Abstract

With the rapid development of the Internet, the number of Chinese Internet buzzwords increases dramatically recent years. Buzzword, a word or phrase that becomes very popular for a period of time, may still have the full meaning when used in certain contexts.

As a variety of Internet language, Internet buzzwords also have the same relation to society and culture. The relationship between language, society and culture arouses disputations of Chinese and western philosophers and linguistics. Language, society and culture are so closely intertwined. Language is used to maintain and convey culture and cultural ties. One’s sociocultural value shapes his thoughts as well as identity, and thus influences his behavior and the use of language.

This thesis firstly introduces the definition of buzzword, its relation to society and culture as a variation of language, and some background, which includes review on the study of literature findings and Chinese Internet buzzwords development. The relationship between language, society and culture is explained thoroughly with the combination of certain Chinese Internet buzzwords. The analysis is in progress from different perspectives: globalization, identity, socialization and new media culture.

Basing on the above background information, this thesis further explains the importance of studying language with the consideration of society and culture, and facilities a better understanding towards Chinese Internet buzzwords. 

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Keywords: Internet buzzwords; Internet community; social identity; new media culture

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1.-Introduction-1

1.1 The definition of buzzword-1

1.2 The purpose and significance of the research-1

1.3 The background of the research-1

1.4 The organization of the thesis-2

2. Literature review-3

3. The relationships between language, society and culture-5

3.1 Language, society and culture-5

3.1.1 The definitions of language, society and culture respectively-5

3.1.2 Language and society-5

3.1.3 Language and culture-5

3.2 How do Internet Buzzwords disseminate-6

4. Analysis of several Chinese Internet buzzwords-7

4.1 New China in the tide of globalization-7

4.1.1 I Internet buzzwords as a political way of being—the two-child policy-7

4.1.2 New economic form and the Internet buzzword—the Internet plus-8

4.2 Language and identity-9

4.3 Socialization and new media culture-10

5. Conclusion-12

References-13