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0CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES A
VOLUME 1.1SHJE 1(202«): MIMK.MS
A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE EVOLUTION OF INTERNET SLANG Jumanazarova Nilufar Ilhom qizi a student, Chirchik state pedagogical university Scientific advisor Khamitov Eldorbek Erkin ogli a senior-lecturer, Chirchik state pedagogical university [email protected] https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14416280
ARTICLE INFO
Received: 9th December 2024 Accepted:10th December 2024 Published:12 th December 2024
KEYWORDS Internet slang, language evolution, digital communication,
abbreviations, semantic shifts, social identity, cultural trends, online language, generational language.
ABSTRACT
The linguistic development of internet slang is studied in this essay, with particular attention paid to its genesis, composition, and cultural relevance in digital communication. Innovation and flexibility in language use are reflected in internet slang, which has been influenced by online communication and technology developments. The essay emphasizes important elements like acronyms, abbreviations, and semantic changes, highlighting how they promote productivity, comedy, and a sense of community. Through the study's progression from early chatrooms to contemporary social media, slang's dynamic character and influence on cultural trends and generational communication are highlighted. Additionally, it talks on the difficulties and consequences of internet slang for linguistic diversity and intergenerational comprehension.
INTRODUCTION
Internet slang has become a characteristic of digital communication, reflecting the dynamic nature of online engagement and language innovation. Internet slang is a fast changing language that includes acronyms, abbreviations, semantic changes, and inventive word forms that are impacted by both cultural and technological developments [3:45]. An effective tool for promoting productivity, comedy, and social identity in online communities, internet slang has developed from the early days of online chatrooms and forums to the current era of social media sites like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit [1:18]. The technical context of its usage is directly linked to the growth of internet slang. For example, the early platforms' character constraints on SMS and Twitter prompted the creation of short and creative phrases like "LOL" (laugh out loud) and "BRB" (be right back). To further enhance digital communication, various language shortcuts have developed throughout time, including visual components like memes and emojis [4:233].
In addition to being useful, internet lingo is a sign of generational identification and cultural affiliation. In-group alliances may be formed by users, which frequently reflects the humor and values of certain groups. Its quick growth does present certain difficulties, too, such as the possibility of discriminatory practices and misunderstandings across age groups [2:86]. The purpose of this research is to investigate the linguistic processes that have shaped internet slang, its uses in digital communication, and its wider societal ramifications. This
study advances our knowledge of how language changes in response to cultural and technical shifts by examining the patterns and trends of online slang [7:92].
Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, to examine the development of online slang. Internet lingo is often used on social networking sites like Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter, where data was gathered. A 12-month collection of hashtags, posts, and comments was examined to monitor the evolution and prevalence of slang phrases over time.
Finding trends in slang usage, such as acronyms, abbreviations, semantic changes, and inventive word constructions, was the main goal of linguistic analysis. The social elements influencing the adoption of slang, such as cultural and age disparities, were also investigated using sociolinguistic analysis. To learn more about the social and personal reasons people use slang, surveys and interviews with internet users were undertaken.
Linguistic analysis tools, such as AntConc, was used to quantify slang usage and find trends in the data. To investigate the emotional tone and context of slang phrases, sentiment analysis technologies were employed. A thorough grasp of the development and operation of internet slang in digital communication is offered by this mixed-method approach. Result: The study identified a number of significant patterns in the development of online slang. First, there was a discernible change in the way acronyms and abbreviations were used; while phrases like "LOL" (laugh out loud) and "BRB" (be right back) were still common, they were gradually being supplanted by more recent ones like "SMH" (shaking my head) and "FOMO" (fear of missing out). As terms like "lit" and "flex" have changed from their original meanings to signify excitement or showing off, respectively, semantic modifications were also noticeable.
Intentional misspellings and phonetic simplifications have become a creative aspect of internet slang, as seen by the rise in popularity of phrases like "fam" (short for family) and "thicc" (a fun variation of "thick"). Furthermore, emojis and memes have been incorporated into slang usage and are frequently used as verbal and visual expressions to indicate tone and mood.
The data also revealed generational disparities, with older generations tending to embrace more recognizable phrases while younger users were primarily responsible for the development and dissemination of slang. Users from various platforms created groups bonded by common language rules, demonstrating the importance slang plays in promoting group identification and belonging.
Discussion: The study demonstrates the flexibility of online slang by demonstrating how it changes due to phonetic simplifications, meaning changes, and innovative word creations. New phrases like "SMH" and "FOMO," which are being introduced by younger generations, are leading these changes, although older expressions like "LOL" are still alive. The use of memes and emojis highlights the multimodal aspect of digital communication while also enhancing the meaning of slang.
Additionally, internet lingo is essential for promoting social cohesiveness and group identification in online groups. However, because younger and older users may have differing definitions of some phrases, slang use disparities across generations might hinder communication. The development of internet slang, taken as a whole, illustrates how language, culture, and technology interact and how it affects social interaction or digital communication.
CONCLUSION
The necessity for effective and expressive communication in digital settings is driving the fast evolution of internet slang. Slang expresses the dynamic interplay between language, technology, and culture through processes such as semantic changes and inventive word creations. Online communications gain richness when visual components like emojis are used. Internet lingo promotes a sense of community, but its usage varies by generation, which may
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indicate communication obstacles. Finally, because it adapts to the fast-paced nature of the digital world, internet slang is essential in forming contemporary communication.
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