The emergence of a discourse construction in the internet

Abstract

This analysis aims at establishing the discourse construction as a theoretical construct within the framework of Construction Grammar. Linguistic constructions theoretically exist at different levels of analysis, but linguistic analyses at the level of discourse are few and far apart. This analysis showcases a study of a discourse construction that contains the internet neologism yě-shì-zuì-le. This discourse construction emerges from the Chinese cyberspace and develops complex meaning and function. I illustrate how the construct of discourse construction allows for an in-depth explanation its use and development. Also, the analysis of this construction demonstrates the necessity to redefine and broaden the consideration of ‘context’ when the idea of a discourse construction is introduced.