U swan, he frog": the cultural and institutional journey of a Chinglish meme

초록

This study traces the viral trajectory of the Chinglish meme 'You swan, he frog' from Chinese social media to institutional discourse, highlighting its cultural, linguistic, and pedagogical significance. Drawing on the World Englishes framework, it argues that Chinglish is no longer seen simply as flawed English but as an emergent variety characterized by creativity, hybridity, and youth identity. Using discourse-centered online ethnography and summative content analysis, the study examines the meme's circulation across Xiaohongshu, China Daily, and national English examinations. The findings reveal three forms of institutional reframing: Chinglish as an expression of cultural confidence and soft power, a marker of linguistic hybridity, and a pedagogical resource. Public responses further point to shifting language ideologies, with Chinglish increasingly viewed as humorous, empowering, and meaningful in local contexts. Overall, the study demonstrates how digital creativity is reshaping English in contemporary China, positioning Chinglish as a legitimate, culturally resonant mode of expression.

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