as a reminder to observe a period of abstinence. The message is solemn, the design not so. And even in the inscription there is a lot going on.

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