Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of social media on language evolution, with a specific focus on Twitter discourse. The study aims to analyze how the unique characteristics of Twitter as a social media platform influence language use and linguistic patterns. Through a comprehensive examination of Twitter data, this research explores the ways in which language evolves in the digital age, considering factors such as brevity, immediacy, and interactivity. The analysis is guided by the theoretical frameworks of sociolinguistics and digital communication studies, providing a multifaceted understanding of the complex relationship between social media and language evolution. The research is structured into five main chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the study, providing background information on social media, language evolution, and the specific context of Twitter discourse. It outlines the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, and defines key terms for conceptual clarity. Chapter 2 conducts a detailed literature review, examining existing research on social media, language change, and digital communication to establish a theoretical foundation for the study. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, detailing the data collection process, sampling techniques, and analytical tools used to investigate language evolution on Twitter. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and methodological limitations. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study, highlighting key linguistic trends, patterns, and shifts observed in Twitter discourse. The analysis delves into language variation, creativity, and adaptation within the digital environment, offering insights into the dynamic nature of online communication. In conclusion, Chapter 5 summarizes the research findings and discusses their implications for understanding language evolution in the digital era. The study contributes to the field of linguistics by shedding light on the transformative impact of social media on language use and communication practices. It underscores the importance of considering digital platforms like Twitter as dynamic linguistic landscapes that shape and reflect contemporary language evolution. This research serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and practitioners interested in the intersection of social media, language, and digital culture.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Analyzing the Influence of Social Media on Language Evolution: A Case Study of Twitter Discourse" aims to investigate the impact of social media, particularly Twitter, on the evolution of language. Language is a dynamic system that constantly evolves, influenced by various factors such as cultural shifts, technological advancements, and social interactions. In recent years, social media platforms have emerged as significant spaces where language evolution can be observed in real-time. The focus of this study is on Twitter discourse, as Twitter is a popular microblogging platform known for its brevity and immediacy. The project seeks to explore how the unique characteristics of Twitter, such as character limits, hashtags, retweets, and mentions, shape the way language is used and how it evolves within this digital environment. By analyzing a corpus of tweets, the research aims to identify linguistic patterns, trends, and changes that reflect the impact of social media on language evolution. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of linguistic features with qualitative examination of specific language use cases on Twitter. By investigating factors such as language variation, lexical innovation, grammatical structures, and communicative strategies within Twitter discourse, the research aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between social media and language evolution. Furthermore, the project will consider the socio-cultural implications of language evolution on social media platforms like Twitter. Understanding how language evolves in digital spaces can provide insights into broader societal trends, including changes in communication norms, cultural shifts, and the emergence of new linguistic practices. By conducting a detailed case study of Twitter discourse, this research seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the role of social media in shaping language use and evolution in contemporary society.