Memes In The Digital Age: A Sociolinguistic Examination Of Cultural Expressions And Communicative Practices Across Border

Abstract

This study investigates the sociological impact and linguistic characteristics of memes, focusing on their prevalence in online social media platforms. Utilizing content analysis, a diverse collection of memes was systematically analyzed to identify themes, linguistic elements, and cultural references embedded within them. In the age of information, memes are cultural units that are replicated and widely disseminated from one person to another through jokes, rumors, videos, animation, photographs Dube, et al (2018).). The data collection process involved gathering memes from various online sources, while the data analysis encompassed thematic exploration and linguistic examination of the memes. The findings reveal insights into how memes serve as mirrors of societal trends, generational disparities, and cultural dynamics. Memes emerged as potent vehicles for social connection, self-expression, and cultural commentary within digital communities. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of memes and their significance in contemporary digital discourse, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of their sociological and linguistic dimensions.