Research On The Symbolic Systems Of Internet Language

Internet language is a new linguistic phenomenon with the spread of Internet. It is an important research field in Applied Linguistics and discussed by many people. Current researches on internet language focus on topics such as the meaning, characteristics, forms, and norms of internet language. Although these researches are fruitful, they have limitations with the lack of scientific survey and empirical methods. Descriptive method alone is not enough for us to understand deeply the dynamic feature of internet language.According to the "Report on the Chinese language and lifestyle" issued by the State Language Committee in 2006, internet language changes in large degree compared with that from its beginning. The greatest change is that symbols are used by 55.07% and more than Chinese characters. Communications through internet are lack of representation forms of facial, clothing, and motion expressions in normal communications. The expressional symbols in online chatting tools such as 00 and MSN can meet the needs of online communication. People are more dependant on internet with more and more characters and symbols are used in online communications. However, in fact symbols can not be a practical language because of the randomness and instability of online communication.In this paper the author chooses internet language used in online communication as research objects in order to better understand the changes brought by internet language. From the perspective of semiology, the author discusses internet language as a new linguistic form the "signifier" and "signified" of symbol, the functions and meaning of symbol, types of context, the representation and transmission of symbol. This paper is a start point for further understanding and research of internet language.