1. INTRODUCTION With the development and popularization of computer technology and Internet, Internet language comes into being. As a popular media, Internet demands a simple and convenient language for people to use in communication. English, as the most commonly used language on the Internet, catches people's attention due to its distinct language features. Generally speaking, Internet English refers to the language used in E-mails, Discussion Groups, Chat Rooms, and WWW Pages, etc. According to R. A. Huson (1980), a language variety is any distinguishable form of speech used by a speaker or a group of speakers. Therefore, Internet English can be regarded as a new variety of English, and besides the common features it shares with other varieties, it also presents some distinct features in word-formation and lexicon. Knowing the regulations and characteristics of Internet English, people can not only enlarge their vocabulary, more importantly, they can make better use of network resources with the language and achieve effective communication on the internet. This paper will first probe into the common patterns of word-formation of Internet English, and then try to analyze the language features of it with a hope to supply some useful information for English learners and users.
