Unveiling the Linguistic Landscape: A Study of Censorship Evasion Techniques in China's Cyber Sphere

This thesis explores the dynamic and intricate ways in which Chinese internet users, or netizens, employ the Chinese language to navigate and circumvent internet censorship. Focusing on five primary linguistic strategies – creating neologisms through compounding, near homophonization of words that sound similar, pinyin initials,numbers, and shifting or extending semantics – the study delves into the nuanced and evolving relationship between linguistic innovation and the suppression of online expression. By investigating the historical development, cultural influences, and societal implications of these strategies, this research aims to shed light on the resilience and creativity of Chinese netizens in trying to express themselves in one of the strictest censorship regimes in the world.

Author

• Levine, Ben

Language

• English

Date created

• 2024

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Chinese Language & Culture

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Zhang, Hang

Committee Member(s)

• Chen, Liana
• Dong, Hongyuan

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/h989r425p