This is a rare book about Chinese culture that shows the historical connections between spoken and written language, to illustrate the thoughts and way of life of an ancient civilization. Modernization is gradually causing distinct cultures to disappear, and it is refreshing to listen to and look at a book that revives principles of a culture long gone. In a busy and often hectic world, these simple thoughts not only bring calm to the soul, but also teach the reader some rudiments of a writing system and the organised thoughts of a different era.

Belinda began studying Chinese language and Linguistics at the University of New England in Eastern Australia over 25 years ago. She has lived in China for several years, studying at Nankai University in Tianjin, teaching English in Zhejiang Province and involved in informal postgraduate studies in Classical Chinese in Beijing. On all these occasions she has lived closely with Chinese families and communities, at times in very traditional settings.However, Belinda has not written this book from a linear or academic perspective, but rather from an wholistic position, believing that the complexity we like to define as culture, needs to be experienced to some degree, not just observed, in order to understand it. Her life stories as an artist, musician, teacher and mother are reflected in the presentation of the book. The quiet study of Chinese language and culture continue to be part of her daily life.