2 weeks ago
China Pushes Chinese AI Terms to Boost Discourse Power
China is asking its people to use Chinese words for new technology like artificial intelligence instead of English words.
Many AI words we use come from English, like 'agent' or 'LLM.'
China's government says using Chinese words will help the country have more power in global technology talks.
A big Chinese newspaper called People's Daily wrote about this.
It said using too many foreign words could make China depend on other countries' ideas.
That way of thinking is called 'cognitive dependency.'
China already decided to use the word 'ciyuan' for 'token' in March.
The newspaper did not say English words must be banned everywhere.
It said Chinese terms can be used together with English when needed.
This is part of China's bigger plan to lead in new technologies like 5G, AI, and robotics.
Chinese authorities are encouraging standard Chinese terminology for AI instead of English terms such as 'agent' and 'LLM.'
The initiative aims to strengthen China's 'discourse power' and reduce reliance on English-centric technology vocabulary.
A People's Daily commentary warned that heavy use of foreign tech terms could create 'cognitive dependency.'
An official decision in March made 'ciyuan' the standard Chinese translation for the AI term 'token.'
The commentary did not call for a complete ban, suggesting Chinese terminology be used alongside English where necessary.
- Who
- Chinese authorities and the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily.
- What
- A push to encourage standard Chinese terminology for AI and related technologies instead of English terms.
- Where
- China.
- When
- Recent push, following an official decision in March to use 'ciyuan' for the AI term 'token.'
- Why
- To strengthen China's 'discourse power' and avoid 'cognitive dependency' on English-centric technology vocabulary.
Key facts
- Initiative
- Standard Chinese terminology for AI and related tech
- English terms targeted
- Agent, LLM (large language model)
- Translation example
- Token translated as 'ciyuan'
- Decision date
- March, official decision
- Key argument
- English jargon creates 'cognitive dependency'
- Recommended approach
- Dual approach, Chinese terms alongside English where needed
- Reporting outlet
- South China Morning Post
- Older Chinese term example
- 'Dian nao' (electric brain) for computer
Sources
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