IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE USE ON LANGUAGE VARIATION AND CHANGE: A STUDY OF TWITTER DISCOURSE

This investigation explores the effects of social media language use on linguistic variation and modification in the context of Twitter discourse. Using a quantitative methodology, we investigate commonly occurring linguistic characteristics, connections with user demographic information, and correlations with metrics related to user engagement. The examination of linguistic characteristics reveals the prevalent use of hashtags, abbreviations, emojis, and linguistic novelties in Twitter communication. Hashtags aid in the classification of content and promote participation in wider discussions, whereas abbreviations and emojis enable succinct and expressive communication. The manifestation of novel linguistic features indicates the fluid and progressive character of language in the context of digital domains. The correlation between linguistic variation and user demographics underscores the impact of societal factors. Gender-specific linguistic norms and preferences are discerned, suggesting the existence of gender-specific language patterns. Linguistic variations that are distinct across various age groups and geographical locations indicate the sociocultural factors that impact language usage. Keywords: Language Use, Language Variation, Social Media DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.5.47