Why is online slang so popular in China?

Speakers: Heyang, Ryan Price, and Niu Honglin

[Photo: Baidu.com]

Online chat apps are a centralised part of the everyday lives of Chinese youth. They are critical for work, socialising and beyond, and this has lead to the ubiquitous rise of online slang among Chinese web users.

A lot of the language used online on Chinese social media is meant to be interpreted in a light-hearted manner. However, the rise in popularity of online slang has triggered concerns that it may be hindering the younger generation's ability so speak or write in a pre-internet fashion.

Listen to the show and see if popular online expressions are a hindrance or beneficiary to communications in China.

The audio clip is from Round Table, produced by CRI.