[课文清障]
THE CHINESE WRITING SYSTEM: CONNECTING① THE PAST AND THE PRESENT
China is widely② known for③ its ancient civilisation④ which has continued all the way through⑤ into modern times, despite⑥ the many ups and downs⑦ in its history.【1】 There are many reasons why this has been possible，【2】 but one of the main factors⑧ has been the Chinese writing system.
【1】which引导的定语从句修饰先行词its ancient civilisation。
【2】关系副词why引导的定语从句修饰先行词reasons，同时why在从句中作原因状语。
At the beginning, written Chinese was a picturebased⑨ language. It dates back several thousand years to⑩ the use of longgu — animal bones? and shells? on which symbols? were carved? by ancient Chinese people.【3】 Some of the ancient symbols can still be seen in today's hanzi.
【3】“介词＋关系代词”引导的定语从句修饰先行词animal bones and shells。which指代animal bones and shells。
By the Shang Dynasty? (around 1600～1046 BCE), these symbols had become a welldeveloped? writing system. Over the years, the system developed into? different forms, as it was a time when people were divided? geographically?， leading to many varieties? of dialects21 and characters22.【4】 This, however, changed under Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221～207 BCE)．
【4】as引导原因状语从句，该从句中包含一个“it is/was a time when...”句型，意为“这是一个……的时代/时刻”，其中when引导定语从句，修饰a time。ving短语leading to... characters作结果状语。
Emperor23 Qinshihuang united24 the seven major25 states into one unified26 country where the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction27.【5】 That writing system was of great importance28 in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Even today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak，【6】 they can all still communicate in writing.
【5】where引导的定语从句修饰先行词one unified country, where在从句中作地点状语。
【6】“no matter＋特殊疑问词”引导让步状语从句，what前省略了no matter。
Written Chinese has also become an important means29 by which China's present is connected with its past.【7】 People in modern times can read the classic30 works31 which were written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard32 for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese characters as an art form, known as Chinese calligraphy33， which has become an important part of Chinese culture.【8】
【7】“介词by＋which”引导的定语从句修饰先行词an important means。
【8】该句是一个较复杂的主从复合句。The high regard是主语；介词短语for... system修饰主语。关系代词which引导的定语从句修饰先行词an art form。
Today, the Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture. As China plays a greater role in34 global affairs35，【9】 an increasing number of international students are beginning to appreciate36 China's culture and history through this amazing37 language.
【9】As在此引导时间状语从句，意为“随着……”。
