Final answer:
The use of Chinese script by the people in Jinhan (Korea) suggests contact and influence between Korea and Japan. This cultural assimilation is reflected in Korean artifacts with mixed scripts, having a significant impact on the development of Japanese writing systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cultural practice that suggests the people in Jinhan (Korea) were in contact with Japan is c. They used Chinese script. The inhabitants of the Jinhan region adopted Chinese characters to represent the Korean language in intricate ways. This assimilation of Chinese script is evidenced by Korean phonetic script mixed with Chinese characters on historical artifacts. Such integration indicates that Korean writing, which later influenced Japanese writing systems such as katakana, had origins associated with Chinese characters initially used to represent Korean sounds. The influence extended first from the kingdom of Paekche and subsequently from Silla after 660, shaping the evolution of Japanese writing systems.
Beyond the mere use of Chinese script, the sophisticated understanding of calligraphy and written texts in historical Korea reflected complex cultural and intellectual exchanges among East Asian civilizations. This underscores the profound interconnectedness of ancient East Asian cultures and the critical role that writing systems played in their interrelations. Moreover, the craftsmanship and esteem associated with calligraphy during the Song Dynasty highlight the deep-rooted importance of writing in expressing and perpetuating social status and cultural identity.