Language (including both speaking and writing) is indeed the result of our thinking, but to a certain extent, it has also been shaping our way of thinking. If we ignore this point, we are easily trapped in the cage depicted in "1984" where thinking is dissolved by "Newspeak", and our space for effective expression is likely to be eroded and compressed unconsciously.
Language is not just a tool for communication, it is the smallest unit of freedom. In the process of expression, the choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and rhetorical devices (including the choice of dialects in spoken expression) and the corresponding choices not made, not only reflect our way of thinking, but also imply the shaping of our desired way of thinking. They also secretly carry our expectations for public space and public life. This is our smallest unit of freedom and the smallest resistance we can make to reality.
My mother always says that my insistence on language is a kind of "pedantic" behavior of a "cultured person", but I insist that the reverse effect of language on thinking should not be underestimated. It is even said that "language is like a small dose of arsenic". In an environment where simplified Chinese is constantly being polluted and people's expressions are becoming more and more monotonous, I have decided to start the #SpeakWell series (continuously updated), sharing my views and insights on the mutual influence of language and thinking, as well as some choices in the use of language in daily life.
My mother tongue (spoken language) is Mandarin, and the written language is simplified Chinese, so most of my discussions will focus on this.
The Interaction between Language and Thinking#
The single use of words and expressions has a single impact on emotional perception.
Having a rich emotional dimension does not necessarily mean that expressions cannot be monotonous, but continuous monotonous use of words can make the brain tired and unable to experience emotions at different levels and dimensions. Even deliberate practice of diverse forms of expression can force thinking to understand richer emotions.
Language Choices in Daily Life#
- Except for technical terms (e.g. ETH/BTC/tx/...), try not to use abbreviations (especially in public settings).
- Instead of saying "zy" for freedom, say "ziyou"; instead of saying "zf" for government, say "zhengfu".
- Be cautious in using words related to reproductive organs to express emotions (especially in public settings).
- Try not to use words like "big shot", "big aunt", "vegetable", "weak", etc.
- Apart from the insincere expressions often associated with these words, on one hand, the hierarchical system implied by these words is disgusting, and on the other hand, these expressions oversimplify reality. We can have more diverse words to describe a person's excellence: outstanding ability, extensive knowledge, broad range of interests, etc. We can also have more diverse words to describe a person's lack of background: limited experience, superficial knowledge, lack of ambition, lack of progress, etc.
- Use "Internet" instead of "external network".
- "External" is a neutral term that sounds parallel to "internal". It even sounds full of unknown dangers. But in reality, because of the Great Firewall, a part of the originally interconnected "Internet" has been isolated.
- Use "modern medicine" instead of "Western medicine".
- "Western medicine" is not an accurate term. The West also has traditional witch doctors, and the East has made many contributions to "modern medicine". A more reasonable narrative is that "modern medicine" originated from the West. By reinforcing this understanding through language, it is easier for us to understand that identifying with "Western medicine" has nothing to do with worshiping foreign cultures, and similarly, not identifying with "Western medicine" should not be related to "cultural self-confidence".
- Use "sweetener" instead of "artificial sweetener".
- In most food-related contexts, "sugar" usually refers to sucrose. The so-called "artificial sweeteners" usually refer to monk fruit sugar, erythritol, etc. Sucrose has a sweet taste, but sweetness is a sensory experience that is not exclusive to "sugar". Monk fruit also has a sweet taste. Sucrose does not need to be replaced, and monk fruit is not a substitute for sugar. They are equal and different choices for different needs.
- Avoid using internet slang (e.g. "grab", "empower", "closed-loop", etc.).
- Say "I speak Mandarin" instead of "I speak Chinese".
- Avoid calling your partner "baby" in intimate relationships.
- Instead of saying "National Day holiday", say "October holiday".
- What are we celebrating? In whose name are we celebrating? At least at the linguistic level, I refuse to accept these vague concepts, so I choose "October holiday" - a holiday named after a date.
- Try not to use words like "just a", "purely", "very" as filler words.
- Be cautious in using the term "positive energy".
- Say "during the lockdown in Shanghai" instead of "during the COVID-19 period in Shanghai".
- During April and May 2022, Shanghai experienced a lockdown, not just a "COVID-19 period". A lockdown is a lockdown. "COVID-19 period" has been going on for three years since 2020, and it was the "COVID-19 period" before April and May, and it is still the "COVID-19 period" after April and May.
Note:
- Mandarin: Because I couldn't find a suitable word in the Chinese context, I used English as a substitute here. The closest word in Chinese is "Putonghua", but I believe "common" is a nonexistent concept, so I refuse to use the term "Putonghua".
- Especially in public settings: Language in public settings is assumed to be part of public discussions and should be more serious and clear in expression and dialogue. In private communication, situational language is more likely to be a tool for conveying ideas or emotional release.