You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) Kangxi strokes: 27 Page 1188, Entry 18 Pronounced dǎng. Shuowen Jiezi (Shuowen) defines it as speaking directly. Yupian (Yupian) defines it as virtuous speech. History of the Former Han (Qianhan shu), Biography of Ban Gu: I have not seen Master Ban for a long time; today I have again heard direct, honest speech. Records of the Three Kingdoms (Weizhi), Biography of Wang Xiu: His loyalty and direct speech were not recognized at the time. Also used as a personal name. History of the Later Han (Houhan shu), Biographies of Confucian Scholars: Governor Huang Dang. Also used interchangeably with the character for faction (dǎng). Xunzi (Xunzi), Non-physiognomy Chapter: Extensive knowledge and upright in speech (dǎng), this is the eloquence of a noble man. Commentary: The character for faction (dǎng) is the same as this character. It refers to direct and honest speech. Pronounced dǎng (falling tone). Speech that is reasonable. Sometimes written as a variant form (dǎng). Pronounced tǎng. Beautiful or fine speech.