MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-26
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ENGLISH LEXICOLOGY
Scientific supervisor:
Khaydarova Nigora
Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages
Turgunova Umida
Student, Department of Theory and Practice of Russian Language, group
RF22-02
Email: turgunova_umida@icloud.com
Neologisms of the 21st Century: How the Internet Is Changing the Lexical
Composition of the Language
Abstract:
This article examines lexical changes in modern Russian under the
influence of internet communication. Based on the analysis of texts from the digital
environment, typical models of neologism formation, their thematic groups, and
frequency of use are identified. The study defines the main trends in updating the
lexical composition of the 21st-century language. Quantitative and qualitative
characteristics of new lexemes are presented, as well as their place in the language
system discussed.
Keywords:
neologisms, internet communication, digital discourse,
borrowings, word formation, lexical changes, internet language.
Introduction
The linguistic system is constantly updated under the influence of external and
internal factors. One of the most powerful triggers of lexical change in the 21st
century has been the Internet—as a platform for communication, news, creativity, and
self-expression. Neologisms emerging in this environment not only reflect changes in
reality but also shape new speech practices.
The relevance of this study stems from the need to describe and systematize
new lexical units appearing due to digital communication. The purpose of this paper
is to identify and classify internet neologisms, determine productive models of their
formation, and analyze their linguistic features.
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-26
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Literature Review
Neologisms have long been a subject of linguistic analysis, notably in the
works of E. A. Zemskaya, V. V. Lopatin, and T. M. Nikitina. Contemporary research
(Shargina, 2021; Kuznetsova, 2022; Panova, 2024) focuses on the specifics of internet
vocabulary, noting its expressiveness, creativity, and adaptability. These sources
emphasize the roles of borrowing, wordplay, metaphorization, and memes in
neologism formation.
Methods
• Corpus analysis: data collected from digital platforms (VK, Telegram,
YouTube, news websites);
• Content analysis: identification and classification of 500 neologisms recorded from
2010 to 2024;
• AntConc software was used to analyze context and frequency;
• Typology: morphological, semantic, and pragmatic classification;
• Sources: neologisms.ru, LangLib, electronic dictionaries, linguistic publications.
Discussion
The results confirm that internet communication plays a central role in lexical
change. Borrowings account for over half of the neologisms identified, highlighting
the dominance of English-speaking digital culture. Hybrid words and derivatives
based on Anglicisms are especially noteworthy (e.g., “stream” → “overstream,”
“stream oneself”).
Neologisms serve not only a nominative function but also expressive, identity-
building, and sociocultural functions. Many move from colloquial use into media
discourse and eventually into standard lexicon.
Conclusion
The internet has a systemic influence on the lexical makeup of the Russian
language. Neologisms of the 21st century demonstrate dynamic development,
thematic variety, and creative word-formation models. Studying them is crucial for
understanding the evolution of vocabulary and for informing linguistic
standardization and teaching practices.
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-26
Часть–4_Май –2025
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Future research may focus on the pragmatic potential of internet neologisms,
their stylistic classification, and interaction with language norms.
REFERENCES (APA STYLE)
Zemskaya, E. A. (2010). New Words and Meanings: Observations and Reflections.
Moscow: Languages of Slavic Culture.
Shargina, N. A. (2021). The Internet as a Medium for Neologism Formation.
Russkaya Rech, (2), 33–45.
Kuznetsova, N. P. (2022). Digital Linguistics: Methods and Approaches. Voprosy
Jazykoznanija, (4), 48–59.
Panova, A. I. (2024). Memetics and Neologisms: A Linguistic Perspective. Bulletin
of RSUH, (1), 62–71.
Nikitina, T. M. (2018). Typology of Neologisms in Modern Russian. In Modern
Lexicology (pp. 135–147). St. Petersburg.
