Inclusivity and Belonging in Chinese Discourse: The Case of ta

Inclusivity and Belonging in Chinese Discourse examines how language change in Mandarin Chinese's third-person pronoun system is used by netizens to construct spaces of (non-)belonging along a fluid continuum in pro- and anti-LGBTQ discourses. It contributes to notions of membership categorization and (co-)reference chains for identity construction, focusing on the newly emergent genderless third-person pronoun ta and its various noun and verb phrases.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Inclusivity and Belonging in Chinese Discourse delves into the fascinating ways in which language changes in Mandarin Chinese's third-person pronoun system are being harnessed by netizens to create spaces of (non-)belonging along a fluid continuum, particularly in the context of pro- and anti-LGBTQ discourses. Drawing upon stance, framing, and positioning theories, this monograph makes significant contributions to the understanding of membership categorization and (co-)reference chains for identity construction.

The focus of the study is on the newly emerged genderless third-person pronoun "ta," written in pinyin, and the various nouns and verb phrases that co-occur with it in specific contexts. Through a detailed analysis of these linguistic phenomena, the monograph demonstrates how "ta" has become a conventionalized language practice embraced and implemented by language users from diverse identities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds for a wide range of interactional and communicative purposes.

One of the key insights of the monograph is its exploration of how "ta" is used in the process of identity construction work for the self, another party involved in the interaction, and/or a third party external to the interaction, often simultaneously. The specific function and referent of "ta" are defined through the unique interpretations of language users and the discourse community of use, resulting in a "chameleon-like pragmatically loaded pronoun" that reflects the inherent fluidity of identity(ies). This dynamic nature of "ta" underscores the complexities and nuances of identity construction in Chinese discourse.

The monograph will be of great interest to scholars, language researchers, and advanced graduate students engaged in the study of inclusive language use in the Chinese context, particularly within discourse analysis, linguistics, sociolinguistics, and semantics. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which language shapes and reflects social identities and the construction of belonging. Moreover, professionals working in the fields of inclusive language and identity construction will also find this book to be a valuable resource.

In conclusion, Inclusivity and Belonging in Chinese Discourse is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the complex dynamics of language, identity, and belonging in Chinese discourse. Through a rigorous analysis of linguistic phenomena, the monograph contributes to our understanding of the ways in which language shapes and influences social interactions and the construction of identities. It is a must-read for scholars, language researchers, and professionals interested in the study of inclusive language and identity construction in the Chinese context.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032504315