LANGUAGE CHANGE IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION: LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMERGING LINGUISTIC TRENDS

Abstract

Abstract. The rapid expansion of social media, instant messaging platforms and other forms of computer-mediated communication has become one of the most powerful factors influencing the development of contemporary languages. This paper examines how digital communication shapes language use and explores the main linguistic features of social media discourse, including abbreviations, acronyms, emojis, hashtags, creative spelling, code-switching and the blending of spoken and written styles. The study also considers emerging linguistic trends such as internet slang, memes, the rapid global spread of new lexical items and the growing influence of English as a lingua franca of online interaction. The analysis suggests that digital communication does not destroy language, as is sometimes claimed, but rather expands its expressive resources and accelerates the pace of change. At the same time, the new communicative environment poses challenges for language teaching, since learners and teachers must develop awareness of register, context and audience. Thus, the study of digital language practices is an essential aspect of modern linguistics and language education.