Linguistic Anomalies: A Close Reading of the Bitcoin Whitepaper
Chapter 7
The Bitcoin whitepaper contains several distinctive linguistic patterns that offer valuable clues about its author’s background. These patterns range from unusual phrase constructions to surprising metaphorical choices, each providing insight into Satoshi’s linguistic origins.
7.1. Passive Voice and Formal Constructions
The document’s handling of passive voice presents particularly telling patterns. Consider the sentence “New transactions are broadcast to all nodes.” While grammatically correct, this passive construction feels awkward in English; a native speaker would likely write “The system broadcasts new transactions to all nodes.” This preference for passive voice suggests Germanic language influence, where such constructions are more common.
Similarly, the phrase “The necessity to announce all transactions publicly precludes this method” demonstrates unusually formal construction. A native English speaker would typically opt for simpler phrasing like “The need to make all transactions public prevents this.” This formality points toward academic English learned in non-native contexts.
7.2. Striking Register Shifts
One of the most interesting features is the document’s unexpected shifts between formal and informal language. The phrase “hassling them for more information” stands out dramatically in an otherwise formal academic paper. This casual term amid technical discussion suggests someone who acquired English through mixed channels—formal academic study combined with real-world exposure.
The metaphor “a lucky lunge forward” presents another surprising register shift. This physical combat terminology appears unexpectedly in a technical context, suggesting possible familiarity with martial arts or combat sports vocabulary—an intriguing personal detail that slipped through the author’s usually careful writing.
7.3. Topic-Comment Structures
The document contains several sentences that follow Japanese/Germanic topic-comment structure. “What is needed is an electronic payment system” exemplifies this pattern. A native English speaker would more naturally write “We need an electronic payment system.” This construction suggests thought patterns from languages that prioritize topic-comment structure.
7.4. Creative Metaphorical Usage
Satoshi’s use of metaphor reveals interesting patterns. The phrase “Once the latest transaction in a coin is buried under enough blocks” employs “buried” in an unusual way. While effective, this mixing of physical and technical concepts suggests creative non-native usage—someone thinking across multiple linguistic frameworks to explain new concepts.
7.5. Technical and Legal Language Mixing
The author demonstrates interesting patterns in combining different English registers. The phrase “nodes can leave and rejoin the network at will” unexpectedly employs formal legal terminology (“at will”) in a technical context. This suggests exposure to various English registers, possibly through international academic or professional experience.
7.6. Grammatical Tells
A few rare grammatical errors provide important clues. The phrase “The steady addition of a constant of amount of new coins” contains a clear grammatical mistake (“of amount of”). This type of error, rare in the document, suggests high but not native proficiency.
Founder and Managing Partner of Skarbiec Law Firm, recognized by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna as one of the best tax advisory firms in Poland (2023, 2024). Legal advisor with 19 years of experience, serving Forbes-listed entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups. One of the most frequently quoted experts on commercial and tax law in the Polish media, regularly publishing in Rzeczpospolita, Gazeta Wyborcza, and Dziennik Gazeta Prawna. Author of the publication “AI Decoding Satoshi Nakamoto. Artificial Intelligence on the Trail of Bitcoin’s Creator” and co-author of the award-winning book “Bezpieczeństwo współczesnej firmy” (Security of a Modern Company). LinkedIn profile: 18 500 followers, 4 million views per year. Awards: 4-time winner of the European Medal, Golden Statuette of the Polish Business Leader, title of “International Tax Planning Law Firm of the Year in Poland.” He specializes in strategic legal consulting, tax planning, and crisis management for business.