Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

“Abstract Language”, Subcultural Capital and the Establishment of Habitual Rules of Access --The Dilemma of China’s “Abstract” Streamers and Their Action Strategies

Yapeng MoEast China Normal University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Since 2016, with the rapid popularization and development of the Internet and mobile devices, live streaming on the Internet has entered people’s entertainment and leisure life at an astounding rate. Live streaming platforms such as Huya, YY, and Douyu have played a crucial role as important carriers of the early development of online live streaming. With its low entry cost, low technical barriers, and strong interactivity, online live streaming has attracted a considerable number of netizens to participate.Based on the background of the emergence and prosperity of abstract anchors, this article aims to analyze and summarize the phenomenon of “abstract language” culture within the abstract anchor community by applying Pierce’s theory of triadic signs. From a linguistic perspective, the study seeks to identify the action strategies employed by abstract anchors to obtain legitimacy. Additionally, by utilizing Thornton’s concept of “subcultural capital,” the article analyzes the value forms and psychological characteristics of the audience of abstract anchors in terms of identity. Through the above analyses, the article finally identifies abstract anchors as a group of producers of “interpretive items” who have established a “habitual” access system, becoming a group of anchors who have survived the onslaught of network regulation and e-commerce anchors by adopting strategies of self-deprecation and over-performance. At the same time, the rise of the phenomenon of “abstract language” has set off a linguistic and cultural crisis in China that requires urgent reflection and contemplation.

Keywords: webcasters; abstract streamer; abstract language; subcultural capital; crisis of linguistic civilization
Published: December 7, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/21/20231481
Volume: CHR Vol.21
pp. 209-215
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