Forms of
discourse
The language used in CityU secret is informal. Cyber language, Hong Kong slang and code-mixing can be spotted easily. Some linguistic features of online language also exist in the page, such as emoticons, frequent use of acronyms and creative use of punctuation. The non-standard language highlights the fact that the relational function of language is more highly valued. The informality of the language help members to establish and maintain relationships
Apart from text-based response, people also make use of image to communicate. Images like captures from movie/TV scene and GIF, are another form to make meanings.
Socialization
Finally, socialization in CityU Secrets, is an informal process of learning and involving as members do not need neither training or formal qualification for participation. Learning to participate in CityU Secrets depends on (1) people’s experience on social media, for eaxmple, members may under the influence of the cyber culture in online forum, such as Golden Forum, Discuss.com.hk., to learn a certain kind of language or communication style from other online affinity spaces; and (2) observation in CityU Secrets, members can also learn how to interact with others; as well as (3) following the explicit instructions by admins, for example, members can share their secrets anonymous via Google Forms.
The preferred face system of CityU Secrets is more egalitarian because people address each other in similar ways, for example, calling others as “brother”(巴打) or “sister”(絲打) and “lau4 zyu2”(樓主) (i.e. original poster, literal translation:house owner) or directly referring the number of post (e.g. #1234) With such system, people tend to use more strategies of solidarity and strengthen the interaction among the users. In addition, people can feel free to leave comments below the post or give a “like”.
Face
systems
The ideology behind the secret page is ironically, “no secret on the Internet”. Members can expose anything on CityU Secerts. Freedom of speech is valued because everyone has the right to express opinions. Group contribution is also valued since the page also serves as the discussion platform and a community of CityU's students and alumni. On the other hand, privacy is devalued in the site because people can share what they want without the permission of original posters
Ideology
Discourse System
To develop the understanding of how the pratice and norms in the CityU Secrets, we look into four interrelated and interdependent components of discourse system.