Cyber words make language lively
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Chinese netizens who like to create and use cyber words such as "geilivable" might find a new regulation very "ungeilivable".
The new regulation by the General Administration of Press and Publication last week banned the use of Chinglish buzzwords created by netizens for publishing in the Chinese language. An unnamed official with the administration said that the regulation was aimed at purifying the Chinese language.
"Geilivable", combining the pinyin geili (giving strength) with the English suffix for adjectives, literally means "giving power" or "cool". Different suffixes and prefixes were then added to the word. "Hengeilivable" means "very cool", and "ungeilivable" means "dull, not cool at all".
Cyber language is popular among Chinese netizens, who create Chinglish words to reflect phenomenon in society. One example is "antizen", which refers to college graduates who earn a meager salary and live in small rented apartments, like tiny and laborious ants.
David Tool, a professor with the Beijing International Studies University, said it's very interesting to combine Chinese with English to create new words.
"English is no longer mysterious to the Chinese people. They can use the language in a flexible way according to their own experiences," Tool said.
Sergey Dmitriev, a senior student from Russia studying international politics at Liaoning University, believed the words are a way to learn more about Chinese society. "In Russia, similar words were created, as well," he said, adding that creation of new words showed greater influence and more of an opening of China to the world.
Netizens also created Chinese words and expressions. Suan Ni Hen for example. This three-character expression originally meant "you win", however, as the first character carried the same pronunciation as garlic in Chinese. Netizens used it to satirize the soaring garlic and food prices this winter.
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