The Role of Social Media in Accelerating Language Change: a Focus on English Lexical Evolution

EasyChair Preprint 14713

Abstract

This paper examines the role of social media in accelerating language change, with a particular focus on the evolution of English vocabulary. Social media platforms, as dynamic and influential spaces for communication, have become significant drivers of lexical innovation. This study investigates how social media contributes to the rapid evolution of English vocabulary by analyzing lexical trends across various platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Through a combination of qualitative content analysis and quantitative data from social media corpora, the paper explores the mechanisms through which new words and phrases emerge, spread, and gain acceptance. The findings highlight the impact of social media on linguistic creativity, the diffusion of neologisms, and the broader implications for language use and language policy. The paper concludes with recommendations for further research and considerations for educators and linguists navigating this evolving landscape

Keyphrases: English language, digital media, language change, lexical innovation

@booklet{EasyChair:14713,
  author    = {Wahaj Ahmed},
  title     = {The Role of Social Media in Accelerating Language Change: a Focus on English Lexical Evolution},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14713},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}