DIGITAL DISCOURSE FORMALITY CRITERIA AND THE SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF WEB GENRES: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital communication has transformed traditional patterns of human interaction and created new forms of discourse in virtual environments. This study investigates the criteria of formality in digital discourse and examines the social functions of web genres within contemporary online communication. Using discourse analysis and genre analysis methods, the research explores linguistic, pragmatic, and structural features of communication across various digital platforms, including electronic mail, social networking sites, blogs, and online forums. The findings demonstrate that formality in digital discourse is determined by adherence to linguistic norms, lexical choice, structural organization, and communicative etiquette. Furthermore, web genres facilitate information processing, enhance user navigation, and contribute to effective communication in digital environments. The study highlights the hybrid nature of digital discourse, where formal and informal communicative practices coexist and continuously evolve.