Cognitive Research on the Phenomenon of Semantic Inversion in the Chinese Internet

Xia Yu^1,2

1.SICHUAN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENGLISH STUDIES; 2.Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications Foreign Language College

Abstract：

This paper examines the phenomenon of semantic reversal in Chinese internet discourse from a cognitive linguistics perspective. The study reveals that semantic reversal in online language constitutes a cognitive process in which speakers assign negative meanings to linguistic units experiencing semantic wear through the combined effects of frequent usage, contextual generalization, and pragmatic inference. By lexicalizing or re-lexicalizing existing linguistic materials, speakers amplify the negational force of language. While questioning, challenging, or opposing authoritative information, they actively seek emotional resonance among listeners through the values and emotional judgments embedded in semantic reversal, thereby conveying specific communicative intentions of individuals or their linguistic communities.

Key Words：

Chinese internet; online language; semantic reversal; negative connotation; communicative intent