Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025)

Research Articles

AIGC Words and the Lexical System in the Digital and Intelligent Era: From Language Shock to Language Planning

Published 2025-02-28 — Updated on 2025-06-08

  • Mingyang Shen

Mingyang Shen
College Of Humanity, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, PR China

Abstract

This study uses a corpus generated by ChatGPT to apply cognitive linguis-tics, philosophy of technology, and sociolinguistics in analyzing how genera-tive AI impacts the Chinese lexical system. Grounded in the “replication-variationselection” model of language evolution, the research finds that ab-stract concepts created by AI mimic human conceptual systems via “algo-rithmic metaphors,” yet lack experiential grounding. Platform algorithms re-structure language dissemination, establishing a “digital register” communi-cation hierarchy, while the technological framework leads to a vocabulary hollowing effect, necessitating a new “algorithm governance” dimension in language planning. The study offers a theoretical framework for human-ma-chine language interaction, suggests AI language ethics policies, and rede-fines traditional language evolution models by proposing a three-stage process: “variation-algorithm screening-platform diffusion.” It extends meme theory, identifying “technological memes” as engineering-driven replications. Practically, it provides strategies for language planning by advocating trans-parency, diversity, and morality as core algorithm planning principles, help-ing to address language alienation, maintain a dynamic balance between innovation and standardization, and support effective communication and the healthy evolution of language in the age of generative AI.

Keywords

Generative AI, Algorithmic Metaphor, Digital Register, Technological Gestell, Language Planning

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