CANGJIE Meaning and
Definition
-
Cangjie is a Chinese input method and character encoding system that was developed to aid in the input of Chinese characters on electronic devices, computers, and typewriters. It is named after its creator, Cangjie, who is believed to have been a historical figure during the rule of the legendary Chinese Emperor Yāo.
In the Cangjie input method, Chinese characters are decomposed into a set of common components or radicals, which are then used to build up the characters. These components are assigned specific codes or keystrokes, allowing users to input characters by typing their constituent parts in a specific order. The system is based on the concept that characters with similar components will share the same codes, making it efficient and logical.
Cangjie is widely regarded as one of the most popular and widely used Chinese input methods because of its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to quickly and accurately input Chinese characters by breaking them down into their fundamental components. Additionally, it enables fast typing speeds and reduces the complexity of memorizing thousands of characters.
The Cangjie input method has been standardised by the Chinese government, with official encoding standards and input software available for widespread use. It has played a significant role in the development and advancement of technology, providing a practical solution for inputting Chinese characters in a digital environment.
Etymology of CANGJIE
The word "Cangjie" is derived from Chinese characters: 仓颉.
The character 仓 (cāng) originally means "storehouse" or "granary". It represents a box-like structure with an opening at the front. The character is also associated with the concept of abundance and gathering things together.
The character 颉 (jié) originally means "forehead" or "the top of the head". The ancient character depicted a person's forehead with hair on top. It later came to represent the act of lifting or raising something.
When combined, 仓颉 (cāng jié) refers to the mythical figure in Chinese legend, who is believed to have invented Chinese characters. Cangjie, in the legends, was said to have four eyes and four pupils, which enabled him to observe the markings made by birds and animals and incorporate them into written language.
