The Cultural Communication Mode of Cosplay of Language in Chinese Youth Groups

Abstract

Cosplay of language is an online communication activity in which characters are described by words. The study mainly explores the communication mode of cosplay of language in Chinese youth groups under the background of the Internet, especially the aspects of Japanese ACGN culture that constitute the motivation of language cosplay participants. Through online interviews with 18 active users in the two sections of Honor of Kings and Bungo Stray Dogs, it is found that: first, Japanese ACGN culture greatly influenced the cultural aesthetic standards of cosplay of language participants; Second, cosplay of language provides the emotional experience that similar with discussing ACGN works with others, and becomes a platform for participants to convey the values under the two-dimensional culture; and lastly, cosplay of language is seen as an alternative to ACGN productions, offering new entertainment options. This study reveals that cosplay of language is a cultural product of the two-dimensional culture and the development of modern media, where participants’ motivation is greatly influenced by Japanese ACGN culture. As a subculture, cosplay of language shows its unique significance on existence and development.