#China #Beijing #Taiwan Youth #Buzzwords #Digital Trends

Introduction

In an era marked by digital interactions, the cultural and linguistic exchanges between the youth across the Taiwan Straits have grown increasingly vibrant. A recent study sheds light on how shared buzzwords and internet trends are fostering meaningful connections and emotional resonance among young individuals in both regions.

Shared Buzzwords

As noted in a report from a data platform based in Taiwan, the top three buzzwords for Generation Z in Taiwan for 2024 are "Po Fang" (emotionally broken), "Chao Ding" (superb), and "I Ren and E Ren" (introverted and extroverted person). Interestingly, many of these terms have their roots in the Chinese mainland. The term "Ying Kong" (hard control) also appeared in both Taiwan's top buzzwords and those listed by the Shanghai-based linguistic journal, Yaowen Jiaozi.

Cultural Affinity

Zhu Songling, an academic at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, attributes this burgeoning cultural engagement to shared language and cultural roots that link Taiwan's youth with their mainland counterparts.

"This cultural affinity underscores the aligned values and profound human connections between the two sides, allowing for empathy and cultural trends to flourish in Taiwan."

This connection strengthens the interactions among the younger generations, who share similar societal pressures regarding education and career prospects. As a result, they are keen to express their experiences through humor and real-life references, transcending geographical boundaries.

An Emotional Bridge

According to Wang Yunting, a Taiwan-based video blogger residing in Shanghai, the shared cultural traits—spanning linguistic nuances, festival customs, and ethical philosophies—forge deep bonds between Taiwanese and mainland youth.

"The interaction surrounding popular internet slang reflects not just linguistic closeness but also a mutual concern regarding societal phenomena," she emphasizes.

Slang expressions such as "neijuan" (involution), "tangping" (lying flat), and "gaoqian" (chasing money) illustrate a collective mindset about the pressures of modern life, facilitating a sense of kinship through casual dialogue.

The Role of Social Media

Wu Fugui, from the China International Culture Exchange Center, asserts that the enthusiasm Taiwan's youth exhibit for popular mainland slang showcases the robust cultural connections that exist. Platforms like Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Bilibili are particularly influential in disseminating these trends, establishing a common ground for youth from both areas to interact and share cultural content.

"This linguistic interaction strengthens connections and enhances exchanges among youth across the Straits," Wu notes.

At the 2024 World Internet Conference, it became evident that the digital landscape fosters this exchange, with many young individuals from Taiwan actively engaging on mainland social media networks. In fact, platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu are exceptionally popular among Taiwan's youth, with many looking to them for trendy lifestyles and expressions.

Trend Acceleration

Taiwan's high school and university students increasingly utilize buzzwords such as "I Ren," "E Ren," "She Niu" (social butterfly), and "She Kong" (socially anxious). Previously, cultural trends might take a while to cross the Strait, but advancements in digital communications have accelerated this process. Young people, like Li Enshuo, an avid user of Xiaohongshu, report quick adoption of styles and fashion trends popularized by their mainland counterparts, creating an environment for bilateral cultural assimilation.

"After trying out a commuting style outfit inspired by a tutorial, my friends were astonished and praised my fashion sense, which I later learned is becoming a trend among young professionals on the mainland," she explains.

Conclusion

The marriage of language and digital platforms is proving crucial for cultural exchange across the Taiwan Straits. As Taiwanese youth adopt mainland internet slang and trends, they not only bridge psychological gaps but also lay the groundwork for ongoing cultural integration. This dynamic highlights the potential for future collaboration and shared understanding amid the complex political relationship between the two regions, indicating a trend that extends beyond digital chatter and taps into the foundations of shared identity and culture.