passport green covers taiwan’s hidden code in bopomofo tribute by memphis sun

Memphis sun explores mandarin chinese transliteration system

Multi-disciplinary designer Memphis Sun explores Bopomofo, Taiwan’s distinctive transliteration system for Mandarin Chinese, and its cultural significance through his publication. Following the traditional learning process in Taiwan, the book introduces Bopomofo’s letters, tones, and essential structure. Memphis Sun has included symbolic details in the design, using a specific shade of green identical to the Taiwan passport to make Taiwanese identity bolder. Embossed withㄅㄆㄇㄈ letters on the cover further highlights Bopomofo’s role as a bridge between spoken and written language.

images courtesy of Memphis Sun

the book ilLustrates the use of Bopomofo in everyday life

The book by Taipei-based Memphis Sun includes a visual timeline mapping the development and prevalence of various transliteration systems, underscoring the unique role of Bopomofo in Taiwan. Playful, curated images illustrate its use in daily life, emphasizing how the system has become an enduring cultural symbol. This publication invites readers to delve into Taiwan’s rich heritage and understand the connection between language, identity, and cultural pride.

Memphis Sun explores Bopomofo, Taiwan’s distinctive transliteration system for Mandarin Chinese

the design aims to connect readers with taiwan’s cultural depth

Developed over a century ago, Bopomofo, also known as Zhuyin, remains Taiwan’s primary phonetic system, even as other Romanization methods have emerged in Mandarin-speaking regions. Through a combination of visuals and text, Memphis Sun’s design aims to connect readers to the historical and cultural depth of this system. Wordplays and phonetic hints help English speakers and non-native readers grasp pronunciation, while everyday scenes showcase Bopomofo’s presence in Taiwanese life.

ㄅㄆㄇㄈ letters further highlight Bopomofo’s role as a transcription tool

bridging spoken and written language in a way that is uniquely its own

the green used in this publication mirrors the green on the Taiwan passport

symbolising a strong connection to Taiwanese identity and cultural pride

the Taiwan passport’s green flows throughout the publication, from paper and binding threads to prints

a curated collection of images showcasing playful wordplays and the practical, everyday use of Bopomofo

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clever puns help English speakers pronounce each Bopomofo letter accurately

a visual map of the development of different Romanisation systems across Mandarin-speaking regions

this publication invites readers to delve into Taiwan’s rich heritage

project info:

name: BOPOMOFO
designer: Memphis Sun | @memphissun.info

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom