On the Internet Language from Perspectives of Sociolinguistics and The Development of Identity of its Users

摘要

The distinctive form of language emerged from the Internet is gaining more and more attention these days. In fact, dif-ferent theories and methodologies can support to explain the phenomenon of the Internet language. Furthermore, language and identity in sociolinguistic domain can help study the relationship between the Internet language and its users. Taking a popular online discussion board Tianya.cn as an example, the affirmation of a virtual community’s identity can be established through using its distinctive language.