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Some small fic PSAs for cultural sensitivity/compliance in the MXTX extended universe:
When a character practises martial arts, the movement patterns would just be called forms, e.g. WWX learning Yunmeng Jiang sword forms
Kata is a Japanese word used to describe martial arts forms, please don't use it in canon universe or to describe Chinese martial art forms
Kata is a Japanese word used to describe martial arts forms, please don't use it in canon universe or to describe Chinese martial art forms
Traditionally, Taoist talismans are drawn using cinnabar, red ink with a brush, or blood if you're in a pinch - sometimes black can be used but only in very rare extenuating circumstances.
In a modern AU, intent is important: I'd say red anything will go before black.
In a modern AU, intent is important: I'd say red anything will go before black.
Taoist talismans are usually drawn on joss paper (the yellow, thin paper you sometimes see people burn for the dead) - sometimes cloth can be substituted for specific use, and when all else fails the talisman can be drawn in the air using fingers or lit joss sticks (incense), -
- or even carved into the material (this includes human organs/skin). Talismans are usually drawn on thin yellow joss paper, or yellow cloth (silk/cotton is common).
When talismans are drawn through the air for use on a person, they should be drawn as close to skin as possible.
When talismans are drawn through the air for use on a person, they should be drawn as close to skin as possible.
Witches (according to conventional Western lore) do not exist in Chinese mythology. If you've watched the dumpster fire that is Disney's Mulan and seen the angry yelling that came after, that is a clue.
Taoist exorcism rituals should just be described as they are - when in doubt I like to keep things as simple as possible, and I also filter heavily for Western coded words regardless of whether I'm writing canon/AU (I do have context from being Chinese Taoist medium kid though)
The symbols used in drawing Taoist talismans are called radicals, similar to the radicals that make up the components of modern Chinese word.
Please don't use "rune" - iirc that's for Nordic mythology, "sigil" is also used primarily for Western culture/religion etc
Please don't use "rune" - iirc that's for Nordic mythology, "sigil" is also used primarily for Western culture/religion etc
This is more of a stylistic preference - when someone is being referred to by their birth name, it's usually written as A-Yao, A'Yao, Yao'er or Yao-er. I feel like the function of the second syllable is to diffuse the awkwardness of just "Yao" and to imply affection/closeness?
As MDZS characters have both a birth name and a courtesy name, it is more common to add an intimate prefix/suffix (like above) to the birth name - this is why Lan Sizhui is A-Yuan, because his birth name is Wen Yuan. I'm pretty sure we never find out Lan Jingyi's birth name -
- so Lan Jingyi would just be called Jingyi to imply affection and intimacy, not A-Yi. Same for Ouyang Zizhen.
Jin Rulan/Jin Ling would be referred to as A-Ling since we know his birth name.
The only exception (again a personal stylistic preference) is -
Jin Rulan/Jin Ling would be referred to as A-Ling since we know his birth name.
The only exception (again a personal stylistic preference) is -
Wei Wuxian, who is repeatedly referred to as A-Xian by Jiang Yanli, shortening his birth name Wei Ying to just A-Ying is a little odd (imo), and the only person I presume would refer to him as that is Lan Wangji, who still seems unlikely to use that name (Wei Ying intensifies)
Chinese names with only two words are usually called together, for example Lan Zhan and never just "Zhan", or Wei Ying and never just "Ying". This one I'm not so sure specifically why - I'm pretty sure someone else out there knows better than I do.
// I interrupt the broadcast to humbly request that you appreciate your cultural consultants, translators etc by thanking and crediting them - I'm afraid I no longer translate or consult for people I don't know, but I'm happy to signal boost if needed //
// Please attempt to Google before asking for cultural consult/translation assistance, and if you are asking multiple people for help please disclose that.
Also note that I am not here to validate or give permission for ideas, as I am not a representative of Chinese people. //
Also note that I am not here to validate or give permission for ideas, as I am not a representative of Chinese people. //
Ancient Chinese people (like in canon MXTX universe) used soapberry instead of soap - there's definitely no shampoo and conditioner. If you're having trouble with a bath scene, just say they take a bath and help each other wash. Imo it's better to be vague than get details wrong
The cultivation world and culture in MXTX extended universe canon is Taoist/Buddhist - sorry, this is a hill I'm willing to die on. Do what you will with modern AU unless you're including specialized cultural information that an expert is supposed to know.
From @diana_liwen and also @milkoolongmochi on adding intimate prefix/suffix like "A-" or "-er" to single syllable names:
Chinese words have many homonyms, which is why most words are two+ characters because the added context helps narrow down the meaning. Just "Ying" can mean-
Chinese words have many homonyms, which is why most words are two+ characters because the added context helps narrow down the meaning. Just "Ying" can mean-
-many other things.
Intimacy prefix/suffix decisions also depend on how the chosen name syllable sounds with the added syllable. If you've seen the CQL version of LWJ's invitation letter to WWX, WWX's name gets shortened to just "Ying", but if spoken it will sound unpleasant. -
Intimacy prefix/suffix decisions also depend on how the chosen name syllable sounds with the added syllable. If you've seen the CQL version of LWJ's invitation letter to WWX, WWX's name gets shortened to just "Ying", but if spoken it will sound unpleasant. -
- In short, WWX's name is almost never just "Ying" in any 1st/2nd/3rd person narrative or dialogue, since narrative is similar to the narrator telling the story to the reader.
Again, when in doubt, default to the common usage of names.
Again, when in doubt, default to the common usage of names.
From @SkiesJrain, further illustration on prefix/suffix usage in single syllable names:
JYL calls WWX and JZX A-Xian and A-Xuan respectively, even though the syllable used comes from their courtesy names. However, she calls JC A-Cheng instead of A-Yin (from Jiang Wanyin)-
JYL calls WWX and JZX A-Xian and A-Xuan respectively, even though the syllable used comes from their courtesy names. However, she calls JC A-Cheng instead of A-Yin (from Jiang Wanyin)-
-probably because A-Yin doesn't sound so great. This distinction is pretty hard to define, so if you're unfamiliar with Chinese language and culture it's totally understandable to not have an ear for what sounds right - there is no shame in making mistakes and learning!
//There is no shame in messing up and learning how to be better - fandom and writing should be fun, but it can also be really thankless so please be kind to you so you can enjoy yourself for longer.
What matters is how you respond to a person who is calling in (vs calling out)-
What matters is how you respond to a person who is calling in (vs calling out)-
-because chances are the interaction will be difficult for both the person speaking up and the person receiving the feedback.
Making mistakes doesn't make you any less valid, it's important to learn how to own it and make amends without treating it like a personal attack. //
Making mistakes doesn't make you any less valid, it's important to learn how to own it and make amends without treating it like a personal attack. //
