Thursday, February 16, 2006
Choice of words
I notice many writings on Eastern culture and religion by Western writers use the words myth and superstition sparingly. Being a language enthusiast, I couldn't help but notice the negative connotation of these words. These words hint tinges of unreliability, illogicality, falseness and doubt on the subjects the words refer to.
I can see why these words are used on Eastern subjects : the writers being Western most probably bear the Christian ‘we’re the light of the world’ attitude and all traditions outside the Church and its teachings are all false. Thus, such words are used to show their objection to such ‘paganistic’ practises in a subtle approach. We, the British’s former colony follow them blindly in subtly ridiculing what we cherish as a set of belief.
I read with deep remorse an article in a college’s Chinese New Year Nite’s exhibition bearing the title “Chinese Superstitions.” I take this matter seriously as I feel the word ‘superstition’ belittles what the Chinese believe.
The first question I would like to ask the organisers is whether they consider themselves Chinese or not and secondly whether they are proud or ashamed of their very own system of belief. By connecting the Chinese belief to superstition, it can mean the Chinese belief system is no more than just a fairytale! That, to me is indeed unacceptable!
The organisers may not intend to belittle the Chinese system of belief. The word has long been used too complacently in books on Eastern culture and religion. Well, realising the Western writer’s folly, let us wake up on our choice of words to describe our culture and religion.
Use strong words like ‘BELIEF’ and ‘HISTORY.’ Rather than writing Chinese superstition or Chinese myth, do write Chinese belief or Chinese history. It does indeed sound better!
I can see why these words are used on Eastern subjects : the writers being Western most probably bear the Christian ‘we’re the light of the world’ attitude and all traditions outside the Church and its teachings are all false. Thus, such words are used to show their objection to such ‘paganistic’ practises in a subtle approach. We, the British’s former colony follow them blindly in subtly ridiculing what we cherish as a set of belief.
I read with deep remorse an article in a college’s Chinese New Year Nite’s exhibition bearing the title “Chinese Superstitions.” I take this matter seriously as I feel the word ‘superstition’ belittles what the Chinese believe.
The first question I would like to ask the organisers is whether they consider themselves Chinese or not and secondly whether they are proud or ashamed of their very own system of belief. By connecting the Chinese belief to superstition, it can mean the Chinese belief system is no more than just a fairytale! That, to me is indeed unacceptable!
The organisers may not intend to belittle the Chinese system of belief. The word has long been used too complacently in books on Eastern culture and religion. Well, realising the Western writer’s folly, let us wake up on our choice of words to describe our culture and religion.
Use strong words like ‘BELIEF’ and ‘HISTORY.’ Rather than writing Chinese superstition or Chinese myth, do write Chinese belief or Chinese history. It does indeed sound better!
