TYPES AND FUNCTIONS OF INTERNET SLANG

Abstract

 This article examines the types and communicative functions of Internet slang as a distinctive linguistic phenomenon emerging from digital communication environments. Internet slang is analyzed as a rapidly evolving form of non-standard language shaped by social media platforms, online forums, instant messaging, and virtual communities. The study proposes a typological classification of Internet slang based on structural, semantic, and functional criteria, including abbreviations, acronyms, blends, emotive markers, graphic symbols, and multimodal elements. Particular attention is given to the pragmatic functions of Internet slang, such as expressing emotions, constructing online identity, fostering group solidarity, managing interpersonal distance, and increasing communicative efficiency in fast-paced digital interactions. The article argues that Internet slang not only reflects technological innovation but also represents broader sociocultural and pragmatic shifts in contemporary language use. The findings highlight the role of Internet slang as a productive linguistic resource that reshapes norms of communication and contributes to ongoing processes of language change.