From Implementation Paths to Classification Framework—A Hierarchical Analysis of Simplification Phenomena in Chinese Internet Language

在数字交际时代，汉语网络语言飞速变化的发展，新的变体层出不穷。面对庞杂无比的新兴汉语网络语言简化现象，既有对此的单一化形式研究已无法解释其系统性特征，而过去的以词性语法为依据的分类又太过复杂，因而需要一种新的分类方式对此现象进行解析。本文基于索绪尔的语言层级理论，根据简化实现路径，将汉语网络语言简化现象划分“替代–缩略–词类活用”的三分框架，将简化现象解构为符号、结构、语法三个层级，旨在揭示其内在规律。并通过揭示三种简化方式的生成机制、功能分化及系统协同，为汉语网络语言的规范化治理提供语言学依据，同时深化对汉语数字化演进的理论认知。In the era of digital communication, Chinese internet language is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with new variants emerging continuously. Facing the intricate phenomenon of internet language simplification, existing studies focusing solely on formal aspects fail to account for their systemic characteristics, while traditional classifications based on part-of-speech grammar are overly complex. Therefore, a new analytical framework is required. Drawing on Saussure’s linguistic hierarchy theory, this paper proposes a three-part framework of “Substitution-Abbreviated Word Formation-Lexical Category Shifting” to deconstruct Chinese internet language simplification into three hierarchical levels: symbolic, structural, and grammatical. The goal is to uncover its underlying patterns. By examining the generative mechanisms, functional differentiation, and systemic synergy of these three simplification strategies, this study provides linguistic evidence for the standardized governance of Chinese internet language and deepens theoretical understanding of the digital evolution of Chinese.