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 only a tool for communication, but also the smallest unit of freedom. In the process of expression, the choice of words, phrases, sentence structure, rhetorical devices (if it is spoken expression, even including the choice of dialect), as well as the corresponding choices not made, not only reflect our way of thinking, but also imply the shaping of our expected way of thinking, and secretly carry our expectations for public space and public life. This is our smallest unit of freedom, and also 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, and even "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 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 expression methods has a single impact on emotional perception
Having a rich emotional dimension does not necessarily mean that expression is not 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 expressive forms 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 occasions)
- Don't say "zy" for freedom, don't say "zf" for government
- Be cautious in using words related to reproductive organs to express emotions (especially in public occasions)
- Try not to use words like "big shot", "big sister", "incompetent", "weak", etc.
- Apart from the insincerity of using such words in usual expressions, on the one hand, the hierarchical system implied behind these words is disgusting, and on the other hand, these expressions also oversimplify reality. We can have richer words to describe a person's excellence: outstanding ability, extensive knowledge, broad range of interests, etc. We can also have richer words to describe a person's shallow background: limited experience, superficial understanding, lack of ambition, 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 fenced off.
- 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 in 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 worshipping foreign things, and similarly, not identifying with "Western medicine" should not have anything to do with "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, and it is not the exclusive taste brought by "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
- Say "October holiday" instead of "National Day 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 fillers
- It is simply diluting language with nonsense
- Be cautious in using "positive energy"
- Say "during the lockdown in Shanghai" instead of "during the COVID-19 period in Shanghai"
- Shanghai experienced a lockdown in April and May 2022, not just a "COVID-19 period". A lockdown is a lockdown. "COVID-19 period" has been going on for three years since 2020, and before April and May, it was still the "COVID-19 period", and after April and May, it is still the "COVID-19 period".
Notes#
- Mandarin: Because I cannot find a suitable word in the Chinese context, I am using English as a substitute here. The closest word in Chinese is "Putonghua", but I believe that "common" is a nonexistent concept, so I refuse to use the term "Putonghua".
- Especially in public occasions: Language in public occasions is assumed to be more serious and bright in expression and dialogue, as it is participating in public discussions. In private communication, situational language is more likely to be a tool - either a tool for conveying ideas or a tool for emotional venting.