A video shows Dong Yuhui saying "stay in touch" in English as he says goodbye to Huo Qigang, while Huo Qigang uses Mandarin. This scene sparked a heated discussion on the Internet, with some netizens questioning why Dong Yuhui didn't use Mandarin to communicate, thinking that his behavior seemed a little uncomfortable, and some netizens even commented that "it's a bit contrived... The inferiority complex in the bones cannot be concealed".
Some people criticized Dong Yuhui for saying "stay in touch" in English when he met Huo Qigang in Hong Kong, thinking that he was "a bit contrived, and the inferiority complex in his bones cannot be concealed". I watched this video, and in addition to being a little speechless, I also had a feeling of unpopularity - it was like watching a wonderful "drama" that interpreted language.
Language is never simply language, it is often a representation of identity, a portrayal of an attitude, and a symbol of identity. A simple sentence of English may not only be used for communication purposes, but also may be shaped by complex social situations and psychological factors.
Here's a typical example:
In the context of Hong Kong, English and Chinese are both lingua franca, but when a mainlander appears, what language choice will the two sides tend to?
For Dong Yuhui, he will subconsciously use English, out of consideration for respecting the other party's language environment, and it also reflects his international cultivation. But for Huo Qigang, he chose Chinese perhaps because of the familiarity of the other party.
Switching between two languages is like a game. When there is "language asymmetry", both parties are unconsciously competing for their identity, self-cultivation, social status, and so on. This kind of process, which does not need to be deliberate, often happens unconsciously.
It's like when two people who know each other talk to each other, they will consciously or unconsciously show their identity and value each other's evaluations. What's more, Dong Yuhui and Huo Qigang, one is an Internet celebrity and the other is a social activist, both of whom are public figures, and they pay more attention to the maintenance of their own image.
Therefore, when Dong Yuhui said "stay in touch" in English, it may be an unintentional act to reflect his own cultivation, or it may be a conscious "show off". And Fok Qigang's Chinese response also reflects his authentic Hong Kong background. In a way, the two show their respective identities.
Among them, is there an inferiority complex? I can't comment. But what is certain is that people's choice of language is never a simple language, and often hides richer connotations and deep psychology.
For example, if a girl speaks Chinese to her boyfriend and English to her girlfriend, can you understand the difference between her inner status of the two? For example, if a teacher talks about "China time" or "Beijing time" on the Internet, how would you feel about his attitude?
The drama of language is staged everywhere, and it is worth playing everywhere. With just one sentence of "stay in touch", can you really conclude that Dong Yuhui has "inferiority complex in his bones"?
Everyone is a child of society, and the choice of language is often involuntarily influenced by many factors. We are accustomed to using our mother tongue, perhaps out of attachment to our familiar environment; We deliberately use foreign languages, perhaps to show off our own experience and cultivation.
This is like someone who likes to show off their brand-name bags in the circle of friends, and someone who likes to show off on the road in a luxury car, which is nothing more than a need for human nature to pursue identity and gain the recognition of others.
So, when we see that a person's choice of language is a little "contrived", we might as well think again, is it just that we are too superficially equating it with "inferiority"?
The language switch between Dong Yuhui and Huo Qigang is actually a kind of ingenious rhetoric and a tacit understanding. Without knowing it, they used language to perfectly interpret the identity, cultural accomplishment, and social position of both parties at that moment.
It's like a brilliant mime, with an insight into human nature through body language. Although Dong Yuhui and Huo Qigang's choice of language is just an episode, it is worth our careful experience to explore the various clues of human nature.
The so-called inferiority complex is nothing more than the presumptuous comments of ordinary people who turn a blind eye to the connotation behind the language. Rather than arbitrarily dismissing it as "inferiority", it is better to calm down and appreciate the human nature behind the language.
Only by understanding the rhetoric inherent in language can we truly grasp the richness of human nature, see through the psychological motivations behind behavior, and not be confused and constrained by appearances.
The next time you see a person's dramatic choice of language, stop and wonder if it's just an identity he is secretly conveying. Is he unconsciously showing you his cultural accomplishments? Is he also quietly expecting your approval and approval?
To understand the intention behind other people's words, don't be too arbitrary, and don't easily regard this kind of human nature as the word "inferiority". Life will be enriched by this, and your understanding and tolerance will increase day by day.
By understanding the core of language, you will be able to appreciate the diversity of human nature. Only by letting go of preconceptions and thinking with empathy will you not be deceived by those appearances. Just like what Dong Yuhui and Huo Qigang showed us in vivid language - this is just a wonderful "language show" of life.