Individual Perspectives on the Impact and Regulation of Chinese Neologisms

Abstract

The explosive emergence of neologisms has become one of the most salient features of contemporary Chinese. Adopting an individual-centered perspective, this paper examines their impact on daily language life and proposes corresponding normative strategies. The study finds that neologisms empower speakers by enriching expression, strengthening social identity, and expanding cognitive boundaries; yet their vagueness, value deviations, and fragmented usage also pose risks such as comprehension barriers, erosion of values, and weakened critical thinking. Therefore, we should respect the natural laws of linguistic evolution, integrate educational guidance with media governance, and build a tripartite normative system of “monitoring–education–communication” to ensure that neologisms serve individual growth and social interaction in a healthy and orderly manner.