Morphological Patterns in Youth Slang: The Impact of Internet Culture on Language Evolution

Abstract

This research investigates the morphological patterns in youth slang, particularly focusing on how internet culture influences language evolution. In the digital age, young people are at the forefront of linguistic innovation, utilizing morphological processes such as compounding, blending, and affixation to create new slang terms that reflect their social identities and cultural contexts. By analyzing a corpus of slang used across various online platforms—including social media, gaming communities, and chat forums—this study identifies key morphological trends and their meanings within youth subcultures. The findings reveal that internet culture not only accelerates the creation of new words but also facilitates their rapid dissemination and adoption, leading to dynamic shifts in language use. Furthermore, this research underscores the role of youth in shaping contemporary language, as they navigate and negotiate their identities through these linguistic innovations. Ultimately, the study contributes to the understanding of how internet culture acts as a catalyst for language change, highlighting the importance of morphological patterns in the evolution of youth slang.

Keywords: morphological patterns, youth slang, internet culture, language evolution, linguistic innovation, social identity, online platforms, slang dissemination.