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Impact of Oracle Bone Inscriptions on Writing and Literacy in the Shang Dynasty

One of the most significant impacts of oracle bone inscriptions is their contribution to the development of the Chinese writing system. The inscriptions on oracle bones represent the earliest known form of Chinese writing, known as jiaguwen 文 (Bagley, 2004). From a philological perspective, the oracle bone inscriptions can be considered the “wellspring” of Chinese script (Li and Sun, 2000, p. 9). Over the centuries, the script evolved and transformed to form the basis of modern Chinese characters (Li and Sun, 2000).

The discovery of oracle bone inscriptions in the late 19th century provided scholars with a wealth of knowledge about the early Chinese writing system (Bagley, 2004). Prior to this discovery, the earliest known writing in China was the bronze inscriptions from the Western Zhou Dynasty, which followed the Shang Dynasty (Qiu, 2000). With the uncovering of oracle bone inscriptions, scholars gained valuable insight into the evolution of Chinese writing and its socio-cultural significance.

Oracle bone inscriptions also played a vital role in promoting literacy within the Shang Dynasty. The use of script in divination practices necessitated the involvement of a specialized class of diviners who carved the inscriptions and interpreted the results (Keightley, 1978). These diviners were most likely part of the royal court, and their role underlines the importance placed on maintaining an elite group of literate individuals who could communicate with the spirit world (Boltz, 2003).

Oracle bones, to a certain extent, also contributed to the standardization of the Chinese script. Given the importance and centrality of oracle bones in religious practices, it is likely that the script was closely controlled and standardized by the state (Bagley, 2004). The inscriptions often feature similar characters and structures, pointing to a level of consistency in the writing system (Li and Sun, 2000). This suggests that there was a shared understanding among the elite diviners of how to represent concepts, deities, and events through written script.

Oracle Bone Inscriptions as a Historical Source

The inscriptions on oracle bones offer unique insights into the socio-political landscape of the Shang Dynasty. These inscriptions often contain information about historical events, individuals, and places, making them valuable historical sources (Keightley, 1978). For instance, oracle bones record the names of various Shang kings, their achievements and military campaigns, and the succession of power within the dynasty (Eno, 2009). This information allows historians to construct a more comprehensive picture of the Shang Dynasty and its administration.

Additionally, oracle bone inscriptions are valuable in understanding the historical context of the Shang Dynasty. They often record natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, which impacted agriculture, and reveal the concerns of the Shang rulers (Allan, 1991). They also provide evidence of the importance of warfare during this period, with numerous inscriptions inquiring about the outcome of battles, the size of enemy forces, and the welfare of the king’s troops (Keightley, 1978). Through the study of oracle bone inscriptions, historians can better understand the challenges faced by the Shang Dynasty, as well as their underlying cultural values and beliefs.

In summary, the influence and role of oracle bone inscriptions in ancient Chinese ancestral deity thought and culture during the Shang Dynasty extend well beyond their religious significance. They played a crucial role in the development of the Chinese writing system, promoted literacy amongst an elite class of diviners, and serve as valuable historical sources for reconstructing the socio-political landscape of the Shang Dynasty.

References

Bagley, R. (2004). Anyang writing and the origin of the Chinese writing system. In S. D. Houston (Ed.), The first writing: script invention as history and process (pp. 191-249). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Boltz, W. G. (2003). The origin and early development of the Chinese writing system. New Haven: American Oriental Society.

Qiu, X. (2000). Chinese writing. Berkeley: The Society for the Study of Early China and the Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California.