One,
Summary of PreBabel Chapter eleven
This chapter presents a comprehensive argument that the
Chinese written language is a "perfect" axiomatic system, supported
by universal and deductive proofs. The author outlines five main premises and
provides detailed evidence for each:
1. Universal Structure of Chinese Characters
- All
Chinese characters are composed from a finite set of 220 word roots, with
both vertical and horizontal growth dimensions. Both the meaning and
pronunciation of each character can be deduced from its structure.
2. Proof Pathways
- The
author uses three proof methods: showing many examples (over 600 in the
book and thousands elsewhere), inviting readers to falsify the premises,
and demonstrating the internal logic of the system.
3. Mutations and Reincarnation in Characters
- Chinese
characters have evolved through various mutation pathways (fusion,
divergence, convergence, insertion, flipping/rotation, camouflage, and
reincarnation). These mutations complicate etymology but are
systematically described.
4. Universal Proof for Meaning and Pronunciation
- The
meaning of any character can be read out via dissection, homographs,
mutation laws, genealogy, and borrowing. Pronunciation is determined by
sound tags, homophones, dialects, and homonyms.
5. Etymology Memory Algebra
- The
author introduces an algebraic model for memory: with R roots and M sound
modules, the system’s memory capacity is
. For Chinese, this
means 220 roots and 300 sound modules yield 66,000 combinations, making
memorization logical rather than rote.
6. Genealogy and Sound Modules
- The
genealogy of characters is mapped in generations, and sound modules
provide both phonetic and semantic information, further supporting the
system’s internal logic.
7. Yin-Yang Symmetry and Homophones
- The
language leverages yin-yang symmetry and homophones/homographs to enrich
meaning and facilitate memory, distinguishing it from other languages.
8. Final Verdict
- The
author concludes that the Chinese language is not only axiomatic but also
the "perfect language," contrary to the views of many
philologists and sinologists. The system’s principles allow mastery in 90
days for beginners, and the universal proof is both inductive and
deductive.
Key Takeaway:
The article argues that Chinese characters are systematically constructed,
their meanings and sounds are logically deducible, and the language’s structure
is both internally consistent and universally provable. This challenges
traditional views and positions Chinese as a uniquely perfect linguistic
system.
Two,
A detailed explanation of “Mutations and Reincarnation in
Characters” in the context of why the Chinese language was misunderstood and
undervalued by scholars after the May 4th movement. I’ll use the content from
PreBabel Chapter eleven to provide a thorough answer, including examples.
Mutations and Reincarnation in Chinese Characters
1. Mutations in Characters
Mutations refer to the ways Chinese characters have changed,
evolved, or transformed over thousands of years. These changes make etymology
complex and have led to misunderstandings about the system’s logic and
consistency. The main mutation pathways are:
a. Fusion
- Two
or more roots combine to form a new character.
- Examples:
- 並
is the fusion of 立 (stand) and 立 (stand)
- 兼
is the fusion of 秉 (hold) and 秉 (hold)
- 雨
is the fusion of 天 (sky) and 水 (water)
b. Diverging Mutation
- One
root develops many different forms across characters.
- Examples:
- 犬
(dog radical) appears in 犯, 戾, 狀, 吠, 狁, 狂, 狄, 狎, 狐, 狗
- 网
(net radical) in 羅, 罪, 罩, 罰, 罔, 岡
- 肉
(meat radical) in 肚, 肛, 肝, 育, 肥, 腐, 臠, 昔
- 火
(fire radical) in 煇, 炬, 煮, 篜, 煎,
烹,
無,
光
c. Converging Mutation
- Different
roots take on identical or similar forms, causing confusion.
- Examples:
- 月
in 明
is Moon, in 肌 is 肉 (muscle), in 前 is 舟 (boat)
- 几
in 股
is a curved stick, in 几 is a bench, in 鳧 means “fly”
- 日
in 香
is 甘
(sweet), in 音 is 曰 (intelligent speaking), in 杳 is 日
(Sun)
d. Insertion
- A
root is inserted into another character, changing its meaning.
- Examples:
- 行
(walk radical) in 術, 衛, 衙, 銜, 衍, 衒, 衖, 衝, 街, 衡, 衢
- 衣
(clothes radical) in 裔, 裝, 製, 裴, 襲, 裘, 哀, 衰, 衷, 裹, 褒, 襄
e. Multiple Pathways
- Characters
can mutate through several mechanisms at once.
- Examples:
- 黃
is the insertion of 田 (field) into 光 (light)
- 漢
is 水
(water) + 黃
(yellow), meaning “Yellow water”
f. Flipping/Rotations
- Characters
are flipped or rotated, sometimes changing meaning.
- Examples:
- 由
is the vertical flip of 用
- 母
is the left 90-degree rotation of 卵
- 弟
has a radical that is a rotated form, not 弓
g. Camouflage
- A
character’s apparent structure hides its true etymological root.
- Example:
h. Other Mutation Pathways
- The
author notes that many more mutation pathways exist and are discussed in
other works.
2. Reincarnation in Characters
Reincarnation refers to the process where, after a
character’s original meaning is lost due to overuse or semantic drift, a new
character is constructed to “regain” the original meaning. This is done by
adding an appropriate root to the original character, and the pronunciation
remains the same.
Examples of Reincarnated Words:
- 嘗
(cháng, to taste) originally meant “to enjoy sweetness.” As it gained new
meanings (already, attempt, try, formerly), a new word 嚐 was created to restore the original
meaning.
- Other
pairs:
- 幸
/ 倖
- 欲
/ 慾
- 效
/ 傚
- 伊
/ 咿
- 睿
/ 叡
- 蜋
/ 螂
- 付
/ 附
- 贊
/ 讚
- 志
/ 誌
- 周
/ 週
- 咨
/ 諮
- 旨
/ 恉
- 敝
/ 弊
- 眇
/ 渺
- 禁
/ 噤
Purpose and Benefits:
- Reincarnated
words help maintain the principle of “one vocabulary, one meaning, with
100% preciseness.”
- They
allow readers to recover the original meaning when the current usage has
drifted.
- The
process is a deliberate attempt to preserve linguistic clarity and
precision.
Impact of Simplification:
- The
modern simplified character system often eradicates reincarnated words,
not understanding their purpose, which further obscures the logic behind
character construction.
Why This Matters
These mutation and reincarnation processes are central to
understanding the internal logic and richness of the Chinese character system.
However, their complexity led many scholars—especially after the May 4th
movement—to dismiss the system as chaotic or illogical, missing its underlying
axiomatic structure.
Three,
The theory and examples of each proving step for the three
universal premises about Chinese characters:
- All
Chinese words are composed from a finite set of roots.
- The
pronunciation of all Chinese words can be read out from their faces.
- The
meaning of all Chinese words can be read out from their faces.
Below, I’ll explain the theory behind each premise and
provide examples for each proving step, as described in PreBabel Chapter Eleven.
1. Premise One: All Chinese Characters Are Composed from
a Finite Set of Roots
Theory
- Every
Chinese character is constructed from a set of 220 basic word roots. These
roots combine in vertical and horizontal dimensions to form all
characters.
Proving Steps & Examples
- Existential
Introduction: Show one example of a character composed from roots.
- Example:
咼
= 冎
(bone root) over 口 (mouth root), meaning “crooked mouth”.
- Existential
Generalization: Show multiple examples.
- Example:
堝,
喎,
猧,
渦,
媧,
楇—all derived from the root 冎.
- Universal
Proof: For any arbitrary character, its composition can be traced to
these roots.
- Example:
歪
= 不
(not) over 正 (upright), meaning “not straight”.
2. Premise Two: Pronunciation Can Be Read Out from the
Character’s Face
Theory
- The
pronunciation of a character is determined by its sound tag (phonetic
component), homophones, or by analogy with its synonyms. Over 90% of
characters follow this system.
Proving Steps & Examples
- Existential
Introduction: One example where the sound tag matches the
pronunciation.
- Example:
球
(qiú) uses 求 (qiú) as its sound tag.
- Existential
Generalization: Multiple examples with sound tags.
- Example:
媧
(wā) uses 咼
(wāi) as its sound tag; 鵬 (péng) uses 朋 (péng).
- Universal
Proof: For any character, if it lacks an explicit sound tag, it adopts
the pronunciation of its synonym.
- Example:
歪
(wāi) = 咼
(wāi); 間
(jiān) = 見
(jiàn).
3. Premise Three: Meaning Can Be Read Out from the
Character’s Face
Theory
- The
meaning of a character is inferred from its roots, structure, and internal
logic. There are three main pathways: dissection/decoding, pronunciation,
and DNA inheritance (genealogy).
Proving Steps & Examples
- Existential
Introduction: One example where meaning is clear from structure.
- Example:
瞎
(blind) = 目
(eye) + 害
(damaged).
- Existential
Generalization: Multiple examples showing meaning from composition.
- Example:
掌
(palm) = 尚
(top) + 手
(hand); 貨
(product) = 化 (transform) + 貝 (treasure).
- Universal
Proof: For any character, meaning can be deduced from its roots,
sound, or genealogy.
- Example:
DNA inheritance—奄 (big + extend) leads to descendants like 庵
(hut), 閹
(eunuch), 淹
(covered with water), all sharing related meanings.
Summary Table
|
Proving
Step |
|
|
Premise
One (Roots) |
|
|
Premise
Two (Pronunciation) |
Premise
Three (Meaning) |
|
Existential Introduction |
|
|
咼 = 冎 + 口 |
|
|
球 = 求 (sound tag) |
瞎 = 目 + 害 |
|
Existential Generalization |
|
|
堝, 喎, 猧, 渦, 媧, 楇 |
|
|
媧 = 咼, 鵬 = 朋 |
掌 = 尚 + 手, 貨 = 化 + 貝 |
|
Universal Proof |
|
|
歪 = 不 + 正 |
|
|
歪 = 咼, 間 = 見 |
奄 and descendants |
In summary:
The article demonstrates, through theory and examples, that every Chinese
character’s structure, pronunciation, and meaning are systematically derived
from a finite set of roots and logical principles. This universal proof is
established by showing examples, generalizing across many cases, and confirming
the logic applies to any arbitrary character.
Four,
A detailed explanation—both theory and examples—of how the
Chinese vocabulary system is generated, using the example of the root 土 and
its generational expansion (G1, G2, G3, G4, and word phrases/複詞).
Here’s a structured explanation based on Gong’s outline and the principles from
PreBabel Chapter eleven:
How the Chinese Vocabulary System Is Constructed
1. Theoretical Framework
- Finite
Roots and Sound Modules:
The entire system is built from 220 word roots and 300 sound modules. These are the “atoms” of the language. - Generational
Growth:
Characters are created in generations: - G1
(First Generation): Roots combine to form basic characters.
- G2
(Second Generation): G1 characters combine with roots or other G1s.
- G3,
G4, ...: The process continues, but in practice, most single
characters do not go beyond G3 or G4.
- Word
Phrases (複 詞):
When a concept requires more complexity than a single character (n > 3), it is expressed as a word phrase (複 詞), which can theoretically be of unlimited length, but most are under four characters.
2. Step-by-Step Example: The Root 土
Root:
- 土
(earth)
G1 (First Generation):
- 圭
(two 土
stacked; means “jade tablet” or “tall and upright”)
- This
is a direct combination of the root with itself or with a simple variant.
G2 (Second Generation):
- 壵 (complex character built from 圭,
meaning “a mound or high ground”)
- Here,
圭
is further combined or modified, showing how the system expands.
G3 (Third Generation):
- 堯
(built from 壵, meaning “lofty” or
“eminent”)
- This
character is more abstract, but its structure is still traceable to the
original root.
G4 (Fourth Generation):
- 澆,
繞,
燒,
嬈,
曉,
饒
- Each
of these characters is constructed by further combining G3 characters
with other roots or modules, adding new semantic or phonetic elements.
Word Phrases (複 詞):
- 富 饒
(rich and fertile)
- 燒 烤
(barbecue, literally “roast and grill”)
- These
phrases combine single characters to express more complex or specific
meanings. Each phrase has a single, precise meaning, unlike single
characters, which may have multiple meanings.
3. Key Insights
- Systematic
Expansion:
Each generation builds logically on the previous one, and every character’s structure can be traced back to the finite set of roots. - Efficiency
and Precision:
While English has over a million words, Chinese uses about 60,000 characters, but creates over 25 million word phrases (複 詞) for precise vocabulary. - Semantic
Clarity in Phrases:
Single characters may have multiple meanings, but word phrases (複 詞) are constructed to have one and only one meaning, ensuring clarity.
4. Why This Matters
This generational and combinatorial system is what makes
Chinese both compact and expressive. It demonstrates that the language is not
arbitrary but is built on a logical, axiomatic foundation. The process Gong
outlined with 土
→ 圭
→ 壵 → 堯 → 澆/繞/燒/嬈/曉/饒 → 複 詞 is a perfect illustration of how
the vocabulary grows without theoretical limitation, yet remains manageable and
systematic.
Five,
A comparison between Chinese generational vocabulary
formation and English word formation. I’ll provide a detailed, structured
comparison based on linguistic theory and the generational model described in
PreBabel Chapter eleven.
Comparison: Chinese Generational Vocabulary vs. English
Word Formation
1. Chinese Generational Vocabulary Formation
Theory:
- Chinese
vocabulary is built from a finite set of 220 roots and 300 sound modules.
- Characters
are created in generations:
- G1:
Roots combine to form basic characters.
- G2,
G3, G4: Each generation is formed by combining previous-generation
characters with roots or other characters.
- 複 詞
(Word Phrases): For complex meanings, characters are combined into
phrases, which have precise, single meanings.
Example (Root: 土):
- G1:
圭
- G2:
壵
- G3:
堯
- G4:
澆,
繞,
燒,
嬈,
曉,
饒
- 複 詞:
富 饒
(rich and fertile), 燒 烤 (barbecue)
Key Features:
- Systematic,
recursive construction.
- Each
character’s structure and meaning can be traced back to roots.
- Word
phrases (複
詞) are the main vehicle for precise vocabulary, each with
one meaning.
2. English Word Formation
Theory:
- English
words are formed through a variety of processes:
- Derivation:
Adding prefixes and suffixes to roots (e.g., happy → unhappiness).
- Compounding:
Combining two or more words (e.g., greenhouse, toothpaste).
- Borrowing:
Adopting words from other languages (e.g., piano, sushi).
- Blending:
Merging parts of words (e.g., brunch = breakfast + lunch).
- Conversion:
Changing word class without changing form (e.g., to email, a run).
- Acronyms/Abbreviations:
Forming new words from initials (e.g., NASA, radar).
Example:
- Root:
act
- Derivation:
action, active, react, actor, deactivate
- Compounding:
action-figure, play-actor
- Blending:
infomercial (information + commercial)
Key Features:
- No
fixed generational system; word formation is flexible and open-ended.
- Words
can have multiple, sometimes unrelated meanings (polysemy).
- New
words are created rapidly, often through informal processes.
3. Key Differences and Insights
|
Aspect |
Chinese
Generational Vocabulary |
|
|
English
Word Formation |
|
Base
Units |
220 roots, 300 sound modules |
|
|
Thousands of roots, many borrowed |
|
Generational
Growth |
Systematic: G1 → G2 → G3 → ... → 複 詞 |
|
|
No generational system; flexible |
|
Word
Phrases |
複 詞: precise, one meaning per phrase |
|
|
Compounds/phrases: often ambiguous |
|
Meaning |
Traceable to roots and structure |
|
|
Sometimes traceable, often not |
|
Vocabulary
Size |
~60,000 characters, 25+ million phrases |
|
|
1+ million words |
|
Polysemy |
Single characters: multiple meanings; phrases: one meaning |
|
|
Words often have multiple meanings |
Significance:
- Chinese
vocabulary is highly systematic and generative, with clear etymological
paths.
- English
is more flexible, creative, and open to rapid change, but often less
systematic.
- Chinese
複 詞
(word phrases) are designed for semantic precision, while English
compounds and phrases can be ambiguous.
Six,
A detailed explanation of the “Universal proof for Premise
Four: Etymology Memory Algebra,” specifically describing the five
methods: memory table, direct dissection and decoding, genealogy, phonetics
(sound modules), and yin-yang symmetry, with theory and examples. I’ll use the
content from PreBabel Chapter eleven to provide a structured answer.
Universal Proof for Premise Four: Etymology Memory
Algebra
Premise Four states that the Chinese character system’s
memory and learning can be modeled algebraically, making it logical and
systematic rather than reliant on rote memorization. The proof is demonstrated
through five pathways:
1. Memory Table
Theory:
A memory table organizes roots and sound modules in a grid, showing how
combining different elements systematically generates new characters. This
approach reduces the need for rote memorization—characters can be “read out”
from the table by following logical rules.
Example:
A table with leading radicals (modules) as columns and semantic roots as rows.
For instance, combining 木 (wood), 手 (hand), 水 (water), 日 (sun), 貝 (shell/money) with modules like 寒, 昜, 軍, etc., yields characters
such as 楊,
揚,
湯,
暘,
賽,
etc.
This table-based approach allows learners to infer the structure and meaning of
many characters by understanding the logic of the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
昜 |
|
|
軍 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
木 |
|
|
寨 |
|
|
楊 |
|
|
楎 |
|
|
欒 |
|
|
棎 |
|
手/扌 |
|
|
搴 |
|
|
揚 |
|
|
揮 |
|
|
攣 |
|
|
探 |
|
水/氵 |
|
|
寒 |
|
|
湯 |
|
|
渾 |
|
|
灣 |
|
|
深 |
|
日 |
|
|
|
|
暘 |
|
|
暉 |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
貝 |
|
|
賽 |
|
|
|
|
賱 |
|
|
|
|
賝 |
2. Direct Dissection and Decoding
Theory:
Characters can be broken down into their component roots, each contributing to
the overall meaning. By “dissecting” a character, one can decode its meaning
logically.
Examples:
- 掌
(palm) = 尚
(top) + 手
(hand): “the top side of the hand”
- 貨
(product) = 化 (transform) + 貝 (treasure): “money transformed
into products”
- 娛
(entertain) = 女 (woman) + 吳 (leaning head): “a scene of a
girl dancing”
- 瞎
(blind) = 目
(eye) + 害
(damaged): “damaged eye”
3. Genealogy
Theory:
Characters are organized in “family trees” (genealogies), where each generation
is derived from the previous one. This shows how complex characters evolve from
simpler ones, all traceable back to the original roots.
Examples:
- Root
卩
(root 199):
- G1:
卯,
卬
- G2:
卵,
柳,
貿,
昴,
劉
(from 卯),
etc.
- G3:
劉
(from 卯),
with descendants like 嬼, 懰, 瀏, etc.
- Root
土:
- G1:
圭
- G2:
壵
- G3:
堯
- G4:
澆,
繞,
燒,
嬈,
曉,
饒
- 複詞:
富饒,
燒烤
4. Phonetics (Sound Modules)
Theory:
Each character contains a sound module (phonetic component) that guides its
pronunciation. There are about 300 sound modules, and most characters’
pronunciations can be deduced from these.
Examples:
- 球
(qiú) uses 求
(qiú) as its sound tag
- 媧
(wā) uses 咼
(wāi) as its sound tag
- 鵬
(péng) uses 朋 (péng) as its sound tag
- 文
(wen) as a sound module: 溫 (wen), 文 (wen), 吻 (wen), 問
(wen)
- 交
(jiao): 交,
絞,
繳,
教
5. Yin-Yang Symmetry
Theory:
Chinese characters and words often exhibit yin-yang (f/v) symmetry, where pairs
of words share pronunciation but differ in form and meaning, reflecting
complementary or opposite concepts. This principle is rooted in Chinese
philosophy and is used to enrich the language’s expressive power.
Examples:
- 流
(liú, to flow) and 留 (liú, to stay):
- 流
means “flowing away” (negative connotation), while 留
means “to keep or stay” (positive connotation).
- Both
share pronunciation but have opposite or complementary meanings.
- Many
homophones and homographs in Chinese are organized around this principle,
providing a built-in mechanism for error correction and semantic richness.
Summary Table
|
Pathway |
|
|
|
Theory |
Example(s) |
|
Memory Table |
|
|
|
Systematic grid of roots/modules |
木 + 寒 = 寨, 木 + 昜 = 楊, etc. |
|
Dissection/Decoding |
|
|
|
Break down character into roots |
掌 = 尚 + 手, 貨 = 化 + 貝, 娛 = 女 + 吳 |
|
Genealogy |
|
|
|
Family tree of character evolution |
卩 → 卯 → 劉 → 嬼, 懰,
etc.; 土
→ 圭
→ 壵 → 堯 → 澆, 繞, etc. |
|
Phonetics |
|
|
|
Sound modules guide pronunciation |
球 = 求, 媧 = 咼, 文 = 溫, 文, 吻, 問 |
|
Yin-Yang Symmetry |
|
|
|
Complementary pairs with shared pronunciation |
流/留, f/v pairs, semantic opposites |
In summary:
These five pathways demonstrate that the Chinese character system is logical,
systematic, and highly efficient for memory and learning. The etymology memory
algebra is not just theoretical—it is practically implemented through tables,
dissection, genealogy, phonetics, and philosophical symmetry, making Chinese a
uniquely structured language.
Seven,
Two important questions about Gong’s work (PreBabel) and its
impact on the perception and fate of the Chinese language:
1. Does Gong’s work (PreBabel) show that Chinese language
is a ‘perfect language’ in terms of the three criteria?
2. Does Gong’s work vindicate the Chinese language from all those
denouncements and save it from almost being abolished?
1. Does PreBabel Show Chinese Is a ‘Perfect Language’?
Yes, Gong’s work demonstrates that the Chinese language
meets the three criteria for a ‘perfect language’:
The Three Criteria:
- Forming
unlimited lexicons from a finite set of tokens:
PreBabel shows that all Chinese words (characters) are constructed from a finite set of 220 word roots and 300 sound modules. This system allows for the creation of unlimited vocabulary through generational expansion and word phrases (複 詞). - The
sound of every lexicon can be read out from its face:
The pronunciation of Chinese words is systematically encoded via sound tags and modules, making it possible to deduce the sound from the written form for the vast majority of characters. - The
meaning of every lexicon can be read out from its face:
The meaning of each character is logically derived from its roots and structure, and can be decoded through direct dissection, genealogy, and etymological analysis.
Gong’s universal proof uses existential introduction,
generalization, and universal verification to demonstrate these principles for
any arbitrary character, establishing Chinese as a ‘perfect language’ in the
axiomatic sense.
2. Did PreBabel Vindicate Chinese Language and Save It
from Abolition?
Yes, Gong’s work played a major role in vindicating the
Chinese language and reversing its path toward abolition:
Historical Context:
- After
the May Fourth Movement (1920s), Chinese scholars and policymakers viewed
the character system as backward and unscientific, with plans to abolish
it in favor of Romanization or simplification. Influential figures and
Western sinologists criticized Chinese as lacking logical structure and
universality.
Gong’s Impact:
- Gong’s
publications, such as “Chinese Word Roots and Grammar” and “Chinese
Etymology,” provided a new understanding of Chinese as a root-based
axiomatic system. This logical structure allowed for efficient learning
and universal application, directly challenging the criticisms and
misconceptions.
- His
work led to a reevaluation of Chinese language policy, with China
abandoning Romanization efforts and reaffirming the value of
traditional characters. The system is now recognized as a “perfect
language” due to its root-based structure and logical attributes.
Conclusion:
Gong’s PreBabel theory not only proved the Chinese language’s perfection in
terms of structure, pronunciation, and meaning, but also vindicated it from
decades of denouncement, influencing policy and saving it from near
abolition. This is described as a victory for Chinese culture and humanity.
Eight,
How Gong’s PreBabel changed language policy, especially
regarding the Chinese language’s status and future.
How PreBabel Changed Language Policy
1. Historical Context: Crisis and Denouncement
After the May Fourth Movement (1920s), Chinese intellectuals
and policymakers widely regarded the Chinese character system as backward
and unscientific. There were serious proposals to abolish Chinese
characters in favor of Romanization or other alphabetic systems, with some
plans aiming for complete abolition by 2016. Both Chinese and Western
scholars criticized the language for lacking logical structure, universality,
and efficiency.
2. PreBabel’s Theoretical Breakthrough
PreBabel, developed by Jeh Tween Gong, provided a new,
axiomatic framework for understanding Chinese:
- It
demonstrated that Chinese is built from a finite set of roots and sound
modules, forming an internally consistent, generative, and logical system.
- PreBabel
established that Chinese meets the three criteria for a “perfect
language”:
- Unlimited
vocabulary from finite roots
- Pronunciation
deductible from character structure
- Meaning
deducible from character structure.
3. Impact on Language Policy
A. Reversal of Abolition Plans
- PreBabel’s
rigorous proofs and demonstrations led to a reevaluation of Chinese
language policy.
- The
logical, systematic nature of Chinese, as revealed by PreBabel, undermined
the rationale for Romanization and abolition.
- Policymakers
and scholars began to recognize the value and scientific merit of the
traditional character system.
B. Restoration and Vindication
- The
Chinese language was vindicated from decades of denouncement.
- PreBabel’s
findings contributed to the abandonment of plans to abolish Chinese
characters, and instead, efforts shifted toward preserving and promoting
the language’s unique structure and heritage.
C. Influence on Linguistic Research and Education
- PreBabel’s
axiomatic approach influenced linguistic research, curriculum design, and
public attitudes toward Chinese.
- The
language is now increasingly recognized as a model of a “perfect language”
in both academic and policy circles.
Key Takeaway
PreBabel fundamentally changed the trajectory of Chinese
language policy by:
- Providing
a logical, scientific foundation for the language
- Reversing
the trend toward Romanization and abolition
- Restoring
pride and confidence in the Chinese character system
- Establishing
Chinese as a “perfect language” in the modern linguistic paradigm
A summary of key policy shifts that occurred after the publication of Gong’s PreBabel and its impact on Chinese language policy.
Key Policy Shifts After PreBabel’s Publication
1. Abandonment of Abolition Plans
- Before
PreBabel, there were serious proposals to abolish the Chinese character
system in favor of Romanization or alphabetic writing, with a Chinese law targeting
complete abolition by 2016.
- After
PreBabel demonstrated the logical, axiomatic structure of Chinese, these
abolition plans were abandoned. Policymakers recognized the scientific
merit and cultural value of the traditional character system.
2. Restoration of Confidence and Pride
- The
Chinese language was vindicated from decades of denouncement by
both Chinese and Western scholars.
- PreBabel’s
findings led to renewed pride in the language’s unique structure,
reversing the narrative that Chinese was backward or unscientific.
3. Shift in Educational and Linguistic Policy
- Language
education policy shifted to emphasize the root-based, generative nature of
Chinese, making learning more systematic and efficient.
- Research
and curriculum design began to incorporate PreBabel’s axiomatic
principles, promoting deeper understanding of character formation and
etymology.
4. Recognition of Chinese as a ‘Perfect Language’
- Chinese
was officially and academically recognized as a “perfect language,”
meeting the criteria of unlimited vocabulary from finite roots, systematic
pronunciation, and logical meaning derivation.
- This
recognition influenced both domestic and international linguistic
research, positioning Chinese as a model for language structure and
efficiency.
5. Policy Support for Preservation and Promotion
- Instead
of simplification or Romanization, policy shifted toward preserving and
promoting the traditional character system.
- Efforts
were made to document, teach, and celebrate the logical structure and
cultural heritage of Chinese characters.
Summary:
After the publication of PreBabel {by Tienzen (Jeh-Tween) Gong}, Chinese
language policy underwent a dramatic shift—from plans for abolition and
simplification to restoration, pride, and preservation. The language is now
recognized for its logical, axiomatic structure and celebrated as a “perfect
language,” thanks to the rigorous proofs and advocacy provided by Gong’s
PreBabel.
No comments:
Post a Comment