by Hongkai Zhao
Welcome to my blog post where we’ll dive into the fascinating world of the Chinese language! Today, we’re exploring how the patterns of Chinese reflect not just words and phrases, but an entire way of thinking. From the intricate web of social relationships to the nuanced art of contextual communication, the Chinese language and culture offer a unique perspective on the world.
Before stating our journey, let’s think about the following questions:
- Have you ever wondered how language shapes our perception of social relationships and hierarchies?
- Do you know why Chinese language has different terms for uncles, aunts, and siblings based on age and side of the family?
- How does language influence our thinking and interactions in terms of social status and relationships?
As we delve into the intricate ways the Chinese language reflects and shapes social hierarchies and holistic thinking, Lera Boroditsky’s insights serve as a foundational inspiration. In her enlightening TED talk, Boroditsky asks whether the language we speak shapes the way we think, providing compelling examples from diverse linguistic landscapes. Her exploration into how languages like the Aboriginal community in Australia use cardinal directions instead of left and right, and how Russian differentiates shades of blue, underscores the profound impact language has on cognitive processes. These examples inspired this blog to explore how the unique structures of Chinese not only convey information but actively shape our perceptions and social interactions.
In Chinese culture, language isn’t just a means of communication; it’s a reflection of values, hierarchies, and relationships. Understanding these patterns is like unlocking a hidden code to Chinese society, where every word and phrase carries layers of meaning and context.
So, grab a cup of tea and join me on this journey through the patterns of the Chinese language. It’s a world where every character tells a story, and every sentence paints a picture of a culture steeped in tradition and rich in history. Let’s explore together!
Among numerous patterns of Chinese, I choose the main two patterns to explore how Chinese language shapes Chinese minds.
Pattern One: Social Relationships and Hierarchies
The Chinese language is renowned for its intricate system of addressing social relationships and hierarchies. Unlike English, where one might simply use “uncle” to refer to a father’s brother, Chinese has specific terms like “叔叔” (shūshu), “舅舅” (jiùjiu), and “伯伯” (bóbo) to differentiate between different types of uncles based on age and side of the family. Similarly, there are different words for older and younger siblings, and the terms of address vary depending on the age, gender, and social status of the person being addressed.
We Chinese has relatively complex address system and I sometimes will be confused and mistakenly address my family members. Here are one example:
One extract of a wechat conversation between me and my Jiùjiu(舅舅)–my mother’s brother is as follow:
Hongkai Zhao (mistakenly): 伯伯，最近您在忙什么？(Bóbo, zuìjìn nín zài máng shénme?) [Uncle, what have you been busy with lately?]
Jiùjiu: 哈哈，孩子，我是你舅舅啦，不是伯伯。伯伯是你爸爸的哥哥。(Hāhā, háizi, wǒ shì nǐ jiùjiu la, bùshì bóbo. Bóbo shì nǐ bàba de gēgē.) [Haha, child, I am your uncle, not uncle. Uncle is your father’s brother.]
Hongkai Zhao: 对不起，我搞混了。舅舅，您能帮我澄清一下家里其他亲戚的称呼吗？(Duìbùqǐ, wǒ gǎo hùnle. Jiùjiu, nín néng bāng wǒ chéngqīng yīxià jiālǐ qítā qīnqī de chēnghu ma?) [I’m sorry, I got confused. Uncle, can you help me clarify the titles of other relatives in our family?]
Jiùjiu: 当然可以。看这张照片，这是婶婶，她是你爸爸的妹妹。(Dāngrán kěyǐ. Zhè shì shěnshen, tā shì nǐ bàba de mèimei.) [Of course. Look at this picture, this is shenshen, she is your father’s younger sister.]
这是姑姑，她是你爸爸的姐姐。(Shěnshen hǎo! Zhè shì gūgu, tā shì nǐ bàba de jiějiě.) [Hello shenshen! This is gugu, she is your father’s older sister.]
Jiùjiu: 还有，这是你的堂弟，他是你爸爸的弟弟的儿子。(Háiyǒu, zhè shì nǐ de táng dì, tā shì nǐ bàba de dìdì de érzi.) [That’s right, gugu is your father’s older sister. Also, this is your tangdi, he is the son of your father’s younger brother.]
Hongkai Zhao: 这是侄女和侄子吗？( Zhè shì zhínǚ hé zhízi ma?) [Hello tangdi! Are these your niece and nephew?]
Jiùjiu: 是的，这是你的侄女和侄子，他们是我的儿子或女儿的孩子。(Shì de, zhè shì nǐ de zhínǚ hé zhízi, tāmen shì wǒ de érzi huò nǚ’ér de háizi.) [Yes, these are your niece and nephew, they are the children of my son and daughter.]
Hongkai Zhao: 谢谢您，舅舅！现在我对家庭关系的称呼清楚多了。(Xièxiè nín, jiùjiu! Xiànzài wǒ duì jiātíng guānxì de chēnghu qīngchǔ duōle.) [Thank you, uncle! Now I have a much clearer understanding of the titles in our family relationships.]
If you want to have a comprehensive knowledge of Chinese family tree and the specific address to each family members, a video here can help you:
These linguistic patterns are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, where respect for elders and acknowledgment of social hierarchies are highly valued. In my conversations on WeChat and the insights from the YouTube video, I noticed how these linguistic nuances influence social interactions. People are often addressed using their titles or relationship to the speaker, which reflects the importance of acknowledging one’s place in the social hierarchy.
This focus on social relationships and hierarchies in language also extends to thinking patterns in Chinese culture. Chinese speakers are more attuned to the nuances of social interactions and are more likely to consider their position within these structures when communicating. This can lead to a more cautious and thoughtful approach to social interactions, where individuals are mindful of their words and actions to maintain harmony and respect within the social hierarchy.
When interacting with others in Chinese society, people often use specific titles or forms of address to reflect their relationships and social status. For example, when a young person talks to an older relative, they would use terms like “uncle” or “auntie” instead of just using their name. This way of addressing not only shows respect for elders but also acknowledges the social hierarchy.
Another example is in business settings. In China, people often use more formal forms of address like “Mr.” or “Ms.” in business interactions instead of directly using the person’s name. This form of address demonstrates respect for the other person’s position and identity, as well as the importance of respect and politeness in Chinese culture.
Additionally, Chinese people use various honorifics and polite expressions in communication to show respect and courtesy. For example, when apologizing, people might say “I’m sorry” or “Please forgive me” to express their regret and respect. These language habits reflect the importance placed on maintaining social relationships and hierarchies in Chinese culture, as well as respect for etiquette and cultural traditions.
Pattern 2: Holistic Thinking and Contextual Information
Chinese culture encourages holistic thinking, emphasizing the importance of considering the context and relationships between elements rather than focusing solely on individual components. This approach is reflected in the structure of the Chinese language, where meaning is often derived from the context of a sentence rather than from the specific words used.
In Chinese novels and articles, authors often use descriptive language and imagery to create a rich and immersive context for the reader. For example, in the novel “Dream of the Red Chamber” by Cao Xueqin, the intricate relationships between characters and the detailed descriptions of their surroundings contribute to a holistic understanding of the story and its themes.
One specific example is the character of Baoyu, the protagonist of the novel. Baoyu’s complex relationships with his family members, particularly his cousin Lin Daiyu and his other love interests, are depicted with great depth and nuance. Through these relationships, the novel explores themes such as love, duty, and the fleeting nature of life.
Additionally, Cao Xueqin’s detailed descriptions of the gardens, pavilions, and landscapes in which the characters live further contribute to the novel’s immersive quality. The gardens in particular are often used as symbolic settings that reflect the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions.
Overall, “Dream of the Red Chamber” is a prime example of how Chinese literature uses descriptive language and imagery to create a holistic understanding of characters, relationships, and themes. The novel’s rich portrayal of its characters and their world allows readers to gain a deeper insight into the complexities of human nature and society.
This holistic thinking is also evident in Chinese philosophy, such as the concept of Yin and Yang, which emphasizes the interconnectedness and balance of opposing forces. This concept is not only applied to philosophy but also to various aspects of life, including medicine, where the balance of Yin and Yang is believed to be essential for health.
In everyday communication, Chinese speakers often use implicit language and rely on contextual cues to convey meaning. For example, Chinese sentences may omit subjects or objects when they can be inferred from the context, leading to a more indirect and nuanced form of communication.
Overall, this linguistic pattern influences thinking, reading, writing, and talking in Chinese by encouraging individuals to consider the broader context and relationships between elements. It fosters a more holistic and interconnected view of the world, where everything is seen as part of a larger whole.
In conclusion, the Chinese language shows how much Chinese people care about family, respect, and seeing how things are connected. They have different words for family members based on age and which side of the family they’re from, showing how much they value family ties. In stories and books, they use lots of detailed descriptions to help you imagine the scene, which shows how they like to think about how things fit together in a big picture. These language habits aren’t just about talking—they also affect how Chinese people think and see the world around them. So, if you’re curious, why not take a closer look at the Chinese language? You might uncover some fascinating insights into Chinese culture!
Happy Linguistics 
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