Remember ENIAC, the World's first computer? Yes, indeed.

Would you still buy it for your daily work? Obviously not.

In this modern era of technology, what was launched yesterday can become outdated today. So, how can we be expected to use a 66 year old computer?

But what if we tell you that you as well as the entire world still use the first calculator created.

Abacus, an instrument to calculate or count by using sliding counters and rod is indeed the world's first calculator. Abacus was in use in Europe, China, Russia.

Though the Abacus originated in Babylon, it had traveled a long way from the Middle East to Japan and China. When it traveled from one country to another it transited also. In China, it is called as Suanpan. In Suanpan it has 2 and 5 decks.

The famous Japanese mathematician Seki Kawa replaced 2 and 5 decks with 1 and 4 decks and called it Soroban. The modern-day abacus which we use today is the Soraban type of abacus.

In addition, there is another famous name of the Abacus is Zhusuan.

Zhusuan is an important part of the traditional Chinese culture and of studies of Chinese ancient civilization. The popularity of Zhusuan has boosted the popularity of mathematics. Zhusuan is the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese people and a great contribution that the Chinese people have made to the World.

The ancient abacus is still playing its unique role in a world of high technologies. In China, Zhusuan is frequently used in rural areas as well as in domestic financing. As the national treasure of China, Zhusuan has become a part of the international cultural exchange as a new form of culture. Zhusuan, with the unique calculation method of moving the beads up and down the rods on the abacus to accomplish addition and subtraction, is still of great value.

As a reputable ancient calculation technique, Chinese Zhusuan enjoys a very long history. As a convenient and efficient calculating device, Zhusuan has contributed tremendously over thousands of years to the social and economic development of China. Even now, with numerous advancements in high technology, Zhusuan is still in general practice.

For the sake of further promoting and development the culture of the abacus, serious organizations around the world unite their efforts and conduct joint activities aimed at the development of this technique.

Chinese Zhusuan is a time-honoured traditional method of performing mathematical calculations with an abacus. Practitioners can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponential multiplication, root and more complicated equations by moving beads along the abacus rods according to defined formulas. Abacus has played a vital role in giving an impetus to mathematical studies, promoting algorithmic practices and fostering intelligence. Zhusuan oral formulas have easy-to-learn rhymes that represent specific calculation rules and summarize the arithmetic operations. Beginners can make quick calculations after some fairly basic training, while proficient practitioners develop an agile mind. Zhusuan is widely used in Chinese life and is an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture, providing a strong sense of cultural identity. It has been handed down through generations by traditional methods of oral teaching and self-learning. Training in abacus-based mental arithmetic is thought to improve a child’s attention span, memory and mental capability. Today, it contributes to the advancement of calculating techniques, cognitive schemas, educational psychology and intellectual development. It also has a far-reaching influence in various fields of cultural creativity, including folk customs, language, literature, sculpture and architecture.

But, abacus operation has developed into mental calculation. Some children learn this as an interest. Learners figure out results with an abacus in mind. And there are national and international contests.

Advocates of the practice say mental calculation can help improve children’s intelligence.

Today, the abacus is still an auspicious symbol of wisdom and wealth. In 2008, it was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. People in the abacus associations hope the valuable heritage won’t die.

It is great that zhusuan has been listed as a world cultural heritage. We hope that this traditional calculating method will play a bigger role in inspiring intelligence and promoting math, and that its new status can revitalize its place in modern society. Nevertheless, if this is impossible, we should respect the result and choice of history. Its identity as a world cultural heritage should not mean that it must be a course for students.

In the modern age of computers, the question is not whether students should learn Abacus or not, but how to learn it and how to make full use of this cultural artifact. To encourage students to learn Abacus and solve mathematical problems through it is a responsibility that we have to take for future generations in the whole world.

Some things, due to their unique cultural value, need to be preserved to delay their demise or to revitalize them. This is an important reason for the UN to set up things like the intangible cultural heritage list. It is hoped that people will learn to value and cherish their cultural heritage and even join in the efforts to help protect it from vanishing.

（This is Shumeiko Elena's speech delivered at WAAMA's 6th Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Education Academic Exchange Seminar）