Current trends in the Internet-driven word formation: a review

Abstract

The Internet, while serving as a vital platform for media propaganda, also provides a better opportunity for developing Chinese vocabulary. New words and expressions appear on this platform; the Chinese word formation system acquires new methods and features. The following trends in the Internet lexicon are worthy of mention: the morphemization of syllables, phonetic transcription of Chinese characters, different approaches to abbreviations, new methods in hieroglyphic writing of sound combinations, emergence of “hidden morphemes” and “word families”, and an important word-forming role of particularly expressive meanings and connotations of words. To try and control these interent processes in the Internet-driven language development, several noteworthy phenomena are identified. Studies on Chinese vocabulary would thus play a guiding role.

Keywords:

Internet words, word formation trends, abbreviations, sound combinations, hidden morphemes