Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
The pervasive influence of digital communication platforms has fostered a dynamic environment for linguistic innovation, giving rise to unique forms of internet slang and online jargon. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of linguistic creativity within these evolving digital vernaculars. Drawing on a synthesis of recent scholarly work, it examines various mechanisms of lexical creativity, including neologism formation through compounding, blending, affixation, and acronyms, as well as the phenomenon of semantic shift where existing words acquire novel connotations in online contexts. The sociolinguistic functions of internet slang are also critically analyzed, highlighting its pivotal role in identity construction, fostering group affiliation, expressing humor, and signaling community membership, often challenging traditional linguistic norms. While acknowledging the ongoing interpretational challenges and the rapid evolution of online language, this review underscores the profound significance of digital linguistic innovation for sociolinguistics and the broader understanding of human communication in the 21st century.
References
[1] Ahmad, U., & Umar, S. (2019). Creativity in the Use of Slang Among Some Selected Youth in Katsina Metropolis. International Journal of English Language Teaching, 7(10), 29-45. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338283597
[2] Pedersen, L. B., Vanhoutte, S., & Vanmassenhove, E. (2022). Gen Z Slang: Creativity, Identity, and Resistance. LANS-TTS, 1(1), 24-41. https://doi.org/10.2143/LANS-TTS.1.1.797
[3] Abduljaleel, H. A. (2018). Word Formation Processes of English Internet Neologisms. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 8(7), 785-791. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0807.08
[4] Jamil, M. F., Sarfraz, S., Gulzar, S., & Arshad, A. (2022). A Linguistic Analysis of COVID-19 Neologisms. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 18(1), 441-453. https://www.jlls.org/index.php/jlls/article/view/3215
[5] Putri, A., Novriana, N., & Firdaus, I. (2022). An Analysis of English Netspeak Neologisms and Their Impact on Netizens' Communication. English Language Studies Journal, 3(1), 41-49.
[6] Crystal, D. (2006). Language and the Internet (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139164771