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Netspeak and Wordplay Used by Over 700 Million Chinese Internet Users

Esteban Cox

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Published in China Online: Netspeak And Wordplay Used By Over 700 Million Chinese Internet Users

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The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, and the Chinese language is no exception. Over the past few decades, a vibrant and dynamic new form of language has emerged on the Chinese internet, known as Netspeak or "Wangluo Yuyan" (网络语言).

China Online: Netspeak and Wordplay Used by over 700 Million Chinese Internet Users

by Véronique Michel

4.1 out of 5

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Netspeak is a unique blend of Chinese characters, pinyin, numbers, and symbols that has become the preferred mode of communication for millions of Chinese internet users. It is characterized by its brevity, creativity, and often humorous tone.

Origins of Netspeak

The origins of Netspeak can be traced back to the early days of the Chinese internet in the mid-1990s. As more and more Chinese people began to use the internet, they found that the traditional Chinese writing system was not well-suited for online communication. It was time-consuming to input Chinese characters using a keyboard, and the formal language used in traditional Chinese writing was not conducive to the casual and informal nature of online chat and discussion.

To overcome these challenges, Chinese internet users began to develop a new set of shortcuts and abbreviations. They used pinyin to represent Chinese characters, and they created new words and phrases that were specifically tailored to the online environment.

Evolution of Netspeak

Over time, Netspeak has continued to evolve, incorporating new words and phrases from a variety of sources, including popular culture, slang, and even foreign languages. It has also been influenced by the development of new technologies, such as mobile messaging and social media.

Today, Netspeak is a vibrant and ever-changing language that is used by over 700 million Chinese internet users. It is an essential part of Chinese internet culture, and it has even begun to influence the way that people speak and write in everyday life.

Wordplay in Netspeak

One of the most distinctive features of Netspeak is its use of wordplay. Chinese characters are often used in creative and unexpected ways to create new words and phrases. For example, the word "diao" (屌),which means "penis", can also be used to mean "awesome" or "cool".

Wordplay is also used to create humorous effects. For example, the phrase "wo de tian a" (我的天啊),which literally means "my god", is often used to express surprise or disbelief.

Cultural Significance of Netspeak

Netspeak is more than just a language. It is a reflection of the values and attitudes of Chinese internet users. It is a way for them to express themselves in a creative and playful way.

Netspeak has also had a significant impact on Chinese culture. It has helped to popularize new words and phrases, and it has even influenced the way that people think about language and communication.

Examples of Netspeak

Here are a few examples of Netspeak words and phrases:

88: goodbye
94: forever
BTW: by the way
LOL: laughing out loud
OMG: oh my god
WTF: what the fuck
diao: awesome
shenma: what
wo de tian a: my god

Netspeak is a fascinating and ever-changing language that is an essential part of Chinese internet culture. It is a creative and playful way for Chinese internet users to express themselves, and it has had a significant impact on Chinese language and culture.

References

Cook, S. (2010). Netspeak: The language of the Chinese internet. Cambridge University Press.
Li, D. (2013). The internet in China: A medium for social change. Routledge.
Zhang, T. (2016). The evolution of Netspeak in Chinese online communication. International Journal of Chinese Linguistics, 4(1),1-20.

China Online: Netspeak and Wordplay Used by over 700 Million Chinese Internet Users

by Véronique Michel

4.1 out of 5