中国的公文为什么不说人话？解读公文写作的逻辑Interpretation of the logic of Chinese official documents｜公文｜公务员｜政治｜写作｜考公｜职场｜

Summary

In this video, Anthony addresses concerns from viewers about emailing him and emphasizes the importance of honest expression. He then explores the nature of Chinese official documents, explaining their vague language, repetitive rhetoric, and reliance on fixed phrases and metaphors. He highlights how these documents often contain empty words, clichés, and even plagiarism. Anthony also discusses the bureaucratic challenges and emotional struggles faced by those who write these documents, ultimately questioning the value and impact of such writings in Chinese society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anthony encourages his audience to freely express their true feelings and opinions in emails without worrying about wording or political correctness.
• 📝 The video discusses how Chinese official documents are written and why they are often seen as offensive.
• 📋 Official documents in China include various types like resolutions, decisions, orders, notices, opinions, reports, and work plans.
• ✒️ The term 'pen masters' refers to those who write materials within the system, highlighting the importance of ideology and propaganda work in China.
• 🔍 Chinese official documents often use vague terms like 'in principle' to allow flexibility and avoid clear commitments.
• 📖 Many official documents are filled with empty words, nonsense, clichés, and plagiarism, which makes them seem insincere and unoriginal.
• 🪖 War metaphors are commonly used in Chinese official documents, reflecting the significant role of the military in the country's history.
• 📜 Quotes and clichés from senior leaders or party documents are often included in official documents to ensure political consistency.
• ⚠️ Red-headed documents, or unofficially named normative documents, are frequently used to enforce administrative power without transparent procedures.
• 📊 Writing official documents is a challenging and often painful task for many writers within the system, leading to feelings of powerlessness and dependence.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how Chinese official documents are written and why they are increasingly perceived as offensive.

Why does Anthony encourage viewers to email him without worrying about wording and expression?

Anthony encourages viewers to email him without worrying about wording and expression because he values their true feelings and opinions more than rigorous or politically correct language.

What types of documents are included in the category of 'official documents' in China?

Chinese official documents include resolutions, decisions, orders, communiqués, announcements, notices, opinions, notifications, reports, requests for instructions, replies, proposals, work summaries, work plans, experience materials, conventions, codes, regulations, and rules.

What term is used to refer to people who write materials within the Chinese government system, and what is its origin?

People who write materials within the Chinese government system are called 'pen masters,' a term originating from Mao Zedong's saying, 'Revolution relies on guns and pens.'

What are some common features of Chinese official documents that make them offensive?

Common features that make Chinese official documents offensive include ambiguity, the use of empty words, clichés, and a lot of plagiarism.

How does the term 'in principle' create ambiguity in Chinese official documents?

'In principle' creates ambiguity because it allows for flexibility and exceptions that are not explicitly stated, leading to unclear and ambiguous directives.

What is an example of plagiarism in Chinese official documents mentioned in the video?

An example of plagiarism is the 2014 speech by the Secretary of the Jiaocheng County Party Committee, which was reported to have plagiarized more than 90% of a speech given by the Secretary of the Luliang Municipal Party Committee a week earlier.

What are 'red-headed documents,' and why are they problematic?

Red-headed documents are normative documents issued by administrative agencies without a formal legislative process, leading to excessive administrative power, lack of transparency, and potential abuse.

Why is there a tendency for excessive repetition and empty language in Chinese official documents?

Excessive repetition and empty language occur because officials fear making mistakes and seek to align closely with superior directives, leading to self-censorship and a lack of meaningful content.

How does the author describe the emotional impact on those who write official documents within the Chinese system?

The author describes the emotional impact as one of deep powerlessness and emptiness, with writers feeling a sense of dependence, personality suffering, and mental strain due to the lack of intrinsic value in their work.