The role of narrative in virtual communities : the case of Chinese students aspiring to study abroad

Abstract

This dissertation takes a detailed look into the roles/identity of a particular subculture of Chinese youth community on the Internet, called Wemers and formation of their collective identity on Bulletin Board System (BBS) forums. With an estimated internet population of 300 million, BBS forums have become extremely popular in China. This paper provides some deep insight into manners/mechanisms of BBS subculture among mainstream University students. The paper aims to discuss how the Wemers establish their identity and maintain their virtual community through narrative analysis of their personal stories on the BBS. There are four primary research questions have been identified according to the implications of online BBS communities in shaping of identity for the Wemers through telling their personal stories of application experience: 1. What are the structures of Wemers’ personal stories, based on the Labov’s theoretical framework of narrative structure? 2. What are the functions of Wemers’ personal stories in the context of previous theories of narrative function? 3. How do Wemers present their particular identity through sharing personal stories on the BBS? 4. How do Wemers create and maintain their community on the BBS through presenting their identity through these stories? Above research questions have been examined using primary qualitative methodology, especially the narrative analysis to find out how the Wemers create and maintain their membership as well as their virtual community on the BBS. A supplementary method of interview will be used to learn the Wemers's behavior and deeper thoughts about the BBS and their virtual community. The dissertation successfully presents important conclusions/highlights for solving various research objectives outlined along with research questions in picture.