Linguistics and LanguagesHumanities and Social Sciences Communications

The reduction of Netspeak in Mandarin computer-mediated communication: a least effort motivation at the utterance level

Y. Zhou and Y. Wu

Dive into the dynamic world of Mandarin computer-mediated communication as researchers Yong Zhou and Yicheng Wu reveal how Netspeak reductions are reshaping the landscape of online interactions. This study uncovers the underlying principles driving these changes and their implications for the future of language use in digital spaces.... show more

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Abstract

This article addresses the phenomenon of Netspeak reductions with special reference to Mandarin computer-mediated communication. A tentative classification of Chinese Netspeak reductions is first provided, namely, two-, three-, or four-character reductions occurring at both the lexical and the syntactic levels and other atypical reductions. It is then proposed that Zipf’s Principle of Least Effort, which usually works at the lexical level, can work as well at the utterance level and can account for the increasing number of Netspeak reductions in daily communication, that is, the frequency of using Netspeak reduction determines its vitality and distribution.

Publisher

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Published On

Jun 18, 2024

Authors

Yong Zhou, Yicheng Wu

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03319-4

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