In 1956 the Chinese undertook to simplify the written Chinese, reducing the number of strokes, resulting in characters that are easier to learn and use. This was a bold move to promote basic education, in particular the reading and writing abilities. In the past too many people only spoke the language (at least a dialect) without the ability to read or write.

The word on the right has been simplified from 13 strokes to the one on the left with 3 strokes. ,  

Both words mean vast, pronounced as guang.

In general it is easier for a person familiar with the traditional text to understand or guess simplified character than the other way round.

The simplified version, known as jiantizi, is used in China, and is the version taught in Australian schools and universities. The traditional version, known as fantizi, is used in Taiwan, United States, etc. Increasingly the trend is moving towards simplified Chinese.

Examples of simplified and traditional Chinese characters can be found in the section on Chinese surnames and names, where both scripts are written. The fantize is also used in Chapter Seven of this book for the writing of congratulatory words on plaques and newspaper advertisements. The rest of the book is based on simplified Chinese.

Not all Chinese characters were simplified. Some examples of both forms of writings are given below, using some of the words commonly used for Chinese names.

                                             More information could be found in Chapter three of the book