"EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF MEMES AND INTERNET SLANG ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE USE AMONG NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS"

Abstract

No one can say for sure why, but in this age of digital communication, memes and internet slang are an integral part of online discourse. Culture on the internet, usually funny and context-based, makes up how people communicate on apps like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. This growing flexibility and evolution of English poses a dual threat and opportunity to non-native speakers in their use and understanding of the language. Memes and internet slang are not only reflections of popular culture but also contribute to the establishment of informal language norms, which differ drastically from traditional classroom English (Crystal, 2011).

Such joined-up writing or other features of digital language have become increasingly widespread, particularly among young people, who will often adopt and adapt such expressions to their local circumstances. As an answer, we see the rise and use of hybrid communicative styles that do not differentiate between Standard and nonstandard English (Tagg, 2015). Moreover, due to their viral nature, memes can contribute to a rapid dissemination of language among peoples, thus forming a more interactive and culture-infused way of interacting with the English language as well (Dynel, 2016). Nevertheless, internet slang can also pose challenges for learners unfamiliar with its nuances or cultural context, affecting understanding and language acquisition (Androutsopoulos, 2014).

The emergence of digital communication has resulted in a fluid environment where memes and online slang constantly reconfigure the ways individuals engage with language, raising the question of how these elements of the digital revolution shape the language of non-native English speakers. With these thoughts in mind, this study investigates the significance of these digital expressions in terms of vocabulary acquisition, communicative competence, and cultural understanding in non-native English contexts.