An interactive exploration of linguistic resonance, the Onomatopoeia Typewriter translates the silent, hieroglyphic nature of Chinese characters into a tactile and auditory experience. While Western onomatopoeia is phonetic, Chinese characters often contain a dual essence, representing both the sound and the movement of a moment. By repurposing a vintage typewriter as a melodic instrument, each keystroke maps a specific character to its hidden sonic counterpart. The installation invites the viewer to improvise with language, leaving behind a sonic score composed entirely with words.

《象聲詞打字機》將漢字如象形文字般的本質，轉譯為觸覺與聽覺的感官體驗。相較於西方象聲詞的純粹拼音化，漢字往往蘊含著雙重核心，同時代表著當下的聲音與動態。透過將古董打字機重新構思為一種旋律樂器，每一次敲擊，都將特定的文字映射至其隱藏的聲音複本。這件裝置邀請觀者以語言展開一場即興演出，留下由文字構成的聲音樂譜。

Design & Concept: Chia Ying Lee
Design Assistance: Shu Yang Lin
Programming: Chia Ying Lee
Exhibition: Typephoon, organised by Tien Tien Circle Creatives, Taipei
Medium: Repurposed vintage typewriter, press-sensing mechanics, custom coded program
Year: 2012
Photography: Courtesy of Tien Tien Circle Creatives