DIGITAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON LANGUAGE EVOLUTION: CASE STUDY OF ENGLISH IN ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Keywords:
Digital media, language evolution, English, online communities, internet slang, emojis, memes, online discourse.Abstract
This article explores the influence of digital media on the evolution of the English language within online communities. The study examines how social media platforms, online forums, and instant messaging apps contribute to the emergence of new vocabulary, hybrid language forms, and stylistic shifts in digital communication. Findings reveal that internet slang, abbreviations, emojis, and memes significantly impact online discourse and shape language practices, particularly among younger users. The study also highlights the implications for language learning, linguistic creativity, and the preservation of normative English in digital contexts.
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Thompson, P., & Thelwall, M. (2021). Digital Communication and Language Evolution. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 25(3), 345–367
