Seance 1 - 初 (Beginning)
Hong Kong Type #6
初 (Beginning)
(Computer notebook screen. A blank page. The cursor is blinking. Text appears one character at a time.)
The History of Hong Kong Type
(Stops. Text is deleted.)
Hong Kong Type
(Text appears.)
Legend of Hong Kong Type
(Text is deleted.)
Hong Kong Type
(Text appears.)
Myth of Hong Kong Type
(Stops. Cursor is blinking.)
Who is it?
Who’s speaking?
It’s us.
Us? Who are you?
We are characters.
Characters? How do characters speak?
If characters don’t speak, then who does?
That’s true. So what do you want to say?
We want to say what you want to say.
What I want to say?
The story of Hong Kong Type.
How can you speak?
Because we are characters. Characters can of course speak about characters.
Tell your own story?
Isn’t it only natural?
So, should I stop?
No, we want to speak through you. You are our tool.
I am a tool?
Someone has to write characters, type characters, print characters.
Humans are tools for characters? That’s completely inverted! I’ve never heard of such a thing.
We are character spirits.
This is getting more and more absurd.
When humans communicate with character spirits, they will find their own stories. If they don’t, they are just tools.
How can one communicate?
As the saying goes: “The characters are spirited, and the people are talented.” *
Don’t misuse idioms.
The combination of characters can be innovative.
What’s this about talented people? What are you trying to say?
"Talented people" means those with special gifts. In modern language, it’s superpowers.
I have superpowers?
The ability to communicate with character spirits.
Are you talking about channeling spirits?
I’ve said she is special.
Who’s speaking?
Another character.
Another character? How many of you are there?
When it comes to characters, of course there are many. Could there be only one? It’s common sense.
But what about character spirits? Does each character have a spirit?
That would be too troublesome! There's only one character spirit.
We are many in one, and one in many.
Very mystical!
We are spirits, so of course, it must be a bit mystical.
Well then, do tell.
In the commencement, there was the Word, and thereafter language did emerge. Within language, there was significance; in significance, there was essence; and this essence was hallowed.
Why are you using classical language?
I like the scriptural style.
Weren't we talking about Hong Kong Type?
Don't be impatient; we have to start from the beginning.
From the very beginning? Isn’t that too far?
Without a beginning, how can there be now? Let's first talk about the character “初” (beginning).
(Sighs) Go on, then!
Beginning, birth, initial time, first draft, first edition, original intention, first night...
Enough, enough. Let another speak.
In the beginning were the oracles, the sacred utterances and the scriptures; all came forth from characters.
Ancient characters, you really persist in this!
Scriptural style suits creation myths.
Create what?
The world of characters.
Alright, alright. What next?
The first characters were hewn, then they were inscribed. Those who did hew and inscribe were either priests or bureaucrats.
It’s too bookish. Can you change the style?
Then printing showed up.
Wow! Suddenly switching to colloquial speech!
Colloquial language also has characters; if there are characters, they can be spoken.
You can do it in Cantonese too?
Of course! We are Hong Kong Type after all!
Then let’s quickly start talking about typecasting and movable-type printing.
Hold on! Don't be so impatient; we can't talk about everything all at once.
Why?
It would be too exhausting.
Are you afraid of getting tired?
We’re afraid you might not adapt. Channeling spirits ain’t no joke, man; it really zaps your energy.
Canst thou be more refined?
I’m not tired.
Miss Talented, we know you’re not in good shape.
What’s wrong with me?
Don’t pretend to be strong. We know about you.
About me?
About what happened to you last year.
How do you know? Who exactly are you? What are you? Is this my illusion?
Her emotions seem a bit unstable.
She needs time to heal.
Hey guys, could you please not use the third person?
Sorry, we were discussing.
Discussing someone in her presence is a bit rude, isn’t it?
Forgive us! Forgive us! With so many characters, it’s inevitable that we’ll speak over each other.
You’ll get used to it gradually; please don’t be impatient.
I’m not impatient; I just don’t understand.
Not understanding is not surprising; this is our first meeting.
The first time?
Yes, our conversation will continue. But not today.
What do you all really want?
Take it slow, take it slow. We’ll talk again next time.
Hey! Hey!
Don't worry! We will come again. Miss Talented!
[To be continued]
* The original Chinese saying “地靈人傑” (dì líng rén jié) translates to English as “The land is spirited, and the people are outstanding.” It implies that a place with beautiful scenery and rich resources will give rise to talented and distinguished people. The wording is changed to “字靈人傑” here, that’s why Sun Fei says the character spirits misuse the idiom.