On Language

Literature is the art of language. As a fixed form of communication, literature mainly refers to the art of written language. The artistic nature of language brings endless fascination to literature. Literature uses text to vividly express the state and demeanor of its subjects, accurately conveying the emotions of the author. The ideographic nature of Chinese characters brings a unique sentiment to Chinese literature, where the depiction and symbolism of life and human emotions are expressed through idea-image. The poetic and picturesque qualities of Chinese characters create an immersive experience. From the form and charm of Chinese characters to the rhythm of language, rhetorical methods, and the relationship between words and their meanings, each has its own characteristics. The form of the characters reflects the rhythm due to the sounds they represent, with the sound rhythm of poetry especially embodying the musical pentatonic scale. The use of alliteration and assonance showcases the rhythmic characteristics of the Chinese language, reflecting the harmony of natural tones. The inner spirit is expressed through syllables, which in turn are expressed through words and sentences. The rise and fall in the language of literary works correspond to human emotions, forming a form-spirit relationship, reflecting the principle of moderation. Chinese literature uses words to depict images, and images to convey meanings, creating tension between words and meanings; uses diction, antithesis, exaggeration, and allusion to embody the characteristic of expressing profound meanings through simple words.