Abstract: Nowadays with the rapid development of science and technology, Internet is coming into every household, with a large quantity of network catchwords springing up like mushrooms. Under the background of globalization, a great number of Chinese Internet catchwords are influenced by foreign languages, especially English. The invented words directly or indirectly influenced by English have permeated into every aspect of people’s study, work and daily life. To some extent, the wide spread of network catchwords is the corollary of globalization and technicalization. The thesis aims to summarize and classify the Chinese network catchwords influenced by English in detail, analyze the different causes of English impacts on Chinese and express the correct attitudes towards Internet catchwords. The paper mainly uses literature summarization, exemplification and induction. It can be concluded that English impacts play an indispensable role in promoting Chinese language and culture internationally.

Key words: Internet; Chinese catchwords; classification; English impacts

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction1

2. Literature Review2 

  2.1 Review of Studies on Internet Catchwords and English Impacts on Chinese

  2.2 Definition and Characteristics of Internet Catchwords

3. Classifications of Internet Catchwords Influenced by English.3

3.1 Homophonic Language 

3.1.1 Digital Harmonics

3.1.2 Phonetic Harmonics

3.1.3 Combined Harmonics 

3.2 Abbreviations 

3.2.1 Initialisms

3.2.2 Acronyms

3.2.3 Blending

3.2.4 Other Forms

3.3 Code-mixing

4. Causes of English Impacts on Internet Catchwords7

  4.1 Objective Causes

4.1.1 Social Development

4.1.2 National Policies

4.1.3 Advanced Technology

4.1.4 English Globalization

4.1.5 Keyboard Design

  4.2 Subjective Causes

  4.2.1 Interest in English

  4.2.2 Eagerness for Distinction and Conciseness

  4.2.3 Importance of English in People’s Hearts

5. Responses to English Impacts on Chinese Internet Catchwords9 

6. Conclusion10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements.12