在良渚文化的一些陶器和玉器上，考古学家发现了数量不多但形态各异的刻画符号。这些符号有的像鸟、有的像数字或几何图形，与今天的汉字还不能直接画上等号。
Archaeologists have discovered a small number of engraved symbols on pottery and jade objects from the Liangzhu Culture. Some resemble birds, numbers, or geometric shapes. However, they cannot simply be identified as early Chinese characters.
它们最有意思的地方就在于“不确定”。这些神秘符号究竟是在记录某种信息、表达身份，还是与祭祀有关？我们今天还无法给出确定答案。但它们至少说明，五千年前的人们已经开始尝试用抽象符号表达和传递信息。
What makes these symbols fascinating is precisely their uncertainty. Were they used to record information, represent identity, or serve a ritual purpose? We still do not know for certain. But they demonstrate that people five thousand years ago were already experimenting with abstract symbols to communicate ideas and information.