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Business Quote by Gao Xingjian

“The enterprise of describing something in language that has never been described before is a very difficult thing to do. When you decide to do away with old cliches or old phraseologies, and to come up with a new way of saying something, it's extremely difficult.” quote by Gao Xingjian
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“The enterprise of describing something in language that has never been described before is a very difficult thing to do. When you decide to do away with old cliches or old phraseologies, and to come up with a new way of saying something, it's extremely difficult.”

Gao Xingjian

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Language, 1995

Creating entirely new expressions without relying on clichés is extremely challenging, demanding originality and linguistic innovation.

In simple terms: Inventing fresh ways to describe the unspoken is hard.

Key Takeaway

Seek originality, avoid clichés.

Themes

innovation language creativity challenge

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • teaching
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

Linguistics philosophy of language

Questions to Reflect On

  • What strategies help you break old linguistic habits?
  • Can novelty be measured?
A Different Perspective

New expressions may still be constrained by cultural understandings.

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