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A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF INTERNET MEMES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Djarkinov Rashid Dauranbekovich
Chirchik State pedagogical university
Tourism faculty Foreign language and literature
(English) 21/4 group
Akhmedova Muyassar Ataxanovna
Scientific supervisor: Pedagogical University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15036978
Abstract
: The article uses online memes as a lens to examine the complex link between
language and digital communication. It explores how memes serve as a distinct mode of
linguistic and social expression in online environments. The examination focuses on the
linguistic aspects of memes that contribute to the communication of humor, irony, and social
commentary, including their syntax, pragmatics, and incorporation of visual elements. By
highlighting different linguistic strategies such as wordplay, puns, and the usage of particular
speech registers, the article emphasizes how language shapes the memetic framework. It also
looks at the semiotic aspect of memes, explaining how textual and visual components combine
to convey meaning and elicit responses from online users. Additionally, the study examines
how memes change over time and within various online communities.
Keywords:
Linguistic analysis, internet memes, language, semiotics, digital
communication, humor, social media, discourse, language variation, memetic evolution, visual
communication, syntax, pragmatics, semiotic resources, digital culture.
INTRODUCTION
A characteristic of contemporary digital communication, especially on social media
platforms, is the prevalence of internet memes. The goal of the study is to discover important
linguistic techniques like humor, syntax, and pragmatics that enable memes to convey
meaning by examining both their textual and visual components. Memes' adaptation to
cultural and social contexts and their evolution across platforms and audiences are also
examined in this research. Memes are a special kind of communication that transcends
conventional linguistic limits and profoundly shapes digital conversation, according to the
research. These memes, which frequently have a humorous, sarcastic, or satirical tone, show
how language use is changing in the digital age. Although memes are usually thought of as a
lighthearted kind of entertainment, they are also a powerful instrument for social
commentary, cultural norm reinforcement, and even political discourse .
By analyzing the structure, purpose, and semiotic elements of online memes, this paper
seeks to offer a linguistic analysis of these phenomena. The study will concentrate on how
textual and visual components are combined, how memes serve practical purposes, and how
these tools contribute to meaning in digital communication.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Internet memes have emerged as a significant facet of digital communication, reflecting
and shaping contemporary linguistic practices. This literature review examines the linguistic
characteristics of English-language internet memes, focusing on figurative language, socio-
linguistic features, and cognitive mechanisms. Prasetiawan and Anindita (2024) conducted a
qualitative analysis of online English memes, identifying the prevalent use of various
figurative language forms. Their study revealed eleven distinct types, with alliteration,
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hyperbole, irony, and metonymy being the most common. The researchers concluded that
such figurative expressions serve multiple functions, including creating humor, expressing
emotions, conveying ideas, and capturing attention. These findings underscore the creative
linguistic strategies employed by meme creators to engage and resonate with audiences.
Shalevska (2018) explored the socio-linguistic aspects of internet memes, highlighting the
inherent linguistic creativity within this medium. Memes often feature neologisms, intentional
misspellings, unique verb forms, and unconventional syntax, exemplified by internet dialects
like LOLspeak. Such deviations from standard English not only reflect everyday language use
but also demonstrate the dynamic and evolving nature of online communication. This
linguistic innovation allows meme creators to establish in-group identities and shared
cultural references among internet communities. Diedrichsen (2018) investigated the
cognitive mechanisms underpinning internet memes, proposing that they function similarly to
linguistic signs with strong form-meaning correlations. The study discussed how popular
memes undergo variations through cognitive processes like metaphor and metonymy, leading
to the emergence of new grammatical features. This perspective suggests that the iterative
nature of meme creation and sharing contributes to the development of emergent grammar
within digital discourse.
The pervasive nature of internet memes has influenced contemporary speech patterns,
especially among younger generations. The term "brain rot," Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year,
exemplifies how online vernacular permeates everyday language, reflecting the extensive
consumption of digital content. This phenomenon highlights the bidirectional relationship
between internet culture and linguistic evolution, where online trends shape and are shaped
by real-world communication practices. The linguistic analysis of internet memes in the
English language reveals a rich tapestry of creativity, socio-cultural expression, and cognitive
engagement. Through figurative language, socio-linguistic innovation, and emergent
grammatical structures, memes serve as both mirrors and molders of contemporary linguistic
landscapes. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of
language in the digital age.
METHODOLOGY
In order to assess a sample of online memes gathered from different social media
platforms, this study uses a qualitative technique. Using a purposeful sampling technique,
memes with text and images were chosen, with an emphasis on those that include unique
linguistic components like sarcasm, irony, or puns. Semiotic and pragmatic frameworks serve
as the foundation for the investigation, which focuses on how memes use irony and comedy to
convey hidden meanings. Every meme was examined for both its visual elements and its
literary structure, which included grammar, language register, and the usage of language
games. In order to investigate how meaning varies across various social media platforms, the
study also takes into account the cultural environment in which the memes are exchanged.
DISCUSSION
Linguistic creativity in memes reflects broader trends in digital communication, where
brevity and humor are appreciated. Memes serve as mirrors for society, covering current
events, cultural norms, and social tensions in a digestible format. The non-standard language
used in memes defies traditional linguistic norms and emphasizes the dynamic nature of
language. These cases are spreading widely through new technology and the internet and are
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serving as public words or abbreviations. In our current colloquial oral and written form. This
is also the reason for breaking language norms.
RESULTS
Syntax and morphology
-
Structure:
memes usually contain simple, often incomplete sentences. The use of non-
standard grammar is common, increasing humor and engagement. We face this situation
every day, that is, when we communicate by phone.
-
Morphology:
word-forming processes such as mixed (e.g. "spork") and mixed (e.g.
"manspreading") are common in memes. This leads to the fact that we have a shortening of
words.
Social Consequences
-
Community building
: memes develop a sense of belonging and shared understanding
among users. That is, in this it helps us to quickly and easily understand short words.
-
Social commentary
: memes are powerful tools for social commentary, reflection and
formation of public opinion. Words used by local people are widely used.
Semantics
-
Meaning:
memes often rely on a double entendre and play on words to convey layered
meanings. That is, through one word in this one can understand the meaning of the whole-
headed sentence.
-
Metaphor and metonymy:
these are often used to create jokes and briefly convey
complex ideas. This situation will help to expand our view of the world.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the complex linguistic features of internet memes and their role in
contemporary communication. Memes are not only a form of entertainment, but also a rich
field for linguistic and social analysis. Internet-based memes are an important part of modern
internet communication as entertainment objects that are spread virally through social media
and other internet platforms and invite participation and contribution from their audience.
They are used by teenagers in their 20s, called millennials, and by teenagers who create and
share memes and engage with them by commenting, criticizing, and recreating them. This is
becoming a common way of communicating and speaking among teenagers in everyday
conversation. Future research can explore the evolution of memes over time and their effects
on language change. At the same time, we must not forget that such abbreviations mean
meaning by entering us into our daily vocabulary. And such situations cause the formation of
new words.
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