Martian Language: The Secret Code Chinese Netizens Use.

Martian Language: The Secret Code Chinese Netizens Use

“The ‘Martian language’ has become a popular and amusing way for Chinese internet users to bypass censorship, communicate with each other, and express dissent online.”
– Quote from The Verge

A Brief History of the Martian Language

The origins of the ‘Martian language’ can be traced back to the mid-2000s, where it was first used by Chinese netizens as a form of online slang and humorous way to evade censorship. The name ‘Martian’ comes from the fact that many of the phrases and words in this language sound strange or alien to Mandarin speakers.

How Martian Language Works

Homophones: The core of the Martian language consists of homophones, which are words that sound similar but have different meanings in Mandarin. For example, the word for ‘river crab’ (河蟹) sounds like the word for ‘government’ (政府), so netizens might use the former to reference the latter.
Rhyming Slang: Similar to British Cockney rhyming slang, Martian language often involves words that rhyme with their intended meaning. For instance, ‘dance’ (跳舞) is often replaced by ‘big tree’ (大棵树), which sounds similar when pronounced phonetically.
Nonsensical Phrases: In addition to homophones and rhyming slang, Martian language also includes nonsensical phrases that are often humorous or ridiculous in nature. These phrases can be used to make a point or express frustration without directly saying something that might be censored.

The Role of Martian Language Today

Although the Chinese government has made efforts to curb the use of Martian language, it remains popular among netizens. The language serves as a way for people to express themselves freely and creatively, even within the confines of censorship. It also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among those who understand and use the code.

Martian Language: The Secret Code Chinese Netizens Use.